Well Sunshine it’s that time of year again. Teacher appreciation week is next week and I wouldn’t be doing my part of helping you shine your light if I didn’t inform you. I’m sure if you have children you are realizing more and more just how important teachers are. Due to COVID-19, most parents are experiencing first hand what it takes to formally/informally educate a child. Some of you are killing it…Congrats! Some of you are struggling, Be Encouraged! It will get better. And the rest of you probably aren’t even trying. Know that I’m not here to judge either way. It is what it is. We are in the midst of a global pandemic. Be kind to yourself and your children lol… patience Patience PATIENCE!
To every teacher, dean, counselor, principal, assistant, and etc. I SEE YOU! I’m so humbled by the hard work and effort you display daily. Most if not all of you have transitioned to an online, virtual model and it has been challenging to say the least. Despite it all, you make yourself available to those who miss and need you most. The implications of such will only be immediately apparent to a few. You are on average overworked and underpaid. Again I say, I SEE YOU! Please continue to keep up the good work and know that it won’t be in vain as you will impact thousands.
I’ve known for sometime that my purpose in life is to encourage, empower, and educate the youth. It makes sense that I ended up teaching. I endured some of my biggest successes and failures in the classroom. I wouldn’t change a thing! I’m still in a school setting, although I’m no longer in instructing students. I remember very clearly how much appreciation impacted my day. It goes a long Long LONG way.
I won’t get into education reform, current policies, or what I think about how our children (particularly black children) are educated in this country BUT, Sunshine you need the following statistics:
- 88% of people say a teacher had a “significant, positive impact” on their lives
- 98% of people say a teacher can change the course of a student’s life
- 54% say a teacher has helped them during a difficult time
- 79% of students say a teacher has encouraged them to follow their dreams
- 83% of students say a teacher has boosted their self-esteem and confidence
So take some time and say a big thank you! If you are unsure, here is some inspiration from Kid President. Let a student, especially a teacher, or both know how grateful you are for their participation in education.
Let Your Teacher Appreciation Light Shine!
Raise Your Light 