In Defense of Teachers

Posted by at Sep 12, 2012 6:00 am

I don’t want to be political (so I won’t be) but I have to acknowledge that while teachers are being raked over the coals for one thing or another (strike, test scores, zombie apocalypse) I want to point out that many, many, MANY teachers are awesome.

Yesterday, I had my first parent conference with my daughter’s teachers and guidance counselor to discuss her progress in her transition from home school to traditional school. It was great. The teachers were so caring and thorough and I appreciated them giving up their after school time to meet with me. I feel very comfortable with our decision to transition her back into school and while it is not an easy choice (or a cheap one…hello, private school) I do think it was the right one for my child.

Most of you know that I taught high school myself for seven years (eight if you count my internship and substituting) and it was an unforgettable experience. I keep in touch with many of my former students via Facebook and I stay in the game by tutoring from time to time, mainly my nieces and nephews as they hit college. I miss the classroom, though I don’t envy what teachers, particularly public school teachers, have to deal with on a daily basis.

I’ve celebrated teachers on my blog before…but I felt the need to do it again. So I did.

Rock on, teachers!

16 Comments

16 thoughts on “In Defense of Teachers

  1. 1
    Paula R. says:

    The gratitude is much appreciated, Julie. Teaching can be such a thankless job sometimes. The reward is having that connection with former students and learning about their successes later in life. It also feels good to know you made a positive impact in the lives of others.

    Peace and love,
    Paula R.

  2. 2
    Liza says:

    Teaching really can be a thankless job. I come from a family of teachers and I appreciate all who want to go into the profession. Oldest niece will be the 5th generation going into teaching in my family. Thanks to all the teachers out there!

  3. 3
    TrishJ says:

    I have great memories of my teachers. My favorites.were actually the strictest. They were the ones who challenged me. I had 4 children and only remember 1 teacher I disliked (I actually wondered if she could even read). They were interested and encouraging. I am in awe that they keep 10+ children in check and teach a lesson .. for HOURS. Hats off.

  4. 4
    Eileen A-W says:

    As a caring & dedicated teacher I thank you for your words today. It’s hard to be criticized all the time. There are good & bad in all professions, but sometimes I think too much is expected of teachers today.

    I’m glad the transition is going well for your daughter.

  5. 5
    monica t. says:

    You know it Julie. I have wonderful memories of my teachers abd am grateful to them all. Just think about it, when your mom has to work during the same time as you go to school whom can a girl kid turn to? Why her teacher of course. I made it my personal job to never cause any undo stress for my teachers because I truly got even at a truly young age that they were there to do a job and my reward was to do the best that I could in class and I did. So I hope the teachers in Chicago get what they deserve and not let the city play anymore games with these very valuable people.

  6. 6
    Donna M says:

    Hooray for those wonderful dedicated teachers. When I was in school it was very different than now. My daughters had some excellent teachers despite the fact that we lived in a small town. Sadly there are also those that should be in another profession. I wish there was a fair way to reward those that put their heart into it & those that just show up for the day.

    Thanks to all the teachers who do it because they love it, therefore they really teach. :applause:

  7. 7
    Karen C says:

    I no longer have children in school, however, I have always believed that teachers are under appreciated, especially the ones who care and go above and beyond. I never experienced those kinds of teachers myself, but my daughter did. And I agree – Teachers Rock!!! Thank you!
    :yourock

  8. 8
    Julie says:

    My 22 year old daughter has her first ever teaching job in a Title One school. She leaves at 7:45 every morning and doesn’t get home until 7 pm.

    I come from a background of teachers and was the only one who ‘skipped’ the field. I don’t see how they do it – my father, mother, two sisters, and a brother. Kudos to all the teachers out there!

  9. 9
    katie says:

    I love my dude’s teachers. I have only not really liked, well, two. I also think that there is a special place in heaven (no matter your denomination) for special ed teachers. THey are so dedicated and have to do so much. I also love my son’s paras. They rock!

  10. 10
    DebraG says:

    Thanks for the kind words. I am glad someone appreciates us.

  11. 11
    Leslie Kelly says:

    I think teachers have one of the hardest jobs in the world. I appreciate them tremendously, but wouldn’t change places with them for the world!

  12. 12
    Rachel Donovan says:

    I’m going to school this spring to become an elementary teacher. Anyone have any tips or advice for me? :)

  13. 13
    Eileen says:

    I may not understand exactly what the teachers in Chicago are going thru being on strike, but if this is the way they have to go then I’ll support that decision. They deserve so much considering all that they do for our children.

  14. 14
    Elizabeth says:

    As a sister and cousin of teachers I totally agree about them being under appreciated. They have the ability to shape and influence young minds for years to come. So to all the teachers out there I say :yourock

  15. 15
    Fedora says:

    Amen. We have been blessed with many excellent teachers for our kids, and we are thankful for each one. They have such a hard job, and while it can be rewarding, we parents and their students are the true beneficiaries of their jobs well done :)

  16. 16
    MJ says:

    Thank you, Julie! I’m a third generation teacher, starting my 24th year.

    Rachel, advice? Learn to be flexible. And be prepared to be counselor/nurse/mother to your students. Some of these kids need us more than you can even imagine.

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