This week was Teacher Appreciation Week and in my four years of teaching I have gained an extreme appreciation for those in the teaching profession. If you are a teacher you are familiar with all of the different professional who make a school successful. So I thought I would write this tribute to the amazing teaching professionals that I have met so far.

Guidance Counselors

Technically the counselors aren’t teachers, but their influence is worth mentioning. The guidance counselors I have met in the past four years have been the most caring and uplifting people. Their caring spirits extend not only to the students but also to the staff. The counselors that I have worked with have been easy to talk to and truly care about the students and their struggles.

In addition to that many of them have also been a resource for the teachers. They have provided support for teachers by reaching out to parents and giving much-needed background information. I know my ability to connect with some of my students is sure in part to things I have learned from guidance counselors.

Department Chairs

Experts in their fields, resource, back-up, go between: all of these things describe a department chair. In most cases they are only one step away from teaching so they understand the struggles that we face on a day-to-day basis. However, because they are in a position of leadership they are also able to act as a go between for students, parents, and administration. They are givers of the best gifts (yeah, they order the supplies) and are able to provide resources when you need them.

I have had the privilege to co-teach classes with my department chairs and I truly appreciate the expertise that they bring. I have been encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and try new things, but also given the support needed to be successful.

Team Leaders

I have so much to say about team leaders as I have had mediocre, bad, and excellent team leaders. The past two years I have worked with women that took leadership seriously. It is often not enough to say you are a leader, but only look out for yourself.

These ladies had our team’s backs. They pushed and encouraged us; setting examples of good teaching. Everything I am expected to do they do, and some. They were willing to go the extra mile to make sure students had what they needed, but didn’t take any nonsense. I am challenged because I am not sure that if I ever decided to be a team leader if I could live up to the great examples that I have had.

Teachers

Colleagues. Back-up. Friends. The ones to whose classrooms I run to share a funny story or a trial of the day. Where would we be without each other? I cannot express how blessed I have been to meet and work with many of my colleagues. In the past three years especially we have truly become a family.

In my first year at my present school some veteran teachers reached out to me. They gave me people to look up to. I knew that if I had a concern I could go to them and they would understand. When I was pregnant last year my team took care of me. I will never forget the last day of school a veteran teacher telling me to go to my room and get out-of-the-way before the students were released. I wanted to be involved, but I knew she had my best interest in mind.

Most teachers have families of their own. They have their own trials to face. Yet they show up everyday and care for other people’s children. Sometimes they do a better job then the families themselves. Nothing I can say on this blog can truly capture the appreciate and admiration I have for my fellow teachers.

Closing Appreciation

If you have children in school at any level, take a moment to show appreciation for them . It doesn’t have to be some elaborate craft that you found on Pinterest (although I have made these before). Sometimes a sincere note or email is more meaningful than plant that will die, or maybe that’s just me.

This year, the only appreciation I was shown from non staff members was one student coming up to me, shaking my hand, and saying “thank you for teaching me”. It was honest, sincere, and totally unexpected and I am sure I will remember it for years to come. So I encourage you: take time to acknowledge those who do their best to support you and your children.