Trash Talk… Teacher Appreciation

Immediately following the decision to close schools, parents, guardians, community persons… and even the students have strongly regretted that this decision had to be made. Parents and guardians are continuously wondering how the teachers perform their duties throughout each day. Community persons and organizations are realizing that they cannot sufficiently provide food programs as the schools appear to do with such ease. The students are wishing for their teachers who understand all their needs and concerns. The institution of the school with its staff of principals, counselors, teachers, and support staff can never be replaced. Considering the efficiency with which they do their jobs, they are, without doubt, the most underpaid profession in the world. Teachers assume the role of parent, grandparent, nurse, and babysitter, all the while they are scrutinized for providing quality educational opportunities to all children. These same teachers are behind the successful careers which many students achieve because they nurture and encourage them when no one else sees that special glimmer and quality of mastery that is often overlooked by others. In many cases, a student may have been told that they would not amount to very much; however, a teacher encouraged them to persevere and they did so successfully. We must realize that students would not have exposure to social etiquettes and events if schools and teachers did not pave the way for them. Young ladies sometimes become debutants through selections at schools; you men became gentlemen through opportunities to participate in community events. The nine-months of each year provide a means for students to become productive adults. As we are faced with the Coronavirus, we must pause and recognize the impact that schools and teachers have on our lives. This void of not having the normal routine of school and teachers shows us that we should appreciate teachers every day of the year. Realistically, facing the new normal of what school will be like after the Coronavirus for children, parents and the community is almost a scary thought. Oh, how we must all Pay, Appreciate and THANK a teacher.