A huge, gigantic, heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every teacher who puts in the work, day in and day out, to educate the young minds of our future. 
Let’s go beyond teacher appreciation week and keep showing up for those who show up for young minds across the country year-round.
Teachers and caregivers work tirelessly to educate and inspire the next generation, often going above and beyond the call of duty to support their students. They do not do the work for glamor, fame, or fortune. They do it because they care. As a society, we owe it to our teachers to provide them with the support they need to do their jobs effectively.
One way to support teachers is by providing them with the resources they need to do their jobs. This includes not only funding for books and supplies, but also access to technology and professional development opportunities. Teachers need to be able to stay up to date on the latest teaching techniques and technologies, and they need the resources to be able to implement them effectively in their classrooms. As a first step, see if your child’s teacher has an Amazon Wishlist that you can contribute to!
Not all support means $$$. Another way to support teachers is simply by recognizing and appreciating the hard work they do. Teachers work long hours, and they often spend their own money on supplies and materials for their classrooms. A simple "thank you" or a note of appreciation can go a long way in showing teachers that their hard work is valued and appreciated.
Teachers can't do it alone. When a call goes out for parent volunteers, see if it can work with your schedule! When you spend some time in the classroom to help prep for lessons, go on a field trip as a group leader, or sign up on the snack calendar—you’re not only bonding with your kiddo, but you’re also supporting a teacher and helping lighten their load, even just a little.
One of the more powerful ways we can make a difference is by advocating for policies that benefit teachers and their students. This includes advocating for increased funding for education, smaller class sizes, and fair compensation for teachers. By advocating for these policies, we can help ensure that our teachers are able to provide the best possible education for all children. Need a way to get started? Ask your local and state government leaders to learn more about what actions they are taking to support your local public school systems. And don’t be afraid to ask your children’s teachers what they think about the support they are receiving from your local and state governments!
It's also important to support teachers by ensuring that they have a safe and supportive work environment—not only physical safety but also emotional safety. Teachers need to feel supported by their colleagues, administrators, and the greater community we are a part of. They need to be able to voice their concerns and receive feedback in a way that is constructive and respectful. We should always remember to have our ears and minds open when speaking with educators!
Hopefully, we have given you some ideas to think about. We can’t do it all, but we should do what we can! Supporting our teachers is essential for the success of our education system. Young minds develop quickly, and educators play a huge part in how they will move through the rest of their lives. Teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of our society, and they deserve our respect, appreciation, and support. We can all do our part (whether we have kiddos or not) to ensure that our teachers have the resources, recognition, and support they need to do their jobs effectively! Let’s keep showing up for them, just like they have always done for us.
