I spent a couple hours in my son’s class volunteering yesterday. I’ve been volunteering in their classrooms since they were itty bitty preschoolers. It’s something I didn’t get as a kid so I realize the importance of being in the class when possible. It means the world to Bird and Deal. They feel a certain sense of celebrity when their classmates start buzzing “Ooh, there’s Deal’s mom.” “Look, Bird’s mom came to have lunch with him today.” The boys get a kick out of letting me peek into part of their routine. For perhaps the only time in their day, they are the experts, guiding me around the classroom, telling me who sits where and how to stack the reading journals just so. When I’m in the classroom with them they clearly feel a swell of pride. As do I.
I have seen firsthand the graciousness, generosity, and gifts our teachers bestow upon children every day. They possess a world of patience that I cannot even fathom. Those teachers bend down on their knees to address kids at eye level and speak in kind, gentle, yet firm when needed, tones. Their grace is overwhelming. My sons’ teachers, and memories of teachers in my past, make me want to be a better person.
Teachers are Super heroes. Rock stars. Saints.
It’s so easy to become cynical about the education system. There are flaws and faults and finger pointing. What we neglect to shine a light upon are the amazing teachers who choose to spend their days with our children. Teaching them so much more than reading, writing, and in our case, Japanese and Chinese. Think about the individuals to whom we entrust our children. What a grave responsibility! Teachers get great reward for paltry sums. Forget about the beast that is our “system” for just a moment. Forget about politics and pay scales.
Remember our teachers. No amount of pay can compensate them for their gifts. But that doesn’t mean we should stop trying to pay them a fair wage and finally celebrate what they do.
Standing ovation to all the teachers I know.
Here’s what I think abt teachers. For @corinafiore @sweetbabboo http://www.dirtandnoise.com/2010/09/applause-for-teachers.html
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
As a former teacher, it was parents like yourself that made our jobs easier. Let’s chalk it up to the parents too – the GOOD ones. You, my friend, are a good parent. The way YOU teach your children manners, trying new things, culture, about caring for people, being genuine, heck, just what it takes to be a human being, speaks just as many volumes.
If there were more parents like you out there and less of what I experienced in my last years as a teacher, then I would probably still be teaching. My hat’s off to those that continue on in the craft.
Being a teacher is not for everyone. It’s definitely more than everyday academics. Teachers are knowledgeable,intelligent disciplinarians who happen to also educate their students in the basics. At least that’s how I see it. I loved teaching. I just loathed the amount of time spent on discipline. That’s what ultimately did me in. I pray for our teachers & applaud them everyday.
And I thank YOU for this post and for being you – the good parent that appreciates the value of education in the home and in the school. God Bless YOU!
I help in my children’s two classrooms. I love getting to see my children in that setting and getting to know their classmates and teachers. We have been so fortunate with wonderful and amazing teachers.
Thank you so much. This made me tear up a bit. Even though I no longer teach, it is still so much of me and my heart. Once a teacher always a teacher. And, just as Lisa said, thank you for doing all you can for supporting teachers, students, and all those that need extra hands and extra guidance in the classroom. It is going to take everyone to fix the education system.
To all the teachers out there…this is for you! Applause for Teachers – http://www.dirtandnoise.com/2010/09/applause-for-teachers.html
This comment was originally posted on Twitter