Real Talk
I know you think nobody sees you at the store on a Saturday slipping something special into your cart for your kids at school, but I do.
I know you think nobody sees you show up early to school and leave when it’s dark out that same day, but I do.
I know you think nobody knows you cry real tears over those kids, but there’s not an ounce of doubt in my mind that you worry about them.
Though I may not physically witness these things with my eyes, I see you.
And I appreciate you.
You don’t hear that much, do you? I can only imagine that it’s hard being the lone adult in a classroom of 25. That’s 25 unique personalities and identities. That’s 25 family situations and 25 sets of parents to please. There’s one of you and 25 of everything.
To my child’s teacher—
I want you to know I’m here to cheer you on; I’m not here to pick apart every move you make. I’m not here to whisper about you behind your back or post about your shortcomings on Facebook. I’m here to hype you up for the value that you add to my child’s life, and I’m here to help when it becomes too much.
Are you short on time? Let me know when I can come read a book to the class. Do you need some new classroom décor? Tell me what you need and I’ll make it. Are your supplies running out? Please don’t spend any more of your money, I will go get it. You deserve so much more than a pack of pencils or paper towels though. Is there something you WANT? A gift card? Coffee? Wine? I would too in your shoes; we can make it happen.
To my child’s teacher–
I will never understand how someone could criticize you so harshly, or not want the best for you. You have our children. You’re doing so much EVERY SINGLE DAY with them. Sometimes, it feels like they’re with you even more than us. How can so many in our society fail to see the weight of your responsibilities?
When a new education law is passed, it’s you that catches the blame. Bad grades? That falls on you, too. Failing test scores? It’s your fault again, right?
On behalf of all of society, I’m sorry. They’ll probably never give you the apology you deserve but at the very least, you can hear it from me. I’m sorry for the pressure you feel. I’m sorry that what you’re doing is most definitely NOT what you signed up for (yet you handle it with such grace anyways). I’m sorry on behalf of anyone who’s made an ill remark about you without knowing the whole story.
If my child is misbehaving, I promise to believe you. Sure, I will speak with them, too; but my child is capable of error and I will never dismiss his actions without investigating. If he’s in the wrong—he will not be without consequence. I don’t tolerate disrespect and he won’t ever hear me say a negative thing about you. If we do experience an issue—because life happens—it will stay between us because it’s no one’s business but ours.
Don’t even get me started on the extra crazy that this year brings. You wouldn’t know it watching you, though. You’re the daily “calm” for our kids in 2020. In the middle of hybrid learning, health scares, and a whole lot of “new”, you are the glue that’s holding these schools together.
Today, I want you to know that you’re not alone. I may not be able to understand what you go through, and I may not be able to force people to treat you like you deserve—but if nothing else, I want you to know that I will always see and appreciate the work you do.
