Appreciate Teachers By Understanding What They Do

Unlike many careers, teaching is well understood. Nearly everyone has attended school and has had experience interacting with teachers. In their minds, there is no question as to what teachers do because 15 (or however many) years ago, they were sitting in a classroom learning from a teacher. People also don't seem to look to teachers as a source of advice, and rarely is teaching seen as a rewarding career. This, to me, is an indication that, unlike many other careers (even non-prestigious ones), there is an assumption that teaching hasn't changed in the last 15-20 years, and that teachers don't hold enough expertise to be able to provide a huge financial reward.

The Reality is that teaching is not what it was 15 years ago. Teachers are expected to track student data, integrate technology, map their teaching to standards and be familiar with the diverse ways in which their students learn, while also doing daily things like taking attendance, getting students to lunch on time, tying shoes, resolving conflict, grading homework, and all the while making sure that all of their students learn. They also work with families and with the community, creating partnerships and navigating the difficult world of interpersonal relationships. Teachers tend to be highly educated (usually at their own expense), with their certification often dependent on continuous learning. The teaching career at this point in time is as demanding and professional as some of the most prestigious careers.

The next time you talk to a teacher, ask them why they got into teaching. Ask them about their favorite reading strategies, or a recent project their students worked on that they are really proud of. Ask them for advice for your own child's education. Ask them for their opinion on the Common Core Standards, IB programme, IPC, IGCSC, WAEC, NECO, National curriculum or for their favorite learning website or tool in the classroom. If they have some great suggestions, ask them a favor -- ask them to send those resources to you by email, or write them down on the spot.

For true, you will agree that best way to appreciate a teacher is to appreciate the hard work that they do and their high level of expertise by allowing them to share the positive and professional aspects of their career. Too often, we focus on the negativity that surrounds the profession in the news, and conversation turns to working conditions, class size, union issues or other outside forces that teachers have little control over.