Hands down teaching is one of the best and most rewarding jobs a person can experience. Having the opportunity to work with and for children and young adults alike is a special honor that takes incredible dedication. I hope as another school year inches closer to an end, that both students and families will make sure to look back and take it all in.
When you and your child make time for that thoughtful moment, I hope you will recognize teachers who care profoundly and work tirelessly to reach and motivate their students. Those teachers who strive to get to know their students well, both academically and social-emotionally. Also mentors who try to lead by example and who inspire in their students a strong curiosity and a will to learn. How about that for daily pressure in the workplace? Teaching is not for the faint of heart. Anyone who has raised a child knows that each day holds the unexpected – no matter what their age. And as they grow and develop, they will have issues, make mistakes and have moments of failure. Teachers and families have the never-ending responsibility to help them learn, persist and find their way – with no easy formula to follow.
As we witness the many teacher walk-outs nation-wide, they are making the public more aware that pay for teaching is often low while expectations and their workload are very high. I hope that the American public will become bolder and demand their tax dollars and/or tuition payments are more focused on teacher compensation. Our most precious commodity as a nation is our children. And with everything the next generation will be facing, a solid educational base is essential.
Before your child finishes the year, maybe while looking at their work brought home or sitting in a spring concert or at Commencement, reflect back and acknowledge how much goes into a successful school year. Amen to the thoughtful, self-less teachers.
Best,
Laine