I am many things. A woman, a Christian, a sister, a daughter, a friend. I am also a teacher.

As opposed to writing about how teachers are undervalued in society during Teacher Appreciation Week, I’m going to write about what I appreciate as a teacher. Here goes:

I appreciate my students. They are brilliant. They challenge me and they allow me to challenge them. They show gratitude. They misbehave. They force me to set clear expectations for excellence and then they expect me to help them get there. They keep me humble, and always force me to examine if my intentions are genuine. Serving them is a pleasure.

I appreciate parents. We say a lot about how parents don’t do enough, and in some ways we are unfair. I always believe that parents want what’s best for their kids. We may disagree on what that is, or what that looks like, or even how to get that for the kids…but it’s extremely difficult for me to believe that parents DON’T want to provide the best opportunities available for their kids. I appreciate the fact that they trust me with their babies. In many cases, I spend more time per week with kids than their parents do. I never want to jeopardize their trust.

I appreciate the unsung heroes of my school: the cafeteria staff, custodial staff, bus drivers; all who do the work that no one wants to do with a smile and a spirit of excellence. Without them, our school community would be so different. They truly embody Colossians 3:23.

My work as a teacher is far from perfect, but it is made easier and more enjoyable by the factors I listed above. And for that, I am grateful and most appreciative.

Until next time…