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.
