Weekly thread: Let's hear it for the teachers
What do you appreciate about your kids' teachers and school staff?
First, a reminder that I’m running a Mother’s Day 20% off sale for paid subscriptions through Sunday! You can buy discounted gift subscriptions, too.
Unless you’ve been hiding in a cave you probably know that this week is Teacher Appreciation Week. So today, I want to hear about about the amazing things your kids’ teachers and school staff have done for your kids this year (or in years past).
A few things I’m thankful for with regard to our kids’ public school teachers:
My 8-year-old has been struggling for years with letter and number reversals, and her teacher this year quickly identified the issue, consulted with the school’s occupational therapist, and came up with a plan to work on it — which has been immensely successful. It’s clear how deeply her teacher (who was also my son’s teacher during the pandemic!) cares about her students and their growth.
My 12-year-old’s teachers this year are all flipping fantastic — they find such dynamic and creative ways to teach. He’s had an amazing year.
Our administrators are communicative, thoughtful and handle difficult issues extremely well. Just last Friday, our kids’ school had a two-hour delay because the school was notified overnight of a potential threat. It was terrifying — the sheriff’s office and local K9 units had to sweep the school — but the staff handled it admirably, and when the school did re-open, some teachers and administrators stood outside, personally welcoming the students inside with reassuring smiles.
What have your kids’ teachers and staff done this year that you’re especially thankful for? Also — quick poll — I’m curious how many of you *are* teachers or school staff, because I think there are quite a few of you!
I am the daughter of an elementary teacher, and I'm thankful for that insight which helps me better appreciate my child's teachers and all the admin and support staff at their school. It's been a long road to get to the point where we are now with my kids' IEP and 504's but their current teachers? I couldn't ask better ones-they are kind, empathetic, smart, funny, organized, and truly love what they do. (I wish they felt safer and were better paid, but that is a topic for another day.) We hit the jackpot this year. My youngest son's teacher is just so amazing I can't even think of other words to describe her-just thinking about it gets me emotional because she's helped my severely anxious child in EVERY possible way she could think of and doesn't hesitate to brainstorm new ideas or accommodations, even if it's late at night or it means more work for her. So it's really not just one thing, but a collection of things she's done to help him feel safe, welcome, and understood. My older son's teacher has fostered an environment that encourages my kid to voice concern about a situation, knowing she's a safe and trusted adult. They are just the best. *all the heart emojis*
Anyway, thanks to all the teachers and school staff out there. You are amazing and are doing the most important work. I see you and am so thankful.
My 3-year-old daughter has a teacher at preschool who loves to do her hair in the afternoons (she does it for basically any kid with longer hair who's interested). She's always coming home with some kind of amazing hair style I'd never be able to do myself. Her teacher says she just has fun doing it, and I think it's such a sweet way to connect and show love!