May 6th through May 10th is Teacher Appreciation Week. So, I want to dedicate this post to all hard-working teachers out there who…
- Spend their own money on classroom supplies. Did you know that, on average, teachers spend more than $500 in the classroom and 90% purchase supplies for students whose families are unable to afford them?
- Works 50+ hours a week. That averages out to more than 400 hours of overtime each year… that we do not get compensated for!
- Go the extra mile. More than 65% of teachers paid for food or covered the cost of field trips for their students.
- Lives on 4 to 7 hours of sleep. Only 18% of teachers get 8 or more hours of sleep per night. I am definitely not in the 18%!
- Purchase clothing for students. Did you know that 1 in 3 teachers purchase items that includes gloves, hats, shoes, and shoe laces?
- Boosted a student’s self-esteem and confidence. 88% of people/parents say a teacher had a significant, positive impact on their lives or the lives of their children.
- Made a difference in a student’s life. 98% of people say a teacher can change the course of a student’s life.
- Will be remembered. On average, teachers affect more than 3,000 students during their career!
- Care. We bandage the scraps, heal bruised hearts, mend spirits, listen, often see illnesses before the parents does, and so much more.
To all of you amazing teachers, and there are a lot, who work hard to make a difference in the lives of your students, know that you are valued!!! No matter how your year has been going, good or bad, take a moment to close your eyes and remember why you wanted to be a teacher. Let that be the fuel to take you through the rest of the school year!
For Teacher Appreciation Week, and especially on Tuesday, Teacher Appreciation Day, some businesses want to celebrate us. Here is a list!