Did you know there are over 50 million school-aged children in the United States?

Fifty. Million.

Educating those 50 million children in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade are 3.5 million teachers.  3.5 million self-sacrificing individuals who spend countless hours in and out of the classroom analyzing the latest research, learning the latest methods, adjusting curriculum to the newest standards, prepping lessons, grading assignments, attending meetings and professional development seminars, and continuing their own education through upper-level college courses often at their own expense.  

And that is just skimming the top. 

Teaching is one of the most multifaceted careers you could choose.  Vaguely, you could categorize it as merely education.  But any teacher will tell you it’s SO much more.  It’s management and logistics and marketing and clerical work and human resources and manufacturing and customer service and design and research and information technology and health care.  All in one.  One job. A teacher.

Love your teachers well.  

They are loving and developing relationships with 50 million of the most precious assets our country has to offer the future.  While they invest their time and hundreds of their own hard-earned, meager paycheck into their classroom each year, they invest so much more into the lives they touch.  But, why?  

Because they see value in the unseen.  They know that the 7-year-old with a penchant for Lego design has the potential to engineer anything from a skyscraper to the latest computer system.  They know that a 12-year-old’s obsession with cars and how they work could lead to a career in mechanics.    They know to nurture a student’s love for biology with supplemental material and conversation that may provide them the necessary push to apply for college.  There are teachers – at this very moment – educating the future leaders of our country.  They know no limits when it comes to potential.

Love your teachers well.  

Teachers don’t need test after test after test to tell them the worth of a child.  They don’t need a number to explain why they should show up day after day.  They show up because their passion exceeds their paycheck.  

Love your teachers well.  

Ask any teacher and they will tell you that their students belong to them. They take ownership and responsibility for each life that walks through their classroom doors day after day.  Their successes are shared, their struggles are owned, and their triumphs are celebrated.  

Love your teachers well.

Yes, your teachers.  The same way that your children belong to their teachers, teachers belong to us.  All of us who parent one of those 50 million school-age children.  They belong to our students and they belong to our community.  And, that is why it is so important to love your teachers well.  

Are you a parent?  You can love your teachers well by holding up your end of the bargain on the home front.  Hold your kiddos accountable for their behavior and efforts at school.  Follow up with them about daily homework assignments and projects.  Instill in them the virtues of respect and honor for teachers.  Revere their profession. Show up for conferences and volunteer for school-based activities.  Speak highly of your teachers and school to your children and those in your community.  And, if you really want to go above and beyond, a simple note of appreciation and a Starbucks gift card can go a long way 🙂

Are you in educational administration?  You can love your teachers well by affirming them.  Let them know – personally – how grateful you are for their dedication to one of the most volatile professions out there.  Respect their time away from school, regard them as esteemed professionals, and protect them from unrealistic expectations.  Help them shine brightly in the classroom by supporting their decisions and allowing them to teach students not to a test. 

Are you a resident or business owner in a school community?  You can love your teachers well by building partnerships with schools.  Help them succeed by donating man-power, money, or supplies to make school-based projects and activities a reality.  Sometimes it’s as simple as asking: How can I help?  Believe me, you can.  

Are you a teacher?  Thank you.  Thank you for loving our children well.  Thank you for showing up.  

Thank your for being one in a million.