My son is going into his 3rd year of teaching. He’s teaching honors science at a brand new school. He’s had a crazy love for science all his life so naturally, this classroom is perfect for him.
It has become routine for me to go to every open house and meet the parent night. I absolutely love seeing my son in this role. He has this crazy huge science lab that looks like something you’d see in a junior college. He has a huge periodic table hanging from the wall and tells me this is the year his students will memorize the chart. He has boxes of materials for experiments and labs. Beakers, Petri dishes and test tubes everywhere, like any room of a mad scientist. His face lights up when he talks about the very subject that often put me to sleep. But he makes it so exciting. The kids are eager and excited. Mr. A makes science cool. I’m more than proud of him. He’s a teacher.
This is my daughter-in-law Rachel Alcosiba. This is her first year as a teacher. She is teaching third grade English. I watched her work hard and diligently to earn this position. I’m proud of her.
I visited her at their meet the parent night as well. I was so impressed by her and her classroom. Wow! If I could be in third grade again, I’d want to be in her class. It’s warm, inviting and such a great atmosphere for learning. She’s adorable and will love these children well. She’s a teacher.
And then my soon-to-be nephew-in-law, Jacob Rush. He is in his second year of teaching and teaches honors algebra to freshman. Algebra and freshman….. let that sink in.
I admire anyone who can teach such a horrible subject. I hate math. But Jacob loves it! And he’s good at it and even better at teaching this difficult subject. He’s a cool teacher. Loves to talk sports along with math. He’s kind and gentle and that’s what students need. He’s a teacher.
It’s tough job being a teacher. Kids are getting more difficult and complex. And parents…. Well, I will respectfully and politely use the word challenging…..
It’s not an easy job. People think they have short days, lots of vacation and a good salary. That is a grave misconception. Teachers put in more than 8 hour days planning, preparing, grading, and even praying. They work through vacations grading papers, attending conferences and meeting with parents. Most of their supplies they purchase on their own dime. And then, they teach.
They work hard and can’t turn it off when they go home. Why? Because they care. They carry the burdens of the students that are in their care. They care about the student who doesn’t seem to get it and in risk of failing. They care about the girl whose home life seems unbearable. They care about the boy that has been bullied for years. They care about the pressures and struggles of the students that walk the halls. What they see everyday doesn’t just stay in the classroom. They carry it. They feel it. They live it. They are teachers.
It’s a new school year!! A new group of kids a new set of challenges. Every year is more intense on all levels. Teachers are under attack in many ways. And teachers are under pressure, they deal with a lot. A lot more than we will ever know.
I have many friends who are teachers as well. I’m in awe of their complete dedication, love and passion in an increasingly difficult role. Thank you.
Pray for our teachers.