I will spare you the cliched rant from a disgruntled teacher. But it's true when they say we "don't get no respect." [Insert Rodney Dangerfiled clip here].
But I could write for hours on how we are underpaid and overworked. How we are expected to raise other people's children. How schools have become a dumping ground for negligent parents- a glorified daycare, if you will. How we are expected to teach kids who think they don't have to DO anything. But I digress... it would be a waste of my time and energy to write about all this.
What the real shame is that those of us who are brave enough to work in underprivileged schools- the ones who are storming the educational beaches of Normandy- truly the ones on the front lines, are also the teachers who never get the perks of Teacher Appreciation Week. You see, all across America, in affluent communities, teachers are getting gifts, are getting spoiled, are getting appreciated. They work in schools where parents will send their kids to school with elaborate gift baskets, notes, cards filled with love, even gift cards to fancy spas or retreats. All in the name of National Teacher Appreciation Week.
Yeah...not happening everywhere. For those teachers brave enough- or care enough- to work in a school in an underprivileged community- we are getting....nothing. Teacher Appreciation Week isn't even a blip on the radar. We still do our job, every day, under harder conditions and dealing with kids who are bringing in more "baggage" and we are doing it because we care. We are not receiving expensive gifts or sweet cards. Our gift is that we are truly making a difference (although it doesn't feel like it some days.) But we are, in the long run.
I know this because I was surprised this morning with an email from a former student. In my rush to get to work and get things going this morning, even I, the teacher, had forgotten it was Teacher Appreciation Week. And you know what, after reading what she wrote to me, I didn't care that I wasn't receiving gift cards to get hour-long massages and pedicures from my students. Because what I do each day is worth more than that and can only be expressed in moments like below:
My email read:
"Tomorrow which is probably today when you open it is the first day of teacher appreciation week. Since it is teacher appreciation week I couldn't allow your inbox to be empty of appreciation. I am filled with appreciation for you, you saved my life you changed life. I am forever in debt to you forever and I know the best possible way to repay you is to pay it forward so I do. I greatly appreciate you and I am here today stronger than ever because of you. You have No idea how much pain I was in when I came to you all the fear inside me but you put me at ease. You told me "Let the pieces fall where they may" and worry about myself and I held that advice all throughout my recovery and treatment. I nearly killed myself I was in a dark place and I was so far gone ending it seemed to be the only answer. That day shoveled out the first big heap of gravel that was covering the light from coming into my tunnel. And in that day I saw the first gorgeous rays of sunlight on the other side past all that was in my way. You were a light in my dark world your class a safe haven and your compassion the thing that got me through. Thank you so much for being there for saving my life. Only a teacher could have done this teachers are a special kind of person that can connect with children and change lives. Thank you so much enjoy your week and keep on keeping on! Keep shining your light and being a role model :)"
So, yeah. You can keep the fancy gift baskets and the chocolate covered strawberries. I have just what I need in moments like that.
Teaching may have it's downfalls, and it sure could pay more...but sometimes I am reminded that in my line of work, I change lives. And sometimes, even save them. I am right where I am supposed to be and I am not going anywhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment