A GENTLE REMINDER OF HOW AWESOME YOU ARE.
Teaching is sometimes a thankless profession. It’s so important to let teachers know how important they are. Education has always been a gateway for me. Growing up, I knew that statistically, I was considered “at-risk”. The odds were not in my favor, but with great teachers, I was able to see something greater in myself other than what was statistically projected. I knew that attaining higher educational goals would be my ticket to a different reality- it would help me to change the cycle. All of it was possible because of great teachers and mentors who’ve invested in my future. I know firsthand the importance of having great teachers. My experience with teachers helped me to develop a passion for giving back and thus becoming a teacher myself. When the roles reversed, I realized how hard, yet rewarding this profession can really be.
As teachers, many of us pour everything that we have into our students with the hopes of enjoying the fruits of our labor. Our typical day looks something close to waking up early, grabbing whatever drink that will fuel us for the morning, rushing to be the first at the copy machine, preparing for our lessons, teaching, planning, eating lunch in under 20 minutes, and a plethora of other duties that may or may not be in our job description. We do it for no other reason than to have an impact on children- to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and resources that will allow them to thrive as tomorrow’s leaders. We do it to help them reach their highest personal and academic potential.
It gets hard, though. Many times we may see ourselves ready to give up, thinking that maybe we are not effective. Some of us may feel frustrated by the demands that only we truly understand, and yet we still work hard to juggle the many hats of a teacher. Let this be a gentle reminder to you of how much you really matter.
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
“BY DOING WHAT YOU LOVE, YOU INSPIRE AND AWAKEN THE HEARTS OF OTHERS” -UNKNOWN
You make a difference. The seed that you have planted… it’s in the works! You may not enjoy the fruits of your labor immediately, but just know that all that you do is not done in vain. The beauty about being a teacher is that you have the power to redefine what is possible for your students. Redefining possibilities is about defying the odds and opening doors that wouldn’t otherwise be available to your students. Don’t give up because you don’t see an instant return on your investment. Plant the seed and have peace in knowing that some students will bloom later on in life.
MAY YOU NOT FORGET THE OTHER BEAUTIES OF BEING A TEACHER:
- You have the ability to create. You can create young thinkers, leaders, and did I mention all other professions?
- Teaching is a great opportunity to learn. Some of my most valuable lessons have come from my students.
- Teaching can be fun! How cool is it to demonstrate your passion for learning with your students?
- When students come back to tell you how much of an impact you have made- isn’t it just the best feeling?
- And who doesn’t love vacations?
To all teachers who work tirelessly to inspire and educate, thank you! YOU MATTER.