Home school, private school, or public school there is a thread that runs throughout our society that gets stretched to the limits. This thread is our teachers. A week of appreciation is not enough to celebrate what is accomplished in the minds and hearts of our children. These are a few reasons why we should pour out extra love on teachers.
1. Teachers are undervalued. Not only am I referring to pay, am I referring to the hats that a typical teacher may wear in any given day. Let’s start with social worker. Ever had a kid that apparently didn’t have a bath or comes into your class and immediately goes to sleep because he or she had not slept all night. Instead of punishing the child, the teacher automatically understands the moment and makes adjustment to the situation. It is that understanding that triggers that learner for life. It is the empathy of the teacher that the kid remembers when he is an adult.
2. Teachers are underdogs. We think of underdogs as people who are in the spotlight because of their notable courage. However, true courage is stepping in a classroom of a high poverty and low expectations. Courage is looking a student in the face after being call every name under the sun and still showing up for work with a smile on your face because you know that you are making a difference. A hero is getting your paycheck and buying school supplies before you bought groceries for your household.
3. Teachers are under minded. Countercurrents are currents that go opposite of another current, so it is with our children. Gang violence, drugs, and absent parenting are just some of the pressures that are going opposite of what teachers are doing in the classroom. The only example of what is right in the world may be a teacher. So we pray that what is seen in the class has a great enough impact that will leave an indelible impact that may change a life.
We can all play a part in helping our teachers by supporting them in every way possible. Show love for the tough roles that educators play by communicating it to them, demonstrating by your actions, and understanding the plight that they face.
Marcus Castille is a retirement coach for K-12 educators. He focuses on helping educators add value to them while they add value to others. He does this so passionately because he was an educator that was neglected. He travels the nation with his keynote, “The Power of Clear Retirement.” He engages every audience with his enthusiasm. Visit www.marcuscastille.com