8 Things You Should Know About Teachers

As summer break winds down to a close, I am reminded that a new school year is on the horizon. Summer always seems to go by so fast. Every summer, I put together a “special projects” list. Some summers are more productive than others. This summer was both productive and busy. I was able to get a few of my special projects checked off the list. So that feels good! This summer I also took on a part time job working for my church. Needless to say, it was a busy one!

It’s hard to believe that I will be starting my 14th year in education this year. Where did the time go?? Growing up with a mom who was a teacher, I told myself that I was NOT going to be a teacher. I always thought I would do something else… not sure what… but it DEFINITELY was NOT going to be teaching. My mom used to always tell me that I was going to be a teacher… and I always dismissed that idea… but here I am… working in education… Who knew!! 

Thankfully I’ve been really blessed to work with some amazing people. I am so gr8ful for those that I have gotten to know and work with over these past 13 years.  I have also been able to work in different positions over the years, so that has helped keep me on my toes and grow tremendously as a professional.

As I think about this new school year that is beginning, and what being a teacher has been like for me, I wanted to share 8 things I think you should know about teachers.

1. We are DEFINITELY NOT in it for the money

Teachers do not go into education dreaming about all the money that we will make, the fancy cars we will drive and the huge houses we will live in. We go into it thinking about the lives and futures that we will impact. While there are opportunities to grow and move up the salary ladder, that increase comes with years and years of experience… and that’s only if you stay in the field of education. Many teachers leave the profession altogether.  I know the following saying “teaching is a calling” is  cliche, but to be completely honest with you… it is soo TRUE!! You really have to feel called to this profession to work in a job where the work is “much” but the pay is “few”. Which brings me to my next point…  

2. We’ve earned every day that we get off

This is so true. I will start by saying what every teacher really wants to say when someone makes the following comment “Oh you are so lucky, you get summers, spring break and Christmas break off, etc.” Not trying to be rude… but please don’t say that to a teacher!! Honestly… as hard as we work during the days that we are not off, we have earned those days. For most of us, we are using those days off to rest and recuperate from all the stress and demands that teaching requires from us on the daily. Most of those days we are trying to get caught up on life and to constantly hear how “lucky” we are to have that time off gets a bit annoying after a while. Yep!! I said it!! #sorrynotsorry 

3. Our summers are not endless vacations at the beach

As much as people want to think this… it is far from the truth… Don’t get me wrong, summer break is great, but many times teachers are required to attend professional development training during the summer. So while we have time off, it always gets cut into by trainings. Some teachers even have to work during summer school, so they really don’t get a break at all. 

Every summer I try to make sure that I disconnect from work altogether. If I don’t make a conscience effort to do that, I find myself checking and responding to emails, going up to the school to work to complete a small task, which then turns into several small tasks.  I’m very proud of how I’ve been able to “disconnect” this summer and really try to take a break mentally. This break has been really good and now I feel more energized and ready to return to school.

4. Work doesn’t end for us at 3:30

Teachers work very long hours. Our day does not end at 3:30 p.m. In fact it doesn’t really end at all. Teachers bring work home. With all that we have to do during the day, including monitoring our students all day (except for a 30 minute duty free lunch and planning period which most times is spent collaborating with other teachers) we don’t have enough time to get EVERYTHING we need to get done during school hours. So most times we have to bring work  home just to prevent ourselves from getting behind. In addition to that, we attend staff meetings after school and are required to participate in some evening events.  Needless to say, when we get home, we are TIRED! 

5. We really do care about our students… A LOT

Most teachers… great teachers… really care about their students. When we’ve been able to build trust and relationships with them, they become  like our own children. We worry about them at times, especially those who have major challenges at home. We try to do all that we can to help and we really do want the best for our students. We try to encourage them to work hard, set high expectations for them and really want to see them do well. And when they do well and accomplish their goals, we celebrate them as our own. This past June I attended the graduation for some of the students that I first had back in 2010. To see how much they’ve grown and watch them walk across that stage was one of the best and proudest moments I’ve had. It was wonderful to see how they have grown into such great young adults and to know that I was able to play some part in their success means more than words can say.

6. Sometimes we lose students

I know what you’re thinking… let me explain… In the 13 years that I have been teaching, three of my former students have passed away. I remember it like it was yesterday… During my first year teaching in Maryland, the week of Labor Day I received news that I was NOT prepared for. One of my students, who I had just seen the week prior and told to “have a wonderful weekend”, had been shot and killed over the weekend. I remember the day the Principal and counselor pulled me into the office to inform me. I was numb and didn’t even know what to say. My heart literally dropped. It was soooo sad, and what made it even harder was that it was believed to be a result of gang violence/retaliation on one of her family members. I remember saying to myself that moving forward, from that day on, I would make sure that my students really knew how much I loved and cared for them.  Losing a student (especially in that way) was something that I NOT was prepared for… But in reality who really is? With all of the school shootings going on these days, losing students is a reality for many teachers. We think about the safety of our students CONSTANTLY. We are always on high alert when we are in our school buildings because unfortunately, there’s always that possibility, however small it is, that our school could be next. I really respect the teachers and school staff who are willing to do whatever it takes to keep their students safe… even to the point of losing their own lives to do so. They are selfless and are true heroes in my eyes.

7. We always wonder if we are doing enough

Yes, this is something that we always think about as teachers. This is why we are so focused on collecting data so that we can see what’s working, what’s not and adjust accordingly. Whether it’s instructionally, the behavior supports we provide, or more. Student achievement and success is, for most teachers, the main goal and we want to make sure that we are giving our students everything they need to be successful. Whether that’s extra support with academics, a listening ear or just someone to say “you’re doing a great job!”. Teachers wear many hats, we are instructors, life coaches, cheerleaders, supporters, mentors, helping hands, motivators, leaders, advocates…. you get the idea… and we are willing to wear them if it means our students will be successful in the present and most importantly in the future… Which leads me to my final point…

8. Teaching is one of the hardest but most rewarding jobs

While teaching is one of the hardest jobs, it is also the most rewarding. One of the BEST feelings in the world is when you’re trying to teach a student a concept… and have used 27 different ways to illustrate it… and they FINALLY get it!! I’m telling you… it’s like winning your dream car!!! Seriously!! Seeing students learn, grow and be successful means more to teachers than a new shiny car or a huge house. 

So yes teaching is a calling… one that most take very seriously. So the next time you see a teacher, please thank them for all the hard work they do. Many times teaching is a thankless job, and it’s easy to get discouraged but as a teacher, I know how much a simple “thank you” can mean. Hey, you could even  reach out to one of your old teachers today and thank them for the part they played in your education and future. Trust me… you will completely make their day…and you’ll be glad you did! 

So with all that said, as I prepare to start another year in education, I am excited and gr8ful for the opportunity to impact student lives the way that I can. Yes, I could always use more “summer vacation”, but in all honesty… I’m ready and excited to get back in the saddle and knock out another successful and productive year! Let’s do this!!!

Alright teacher/educator friends, I want to hear from you!! What are some other things you would like to add to this list? Please share in the comments below!

And to my non-teacher friends, I would love to hear your thoughts as well! Please share in the comments below!!

And as always… Thank you to everyone for stopping by!!

Gr8fully Yours!!