T.E.A.C.H.er Appreciation Month, Part #3

 We've been celebratingTeacher Appreciation Month! I've been focusing on the acronym T.E.A.C.H. Each week I've been sharing a word that reflects how wonderful our educators are and ways we can show our appreciation for each other. Last week the focus was on E- effort. This week we will shift to the next letter- A- actions.

There is an old saying "actions speak louder than words." While I believe that educators' words are very powerful and influential, I also know that teachers show acts of selflessness and love for their students everyday. Their actions demonstrate this clearly. Teachers know their students the best and what their needs are. They do not hesitate to buy their students snacks, school supplies, or even a winter coat. Teachers listen to their students, provide them with words of encouragement and comfort. Teachers notice when their student doesn't feel well, or needs extra support. They take the actions necessary to provide their students with the very best of what they have. 

There are some actions that are not always visible. Teachers show up early and leave late. They bring work home with them. They attend sports events and sit in the front row of the audience for the school play. Teachers volunteer to host family nights and engage with the community.  These events take time, resources and planning that teachers do not even hesitate to leap into. 

What's important to remember is that these actions are truly from the heart, and teachers want to do these things for their students. They wouldn't give up their own personal time if it wasn't worth it! Educators know that in teaching, there are many more layers than just academics. The goal is to teach the whole child, and for that, your heart and mind has to be in completely. 

Some educators enjoy sharing their hard work with others, highlighting those moments of victory and even the challenges, sharing what worked and was successful. Others prefer to keep this to themselves, making it harder to see their actions easily. 

Let's all take some time this week to look around us and notice the great things that teachers are doing for their students and the community, whether it's easily visible or not. Whether big or small, the actions of other teachers deserve recognition. What actions can we take to help others feel noticed and appreciate what they do? Let's take action and show teachers we appreciate them! 

Final Thoughts- Keep up all of the positive actions you take as a teacher- every student is worth it! Keep making a difference everyday. Keep noticing the small and big actions of others and recognize them for it. Every educator deserves to be noticed. Finally, keep an eye out for the actions that may not be so noticeable and thank the teacher behind those actions!