Appreciating the hard work and sacrifices of teachers
Monday, September 4, 2023
Teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of the next generation. They are the ones who prepare students for the challenges that await them beyond their classroom walls. They impart knowledge, values, and skills that will form the foundation of their student’s personal and professional lives. However, what many people often overlook or take for granted is the hard work and sacrifice that teachers put into their profession. It is high time that we give teachers the appreciation and recognition they deserve.
The work of a teacher is not confined to just teaching, it extends beyond the classroom. They spend hours preparing lessons, and grading papers. They go beyond their job description to ensure that their students are not just learning the subject matter but are also growing as individuals. Besides, teachers also spend time connecting with the parents of their students to provide them with a clear understanding of the child's progress. This additional effort is in acknowledgment that every student is unique and therefore requires different forms of attention to help them achieve their full potential.
Teaching is not just a job that one can leave behind at the end of the day. Teachers are always thinking about their students, even when they are not in the classroom. They worry about them, their problems, and their future. They act as the students’ sounding board in times of need and provide them with guidance and support. This is a type of emotional labor that requires genuine care, and not everyone can handle this task. Teachers deserve credit for the work that they do, for it is essential for shaping the future of the world.
For all that teachers provide for their students, their sacrifices are often overlooked. They work long hours, often bringing home a pile of work to be completed. They sacrifice free time that would have otherwise spent with their families. They might even substitute for absent colleagues or volunteer for after-school activities. All these sacrifices are seldom recognized, but these little gestures go a long way in molding the world into better citizens.
Teaching is not an easy profession, and it often goes without the appreciation and acknowledgment it deserves. There is little job security, as educational policies are changing rapidly, leaving teachers to adjust to never-ending experiments. They work in an environment where they are not only educational providers but social workers, therapists, and referees; they manage classrooms where every student has a different personality, learning style, and level of education.
Appreciating the hard work of teachers is not just an appreciation of the person but an understanding and respect for the profession. One can recognize their work by acknowledging them, thanking them, and publishing stories of appreciation. Proper teaching and learning will help build a robust and knowledgeable community, which is the foundation for social equity and overall development.
In middle school, I had an English teacher who always encouraged me to take part in competitions involving public speaking and not fear failure, for ‘’Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit’’. Though I was never truly confident enough to speak or present myself in front of a huge crowd, her belief in me and her encouraging words made me get out of my comfort zone and try for the first time. Her guidance not only helped me succeed in academics and extra-curriculars but also helped me develop a deeper appreciation for the power of language to convey meaning and evoke emotions. I also had numerous other teachers who always had pivotal roles in shaping me into the person I am now. My class teacher has always encouraged, appreciated, and cheered me for all that I partook in. Her patience and willingness to ensure every student understands the content and for putting in the time and effort to ensure that we are successful both inside and outside of the classroom is truly admirable. I deeply express gratitude to every mentor I had for making a positive impact on my life.
As I conclude, I want to assure teachers that your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Your efforts have had a profound impact on our lives and will continue to do so for years to come. You are a source of inspiration to us, and your selfless service to society is commendable. Happy Teachers Day!
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