It’s that time of year again.
Parents everywhere are running back and forth between sales, stocking up on school supplies and forcing kids into dressing rooms because they seem to have grown five inches over the summer, requiring new jeans. Upon arriving home, they're tucking their kids into bed early and praying that they can fix their sleep schedule before the first day of school.
Meanwhile, your child’s future teacher is sitting at her kitchen table hand crafting a personalized name tag for each and every one of her students she’s expecting on Monday morning.
The upcoming season's coaches are taking in hours of film preparing themselves for any possible roster combinations.
Teachers everywhere are spending hours upon hours in their classrooms preparing, only to go home and spend even more time perfecting their lesson plans for the upcoming year.
Principals and Administrative members are tucking their kids into bed, grabbing their keys and driving to the school to get some "quick" last minute paper work done.
These educators are missing out on family time and skipping meals as they busily try to prepare themselves so that each and every one of their students feels at home in their school district.
And on the night before the first day of school, as your child stands in front of his/her closet trying to choose the perfect outfit for the the perfect first day back, a teacher stands in front of a mirror, trying to do the same.
As you drop your kindergartener off at the door with tears in your eyes, his teacher is there to take his hand.
When your seventh grader jumps out of your car as fast as she can and “cooly” walks to the front of the school, you smile because you get a break. You enjoy a bit of a laugh as you watch her principal greet her and playfully tell her she looks a little sleepy. Although she may not admit it, her day is already better because of that acknowledgement.
While your senior is praying his crush may notice him, the teachers are waiting throughout the classrooms and the halls - praying that things go smoothly.
Just like you and your children, educators around the world are feeling a million different emotions while anticipating the return of the school year.
It's important to remember that our educators are human.
They feel emotions just as we all do. They go through excitement when their classroom finally looks the way they want it, and a little bit of remorse for the end of their summer vacation.
They are stressed by trying to not only teach their students, but also help them pass tests with unreasonable standards.
They laugh at the jokes told throughout the year, and all of the moments they share with their coworkers over lunch.
They shed tears when their school district goes through painful times, and celebrate when it excels.
Just like everyone else, these teachers battle things outside of their job as well. While it’s easy to assume a teacher’s life revolves around classrooms, it’s important that we remember they deal with other daily challenges just like the rest of us. They have priorities waiting for them outside of their school district’s doors. They go home and they cook dinner and they sit down and deal with bills just like every other adult.
They juggle relationships, finances, sicknesses, extra necessities, home upkeep and many other things outside of their job.
They are not immune to life’s struggles, and even though they share job goals and responsibilities, they don’t necessarily share the same responsibilities throughout their personal lives. The important thing is that when they enter their school they wipe that all away and focus on one common goal – the students.
These educators show up to their jobs everyday, and despite anything going on outside of work, thehave one thing on their mind – to teach and grow their students. Whether it be in the classroom or on the field, these educators instill wisdom and confidence in their students. They fill these kids with skills they’ll use in their future workforce and memories they’ll share with their families in years to come. They show them that nothing is impossible, that the students who have so little, can accomplish so much, and that even when you come from a lot, you’re not immune to failure. Most importantly, no matter where you come from, failure is okay. In fact, failure in inevitable. Day by day, educators pick their students up and help them defeat insecurities, both individually and together as a classroom or a team. These years that students spend in school are years that often shape their lives. Educators step boldly into a spot that leaves an impact on every student they interact with.
So with all the stress of school starting up, don’t forget to say a quick prayer for the educators in your district. Remember to remind your kids that respect is a must in the classroom. When you’re shopping for supplies, grab an extra set of dry erase markers or a couple of glue sticks. Always remember to thank an educator, whether it be with your voice or through your actions. Their job is not easy and should never be underestimated. They deserve not only respect for what they do, but even praise. Don't take the people who help to mold your children for granted. Educators sacrifice a lot to make the most of what they do. Be mindful to thank them for what they do, because at the end of their day - no matter how hard it may have been, educators will insist that they're the lucky ones and that, in my opinion, says it all.