Please feel free to add to this list in the comment section.
- Teachers in public school teach all children—they reject no one.
- Teachers choose teaching because of their subject and mostly because they like the students.
- Teachers don’t pick their careers for the money.
- Their teaching is free (well except for AP).
- Many teachers pay-out-of-pocket for materials.
- Teachers protect their students.
- Teachers support parents and can be a great back-up.
- Teachers encourage students to do their best.
- They take students on exciting field trips.
- Teachers create interesting lesson plans.
- They decorate their classrooms even in the poorest schools.
- Each teacher has a different and interesting personality.
- Teachers listen and help solve problems.
- Teachers correct students so they don’t make fools out of themselves.
- They make students laugh.
- Teachers help students plan for the future.
- They evaluate student work.
- Teachers study to understand how to be good teachers.
- Teachers give students paper and writing tools when they forget to bring their own.
- Teachers connect families to outside resources.
- Teachers keep teaching even when they feel bad.
- They teach students how to read, do math, and other subjects.
- Teachers believe in their students and advocate for them.
- They help students make good choices.
- Teachers struggle to do what’s right for students.
Teachers are having a rough time. Many in this country don’t like teachers and blame them for all the problems in the world. Teachers like to see students return to visit, or hear from them so they can see how they turned out. Help turn it around. Support your public school teachers.
Don’t forget it is teacher appreciation week. Tell your teachers thanks. That’s all they really want. And respect them all year round.
To all the wonderful teachers I know–thank you!
Teachers care for each student even if no one at their home does.
Teachers will bring in clothing for students who do not have much of their own.
Teachers give out rewards to motivate the students or reward them for doing their best.
Teachers give up hours and hours of their lives to do work for their students.
Thank you, Vicky! So true!
This brought tears to my eyes. It is a complete assessment for what I miss about being a public school teacher. Every item on this list is absolutely true. I have driven (gas mileage and some meager pay) to kid’s homes who were ill or expelled or for what other reason could not attend school. I loved accepting every child that was enrolled in my class from day one to a week before the last class of the school year. The money, the hours, the after school one on one with a student having troubles. The good kids, the not so good kids. Thank you for compiling this list. It is so hard to explain what it was about teaching that I loved. It wasn’t the money, it was to give back to the kids that I cared about and, yes, loved very much. Oh the stories to share!!!!!!!
Thank you, John. Many of those qualities cannot be measured. And we all have wonderful stories we will never forget! Take care.
The main thing that makes teachers satisfied is getting along well with the staff including the principle. Money surely does come far down that list. An open climate at school surely does impact teacher satisfaction positively more than a closed climate.
Paul, That’s an excellent point! Everyone from the office staff to the custodians help with the smooth running and atmosphere of a school. I think the office staff is important when it comes to parents too. I’ve been in school offices that are cold and uninviting. And I have been in offices with student artwork on the walls and where everyone is pleasant and welcoming. The principal sets the stage–you’re right.. Thank you!