It is nearing the end of June when students (and teachers) are eagerly awaiting the last day of classes. The end is near and my children can feel it.
There is excitement in the air. Not that they hate school, but the thought of not having to wake up early and jump on the bus is enticing for them. I mean, it would be for me too.
I am sure teachers are feeling excited too. Although, I have never met a teacher who just phones it in. There are a lot of jobs out there that employees can just clock in and clock out. I am very lucky my kids have never had a teacher who does that.
I don’t think they exist. All of the teachers I have ever known care about what they do. They aren’t there solely for the pay cheque. There will be times that my children won’t jibe with their teachers.
There are different teaching styles and different learning styles that don’t always match up, but I don’t think it will ever be because their teacher hates their job.
Teachers are such special people. As parents, we trust them to take care of our children for a huge chunk of that day. I truly feel like our kids are our hearts walking outside of our bodies and teachers watch them and nurture them.
Their lessons stick with them for a long time. I think everyone can remember who their favourite teacher was and an important lesson they taught them. It is one of the reasons that websites use "Who was your favourite teacher?" as a security question.
I know my middle daughter will remember her first-grade teacher, or at least I will. She embodies exactly what you would want and expect from a first-grade teacher. She is sweet and kind, yet doesn’t let anyone walk over her. She cares so much, you can feel it when you talk to her.
Earlier this year, my daughter was involved in an accident and when I picked her up from school, I completely collapsed in this teacher’s arms. She gave me the best hug. I really felt like she was an angel.
Later in the year, she helped me navigate playground politics. I am still shocked that there are mean girls and cliques developing at the age of six. Somehow, my sweet daughter couldn’t figure it out or how to fit in.
For a week, she refused to go to school, constantly complaining about tummy aches that would mysteriously disappear at around 9 a.m. After a bit of probing, I discovered she was having a hard time finding someone to play with at recess. How absolutely heartbreaking.
I didn’t know what to do, so I sent her teacher an email, asking for advice. She called me later that day and talked to me for a long time. She gave me some tips on how to talk to my daughter and suggested a few names of children to encourage my daughter to play with who are kind.
This conversation happened in the evening, long after the bell rang. She gave me her time, out of the goodness of her heart. Then my older daughter took it upon herself to confront her little sister’s bully. This teacher once again stepped up and helped in the situation with such grace. My older daughter isn’t even her student and she had a talk with her that was encouraging and informative and guided her onto a better path.
I think there are a lot of teachers like her, who take time out of their day to help their students with things that aren’t necessarily in the curriculum. So, this is a gentle reminder to all parents, next time we grumble about the excessive professional development days, maybe they are worth it because teachers don’t always work 9-3.
Here is a big thank you to all the teachers, and hopefully you can all have a well-deserved summer break.
