Frank: I think I’m going to get Professor Meade something
for Teacher Appreciation Week.
Do you want to go in on it with me?
Sophia: Why would I want to get my teacher anything for Teacher Appreciation Week?
I don’t exactly appreciate all the assignments she gives me.
And I definitely didn’t appreciate the B-minus I got on my last test.
Frank: Well, there’s a lot to appreciate.
I’ve appreciated most of the teachers I’ve had regardless of all the homework they’ve
assigned or disappointing grades that I’ve gotten.
Professor Meade…
well, I appreciate her for everything she does.
She’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had.
She’s patient and approachable.
Her lessons are always clear, she answers all our questions, she goes out of her way
to make time for us after class, she … Sophia: Okay, okay…
I get it.
I guess you’re right.
She is a great teacher.
Frank: She absolutely is!
Teacher Appreciation Week is held the first week of May every year to celebrate teachers
for all their hard work.
It used to be just a one-day thing a long time ago.
It was Eleanor Roosevelt who actually pushed Congress to make a special day to recognize
teachers.
Then they changed it to a week-long celebration a while back.
Sophia: It’s interesting, but why should we celebrate teachers just for doing their
job?
I mean, it’s what they get paid to do.
It’s their job.
Frank: Teachers do way more than JUST teach.
Teachers take extra pride in their work.
They deal with difficult students.
They have to listen to excuses and complaints by students and parents.
Teachers care about every student and make sure each student receives what they need
in the classroom to be successful.
Teachers work well beyond their school hours.
A lot of teachers work before and after their shift.
They bring their work home with them every day.
Sophia: Yeah, you’re right.
Some of our teachers seem to pretty much live at school.
Frank: They devote a lot of their time, energy, and resources to their students.
So, it is important that we take the time and make the effort to recognize everything
they do.
Sophia: I appreciate that Professor Meade goes the extra mile to make class fun.
Okay, so what can we do to show her we appreciate her?
Frank: Like I said…let’s get her a small gift.
It doesn’t have to be something expensive or extravagant or anything.
It’s the thought that counts.
And then let’s get her a card and write her a personal note expressing our gratitude.
A lot of people don’t realize all the hard work teachers do.
They are role models in schools and communities.
They teach us more than just history, geography, science, English and everything else.
They teach us how to be good citizens in our communities.
They teach us how to express our thoughts and opinions.
And when you’re very young, they teach you right from wrong.
They teach you manners, they teach you not to judge other people based on their skin
color, gender, looks, or background.
Teachers teach way more than how to read and add.
They teach and show you how to be a good person.