“Not all superheroes have capes, some have teaching degrees.”
– Author Unknown
Seeing as it’s Teacher Appreciation Week, it only makes sense to express my gratitude for the fantastic educators my kids have had the good fortune to learn from so far. My children have been blessed with warm and talented teachers from pre-school up through lower elementary. Given the quality of our school district, I have no doubt that trend will continue.
These teachers spend more waking hours with my kids than I do. Back during the toddler years, I dreaded that seemingly far-off time when Baylor and then Ryan would leave my constant care and spend their days with someone else. Well, folks, that day came far sooner than anticipated. And when I did drop them off for their respective first days of school, I stumbled back to my SUV and cried…a lot. Each time. I didn’t think anyone could ever love my kids as much as I do. And that’s still true. No one will love a child quite like their mama. But teachers are close runners-up. They really do love kids. I mean, they have to. Because as much as I love my kiddos, there are some days when I feel the urge to hide from them. In the pantry. With a handful of their leftover Easter candy and a glass of wine. And I love my kids to freaking pieces. Teachers have nowhere to hide, and they have 20-plus kids to handle on the daily. There is no way they would stay in that classroom year after year if they didn’t love those kids. There just isn’t.
Teachers shouldn’t have just one week. It isn’t enough – they deserve at least a month. Much like Mother’s Day would be changed to Mother’s Month in an alternate universe where fairness reigns. And just as my birthday should be a “birth month.” 🙂 (Actually, I did celebrate my birthday for an entire month when I was growing up. Perks of being an only child.)
But teachers truly should be celebrated for at least a month. They have such a humongous job. They are responsible for the growth and development of all these tiny individuals with all these different learning styles for five full days each week. They juggle squabbles and lesson plans and projectile vomit. On top of that, these days, they also have to deal with the really awful stuff like active-shooter drills and cyber-bullying. All while molding our next generation. Mostly with a smile on their face. Oftentimes in heels. How they do it is a mystery to me.
So, thank you, teachers. Your creativity, patience, and dedication is much appreciated this week and always.