Teachers are one of the most powerful people in the world. They hold a position of influence and the future of the world depends on how they use the power of influence. From daycare to graduate school, those in teaching positions influence our perception of self and the world.
Unfortunately, some of these powerful people are underpaid and underappreciated in the United States. Particularly, those caring for our children in the early years of life when personalities and neural connections that may have lifetime impacts are formed. Readers outside the U.S., I would like to know if teachers are underpaid and underappreciated in your country.
If you are a caregiver or early childhood educator reading this, please know that you matter. Like me, many parents are thankful for you and we appreciate you. You are not a “glorified babysitter”. You are powerful, important, and valuable in every society. The way you care and respond to those little ones will impact their adult life. Some of the little ones you care for do not have someone to model a loving, caring, and responsive relationship to them at home. You are in the best position to show them what love looks like and we are grateful that you sacrificially show love to children under your care.
Moms of children in daycare, preschool, and beyond, let’s take time this week to appreciate teachers and those who care for our children. Leave a Thank You note, tell them you appreciate what they do and let them know you mean it, buy them gifts, and most importantly, pray for them. Don’t wait till it is Teacher’s Day. While I commended dedicating a day, weeks, and months to celebrate people or events, oftentimes people forget to continue celebrating those people every other day. Appreciate teachers anytime and as often as possible. It makes a difference in the lives of those teachers and your children will benefit from your seed of appreciation.