Summer is winding down and the school year is about to begin. While spending the summer with my precious six-year-old son, I’ve thought long and hard about a certain group of people who play a major role in our children’s lives: teachers. Imagine spending HOURS in a room with not only your child, but over 20 or 30 other children as well. Imagine trying to corral these children into listening to you speak. Now imagine trying to teach them important skills and life lessons, wondering if one day all 25 of them will stage a coup and lose their shit simultaneously. There’s only one of you and 25 of them. Odds aren’t exactly in your favor, are they? Having trouble breathing? Yeah, me too. Which is why I have compiled this list of 5 things teachers need RIGHT NOW:
1) Respect. Not only from your child, but from you as well. You know that weekly classroom newsletter your kid brings home? Read it. The list of supplies your child’s teacher is requesting? Buy them. The homework your kid is bitching about? Make sure it’s done. Respect that this teacher is trying to ensure your child’s success in the classroom.
2) Trust. Trust the fact that your child’s teacher is an educated professional. I believe we are all guilty of “helicopter” parenting at some point in our lives. We hover because we all want what’s best for our child. If you feel strongly that your child is being wronged in some way, by all means speak up. However, if little Jessica or little Steven is being a pain in the ass and their teacher brings it to your attention (probably not as bluntly as I just did) trust that it’s true. Steven and Jessica both need a time out.
3) Money. This one is geared towards the powers that be who determine a teacher’s salary. I’ll make it really easy for you: Give. Them. All. The. Money. Twenty to thirty kids in a classroom, some with special needs, some with behavior problems, some who have never heard the word no in their lives, and some who love being in school because their home life is a horror show. Throw in some crazy as fuck parents and some government mandated guidelines about how children SHOULD be taught because God forbid a teacher get creative or even worse, FUN with their teaching material. I don’t care if you have to steal a pot of gold from a leprechaun at the bottom of a rainbow. Give them money. Here’s my paycheck to get you started. Just kidding, I need that back. Really, though, let’s pay teachers what they’re worth.
4) Understanding. Understand that teachers have more than just your child to worry about. I believe that all specific requests to teachers can and should be brought forward politely and patiently. Unless it’s a question of your child’s health or safety, wait your turn. Another child’s issue with bullies trumps little Jessica’s “issue” with disliking the fruit snacks handed out during snack time.
5) Appreciation. I’m talking more than just that week in May. If your child’s teacher goes above and beyond with anything regarding your child, a thank you goes a long way. Again, there are other children in that classroom. Like your mother taught you, mind your manners.
My son started school two years ago. In the past two years, I have been consistently amazed by what teachers do in a classroom full of children (under the age of six, no less!). I have been consistently amazed with the knowledge my son brings home from school every day. I have also been consistently amazed with the fact that his teachers can have a classroom full of children and still describe my son’s personality to a tee, proving that NO child is left behind. We all strive to work hard no matter what we do for a living. Teachers, however, are entrusted with our kids, our flesh and blood, a very precious commodity. People who are helping to mold and shape our future deserve these five things and much, much more.