thank you, teachers

i’m incredibly lucky in that i just so happens that my husband, various in-laws, and numerous friends are all teachers. like, a lot of people in my life are teachers. getting a firsthand seat to watch these people change lives is nothing short of a miracle. here are a few things i’ve come to realize about teachers [i realize not everyone would agree, but these are just my opinions, shaped by my experiences]

1. it’s one of the hardest jobs, ever. being charged with shaping and inspiring the minds of kids today is no small feat. teachers are up against society, home lives, and the other kids influencing their students when they come to work on a daily basis. i can’t imagine being a kid in today’s world, and i certainly can’t imagine teaching them. bravo, teachers, for standing up there everyday and giving these kids the hope and knowledge that, no matter the circumstance, they can succeed. [note: being a parent is the ultimate toughest job, IMO, but from a career choice standpoint, teaching is up there]
2. it can be thankless. when i come to work, i can control the majority of the factors that determine my success. teachers, on the other hand, have to contend with so many external factors [see ponit #1], that their true success rides on others, and not just the great job they do in the classroom.
3. teachers are grossly underpaid. it’s a reality, and if you want to argue about this one, i’d encourage you to break down the hourly rate of your average teacher. you can make more working in some department stores [though the thought of my husband working at nordstrom is hilarious]. and don’t even get me started on coaches. it’s my running joke that i married my husband for his money, because let’s be honest — no teacher [or teacher’s spouse] is in it for the money.
4. it’s all encompassing. it’s your LIFE, even in the summer. this applies even more if you live in the community you teach in. you see these kids at the gas station, in the neighborhood, and pretty much everywhere you go. you spend the end of your summer getting your classroom ready, and like a lot of teachers i know, you even spend a couple summers taking your masters courses. it’s your life.
5. it’s truly rewarding. i have witnessed the impact that students have on these teachers. hearing them talk about how a kid lights up when they “get it”, or how they “work so hard, and put so much effort in” really makes it clear why these teachers choose to do what they do.
6. they are fun. guys, teachers are a blast. if you get the chance to hang with them outside of school, do it. no matter where they are going. just go.

like i said, i’m lucky enough to know a lot of teachers, of all ages, that teach a variety of subjects. i’d consider myself a bit of pseudo-expert in teachers [not teaching — let’s make that very important distinction!!!!!! i know nothing about teaching], and i’m a better person for it. am i biased? maybe. well, yes. but is what i’m saying true? yes. all this to say, i see you, teacher friends, and all that you do. you may not be thanked as much as you should be, but as someone who’s life is significantly better for all the teachers i know, THANK YOU. and have a happy 2018 – 2019 school year.