Teacher Appreciation

It's "Teacher Appreciation" time in the US, which doesn't seem to be getting near the publicity here that "cut the teacher's pay 3%, increase the class sizes, and take away any job security they had" did. (Yes, that's sarcasm - thank my English teachers for that.) It's been a tough few months for all those who have devoted their lives to helping others learn and grow.

And yet, they went right on teaching.

They crafted lessons, sometimes having to make several changes to better reach children who struggle with learning disabilities, physical issues, or a lack of English.
They created and gave tests, or "assessments" as they are called now, because their purpose is to help determine what each child knows now, so that the teacher can change his/her instruction for better results later.
They graded hundreds of papers. I was grading spelling last week and after a while I wasn't sure myself how to spell some of the words. The teacher in the class laughed and handed me the list of words saying "that happens to all of us."

They kept trying to do one of the hardest jobs there is - relentlessly seeking to improve what they do in order to help others learn.

Teachers take what society sends them. Today's kids come from everywhere on the globe. When I subbed at Choctaw last month, I had students from Russia, Indonesia, Colombia, and Mexico as well as those who were born here. Most of those they teach are children of divorce. Some are homeless. Some come to school hungry, sleepy, sick. Some have parents that are extremely interested and supportive. Others do not.  And yet the teacher takes them as they are and tries their best every day to help them learn. I've been amazed to learn just how much each teacher I have worked with knows about their students and their home lives.

Teachers care.

Our church is blessed to have two public school teachers as part of our family of faith. (as well as several people headed in that direction :) ) Amy Anderson and Diane Weech are true servants and followers of Christ who are living out their calling every day in our public schools. They are deserving of praise for what they do. And they serve through New Hope as well, each contributing through their church family their talents and time.

So THANK YOU's go out to Diane and Amy as well as to all the other teachers who help see boys and girls grow up to be good citizens and lifelong learners.

And yes, if you can read this, thank a teacher.