Perspective: Appreciating teachers

Have you hugged a teacher lately? Or for that matter, have you told any teacher you appreciate the work that he or she does?

At this time of year there may be some teachers who could use a little encouragement.

Plain and simple, teachers can get a little tired by the time May rolls around.

Years ago, when I was classroom teacher, I spent summers doing construction work. It was definitely a change of pace.

Once after a long day of work in the July heat, a fellow construction worker asked, "I'll bet you don't get this tired teaching school do you?"

I replied, "Yes, I do, but it's a different kind of tired."

And it is. Work that is physically demanding will make a body weary and will usually provide sound sleep.

Teaching, on the other hand, doesn't necessarily drain a person physically, but it does mentally and emotionally.

And at this time, there is a good chance that the teacher that has helped your son or daughter since August, the one that you have grown to appreciate very much, just may be emotionally and mentally fatigued.

It is most appropriate that the Jefferson City Public School District holds an annual teacher appreciation banquet (most recently on May 1).

It is also fitting that May 5-9 was designated as Teacher Appreciation Week.

Education is certainly a profession worthy of such honors because teaching is not merely a job; it is a calling that regularly changes lives for the better.

A short book called "Purpose for Everyday Living for Teachers" has a collection of thoughts and quotes about touching young lives.

One selection from its pages reads this way: "Life is a team sport, and all of us need occasional pats on the back from our teammates and our coaches. Great teachers, like great coaches, inspire their students to learn, to work, to grow, and to persevere. Never has the need been greater for teachers who understand the art of encouragement. This world can be a difficult place, and countless students may be troubled by the challenges of everyday life. Our task, as teachers, is to become beacons of encouragement inside the classroom and out."

You will be very pleased to know that thousands and thousands of teachers everywhere take their calling seriously in that regard.

At this stage in the school year, perhaps it is time that we encourage the encouragers.

Maybe there is a teacher from your past who needs a note of thanks from you. If you haven't written such a note, it is long overdue.

Or maybe you need to express your appreciation for a special teacher who has really made an impression upon your child throughout this school year.

Sometimes a teacher may find himself or herself wondering if all of the effort is paying off. A kind and sincere word from you would be like a soothing balm, and would live forever in a teacher's heart.

David Wilson, EdD, is one of the assistant principals at Jefferson City High School. You may e-mail him at [email protected].