Teachers; Why I Appreciate You!

I have always held respect for teachers, and gained even more respect for these professionals after spending five years in the classroom myself. I know that the general public neither truly understands the challenges of the teaching profession, nor the unyielding patience a teacher must demonstrate each and every school day. People who criticize teachers haven't a clue as to what demands the profession places on teachers each and every school day. If you are a teacher, at a minimum, you deserve a standing ovation on a national level!

I appreciate teachers because they have the ability to deliver content daily while maintaining a learning environment in an atmosphere that is never fully conducive to learning. I admire teachers because they care deeply about the impact of their work. They care for my children in a very unique way. Not only are teachers concerned about what my children learn, without a second thought, they become important role models for my kids. The care for my children goes beyond the classroom, as the job requires a deeper interpretation of how my children learn and the environmental factors that influence their learning.

I worry about teachers because they give so much, and receive little in return. On top of that, they are constantly scrutinized for under-performing. They take the brunt of the blame for low test scores, when these scores reflect a number of environmental factors outside of their control. How long can anyone perform a job well when constantly battling a system that unfairly places the blame on him?

I admire the teacher who manages to brush the embittered and persistent blame aside to focus on what is important; teaching and learning are the forefront of the profession. I sincerely appreciate all that you bring to the classroom each and every day!

Teaching is no different than any other profession; it has its share of bad seeds. Let's keep in mind that it is the media that portrays the bad in the profession and although popular at this time, it pays little to no attention to the greater percentage of teachers who are doing phenomenal jobs.

It is to the teachers who show up each day to perform under challenging circumstances; those who battle a flawed system and those who weather the storm of negativity, that I say "Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!" for what you do . . . you've done . . . and are doing for my children. I sincerely appreciate you!