Thinking about what makes a teacher great or outstanding differs from person to person, but what does not change is the dedication teachers show in their profession. Teaching is a profession, despite recent controversy, and needs to be more respected. People who do not believe that teaching is a true profession do not understand nor have considered the work that really goes into teaching a classroom or lecture hall of students. There is so much outside work that no one sees, and that teachers are not paid for, but it is simply part of the job.

To all of my past, present and future teachers,

Thank you and I appreciate you.

1) Their work goes far beyond the classroom.

On average, a teacher spends an extra 3+ hours working outside of the classroom, according to BBC News. BBC News also says that the majority of teachers work close to 50-60 hour work weeks when you include making lesson plans, grading, preparing other assignments and then, of course, teaching.

2) They don't do it for the money!

Over 60% of teachers, according to recent surveys, state that the reason they stay in the profession is working with kids. "What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child" -George Bernard Shaw.

As of 2014, teachers in Florida made about $45,000 a year. It is not uncommon for a teacher to be working one or even two other jobs in addition to teaching. Salaries in some areas simply do not pay enough to help a teacher make ends meet, but that doesn't stop them from teaching, doing what they love. Recent polls show that Arizona is now the lowest paying state for teachers.

Think of it this way. Yes, some teachers leave because the pay simply cannot support them, but what about the ones who stay? They sacrifice a luxurious lifestyle for their love of teaching and wanting to impact the lives of their students.

3) They teach because they love it.

Socrates is considered one of the world’s first formal teachers and he was imprisoned and later put to death for spurring others to question society (TeacherHub). This is an example of someone who wanted to inspire people and encourage them to think outside the box, like teachers do, and was punished for it. I imagine that he was warned at first, but didn't care, because that's how much it meant to him to inspire people to question things, learn and want to grow. Teachers make sacrifices because they love their job, and that should never be questioned. There's so much work outside of the classroom that teachers aren't paid for or asked to do separately; it is simply part of their job. However, nothing beats the feeling of seeing the fruits of their labor after watching a student succeed.

4) Teachers are always on their toes.

Teachers never know how a day will turn out and they have to roll with everything that occurs in the classroom. Did they plan for the fire alarm to go off? Do they plan for the assemblies to run 30 minutes over? There are so many variables in a given school day that teachers can't possibly plan for EVERYTHING. Yes, some obstacles can be planned for and overcome, but the random 3 days off because of a hurricane or the lesson that went longer than anticipated can't be planned. When a class discussion is going well, no teacher would cut it short just to stay on schedule. Adapting is a super power that teacher possess, learn, and critique.

5) Teachers love every student no matter what.

Yes, even the "bad" students. Truth be told, there are no "bad" students. Students learn in different ways and behave differently. Yes, not all students behave the way teachers want them to, but in the end, when that student succeeds at whatever they do, their teachers are proud. No matter what, your teachers will always want you to do and be your best, they will always support you and be there for you when you need someone, even if you don't.