Teacher's Appreciation Week

It's Teacher's Appreciation Week.

Personally,

as a mum,

I think every week should be 

Teacher's Appreciation Week.

If I think about the hours in the day

that Ethan is awake,

he spends most of this time

with his teacher.

So not only is she his teacher,

she's an influence

and role model to him.

There have been tons of comments

on Facebook

regarding teachers

and the Common Core.

Granted,

I don't know a whole lot about the Common Core

nor do I think this has anything to do with the 

actual teachers.

There are tons of comments on Facebook

of parents posting something 

their child's teacher wrote

and furious

WWYD questions.

What would you do?

Really?

Talk to the teacher!

Why does that seem so difficult?

Yes I know,

sometimes we get upset with teachers

and sometimes we feel 

our child is being picked on

or treated unfairly,

but do you honestly think your child's teacher is mean?

Evil?

Heartless?

Assume good intentions.

Normally I cringe at that,

because from what I have seen

it's a phrase that gets thrown

when someone complains about someone else.

But seriously,

before you get all mad at your child's teacher

and think s/he's an idiot

or you hate the homework

or think your child deserves a better grade,

can you just stop for a minute 

and assume your child's teacher

has good intentions?

After all,

s/he didn't choose to become a teacher

to make a lot of money.

We don't always get along with everyone.

It's human nature.

And, as a teacher,

I know that not every child and parent I teach

loves me.

Nor do they all hate me.

Some love me.

Some don't.

Same goes with Ethan's teachers.

I have loved some

and liked some.

But never have I made these comments to Ethan.

You're allowed to be upset with your child's teacher.

But before you start the name calling,

stop and think.

Do you really want your child to hear that?

Do you want your child to have little to no respect

for their teacher?

Don't you think you'd be a great role model

when you talk to the teacher?

Ask them why they did something.

Have them explain what they meant.

If you don't like the homework

or grade

or how well your child is progressing,

why does it seem easier to complain?

Why is talking so difficult?

Now before my very few readers

jump down my throat,

this post is not in reference to any specific

Facebook event.

Nor is this about any of my current students.

If I'm honest,

I have to say I have amazing parents this year.

(Or rather this term)

I think the constant

negativity towards teachers

has really begun to bother me.

I'm starting to feel like teachers are no longer appreciated.

So this week,

think back to the teacher that influenced you the most.

Think about the positive effects your child's teacher has on your child.

And please, 

don't forget to thank them.