A teacher is so much than just a teacher.
A teacher is a mentor, a role model, an example.
They help us learn so much that isn’t in a book- like how to wait our turn, how to respectfully disagree, or how to interact with our peers. In the world of children this is learning to survive and thrive. But in the adult world, we call these “soft skills,” and they are things that are much harder to teach and ingrain at the later stages of adulthood. Some of them were taught as young as 1st grade and reiterated year after year. Thank you to the teachers who helped us figure out how rock that job interview, or sit in that conference room with confidence and garner respect from our peers, bosses, and subordinates. And thank you to the teachers who taught us how to pass these lessons on.
A teacher is a partner.
As a parent now, I see how teachers are continuing what parents begin. Hearing from more than one trusted adult about an expectation makes it much easier to meet. Finding out that a rule isn’t just “because I said so” but because those in authority care about us and our safety. It makes it easier to follow. Finding out we are valued and loved by more than just the people who made us and raise us reinforces that belief. And where that partnership isn’t strong- a teacher stands there anyway and teaches the same expectations and rules. They value and love their students regardless. Thank you to the teachers our parents partnered with, and to the teachers we will partner with for our children.
A teacher is a listener.
To those teachers who take the time to build relationships with their students and listen to them. To really listen to them. Whether the drama and trauma is between friends or romance related or filled with complicated family stuff, having someone to listen and hear our troubles teaches us that we are valued. And when we are ecstatic about an achievement they celebrate with us. Thank you to the teachers who hear us.
A teacher is a boundary setter.
In our childhood we learn the basics of what lines we can cross. We learn what is appropriate where. We test those boundaries and receive feedback, sometimes in the way of praise and sometimes in the way of discipline. We do that in a safe environment because our teachers are helping us walk those lines and learn those lessons. Thank you to the teachers who stand firm and teach us not just the basics, but the intricacies of right and wrong.
A teacher is a fosterer of dreams and skills.
Teachers are some of the first to realize the myriad skills their students show. They get the opportunity to continue building them. To connect those skills with future careers and dreams. They help a writer become an author. They help a science buff believe they will be a surgeon. They help a tinkerer become an engineer. Thank you to teachers that help us believe we CAN be anything.
A teacher is a friend.
No, not always, sometimes they are the disciplinarian or the taskmaster. But often teachers become our allies and friends. This can happen quickly or years later. But the teachers who share with us a part of them give us the opportunity to have friendships that span generations. The value in friendships that are multigenerational is remarkable. Knowing individuals that have been where we walk gives us inspiration, real advice, and trust that we too will see our adventures to the other side. Thank you to the teachers who become our friends.
Teaching is more than a profession. It is a calling. Not just any individual can stand in these spaces and inspire. They believe in so much more than just their content- they believe in their students. Past, present, and future, thank you to our teachers.