The title “teacher” means a lot to me. My mom and dad were both life long educators. My mom taught English for over 40 years. Seriously. Think about that for a second. Some of my earliest memories were playing in her classroom and snooping around all her amazing school supplies. As you might imagine, she became a local icon/celebrity and to this day, no matter how far I travel, I have met people who once they find out I’m “Mrs. Springer’s” kid, a bright smile crosses their face and they say the exact same words:
“Mrs. Springer was my favorite teacher.”
My dad was home builder for many years, then shifted careers midlife and also became an educator. He taught at a technical center and worked with students of all abilities teaching vocational skills like carpentry, sheetrocking, cabinet making, you name it. If it was involved in building a house, my dad taught kids those skills. Years later, when I began entering practicum experiences as a school psychologist, I landed for a few months in the same district where my dad taught. I was working with a group of at-risk teens and when one of them found out I was Mr. Springer’s kid, he said, “Mel is such a badass!”
I cannot think of a higher compliment from a teenager struggling in school and life.
So, it is with great love and meaning when I say, “Thank you, teachers.” Not only have you been coming to school every day, you are breadwinners and family members. You work your butts off and put in long hours because you care.
Teaching, like parenting, is incredibly rewarding—some of the time.
Most of the time, it is just hard work. I want you all to know how grateful I am for your hard work and the safe environments you create for my kids. Each of my children are learning and growing at their own fascinating rate and pace. Each of my children spend hours upon hours in your classrooms. I know it’s not easy, but it’s paying off. What you are doing is working and its worth it.
As we close this school year out, you are winning. Our kids are winning. I hope you have some great vacations planned, I hope that you have taken some time out this summer to be selfish and take care of your self. I hope that you never lose the fire that keeps you going. This time of year, most of our fires are soft, dim glows. That’s okay. We’re human. You’re human.
As a our gift to you, please contact us for free classroom management supplies to start your 2018-19 school year. Click here to request the materials. (Make sure to mention that you found us through this blog.)
Thank you for all that you do.
Sincerely,
Team Totem