This week is teacher appreciation week. My family has a long history in the education field: three out of four grandparents, many aunts/uncles/cousins, and both of my parents. So growing up I always had a soft spot for each and every teacher I had a class with. Some of my biggest role models are teachers I had throughout elementary, middle, and high school.
They taught me how to read, what the mitochondria is, and math with letters, but really, they all taught me so much more. I learned lessons on preparation, kindness, striving to do my best, and trying again when I fall a little short. I now know our differences are what make us special and everyone deserves a friend. I was taught the importance of history and how the stories of the past are crucial for our futures. I learned public speaking skills and how to contribute to society. They taught me to lend a hand when someone needs it, and there is no such thing as a bad question. I learned practice doesn't make perfect, but it does make it permanent and how to get through tough times. I learned to love books and how to share my own story. Chemistry helped me get over my perfectionism, and believe me when I say how long over-due the lesson was. They taught me how to push myself to reach my full potential. I learned to see beauty everywhere and to appreciate the culture of others. I found my passions and was inspired to follow my dreams.
My teachers didn't just simply teach me all these uber-important lessons through lectures and experiments, but most times I learned by their example. They lived these life lessons day in and day out teaching by example without even trying. You see, that's what makes teachers so special.
We send kids to school to learn the alphabet and multiplication, but teachers make sure they leave knowing the importance of kindness, doing what they're passionate about, and so much more.
Teachers put in so much work to ensure the future of our world is in good hands. They're molding future doctors, presidents, and journalists. They are instilling lessons these kids will teach their own children one day. If you don't think teaching is one of the most vital professions in today's world, well you are just not seeing it the right way.
These brave people work day and night for a less than desired salary and nowhere near enough recognition. Just one more reason they're so great. Teachers chose this career because they have a desire, a passion, and a burning fire for what they do, and I must say they do it well. They listen when no one else will and provide lifelines to kids who are heading towards the deep end. If there's one thing we have all learned from this pandemic, it's how crucial teachers are. There isn't anything they wouldn't do for their students, and through delivered meals and virtual check-ins, they have proven this once again.
Take some time today to think about that teacher. You know the one. The teacher who changed the trajectory of your life for the better. The teacher who was there for you when no one else even knew you were struggling. The teacher who inspired you and helped get you to where you are today. Thank that teacher, but more importantly, make sure you simply thank a teacher.
 |
| My high school advisory with arguably my favorite teacher, Mrs. Harris. To you, I say thank you. |
I love my daughter and each and everyone of her blogs. As a teacher, I must say this is one of my favorites. Believe it or not, this gives me a new perspective on teaching - I always just go about doing my job and forget about the impact I have on kids. Like they say, you may never know until later what impact you had on someone's life.
ReplyDelete