With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to reflect on all of the things that we are thankful for – and we are thankful for you, teachers. It takes some very special people to work with children, but we know that America’s teachers have a commitment to helping shape future generations, to opening minds to new ideas, and to helping nurture the best qualities in our kids.
Teachers dedicate their lives to their students. Often, you take time out of your evenings and weekends to keep up with lesson work, grading, and communication. Lessons are crafted with meticulous care. The needs of each child are assessed and assignments are modified, all over a cup of coffee after your own families have gone to sleep. Every morning starts with a fresh outlook and trying to summon the energy to have a positive new day when you’re often exhausted from the last one. We know that you get to school early, stay late, and keep working when you’re home, all because you are dedicated to your craft and the lives of “your kids.”
Teachers don’t just teach reading, arithmetic, science, and socials studies. Teachers don’t just teach art, music, physical education, and computers. You teach students to think. You make kids work hard for every grade and you show them how to overcome obstacles. You teach kids to consider the feelings and thoughts of others and have an open mind. You push students to challenge themselves with new efforts and to never give up – even when the lesson is hard. You open minds to new worlds, encourage exploration, and show your students how to be good people who care about the world. You involve their families and the community because you know you can’t influence kids on your own. You do all of this while filing paperwork, keeping up with grading, and trying to keep your classroom an organized, safe space.
So thank you teachers. Thank you for all your hard work and your sacrifices. Thank you, most of all, for helping to make the next generation of children ready to take on the world.
