By Sarah Ostergaard
May can be a grueling time for students and teachers alike. For teachers, next year’s binding contracts are due May 10. For everyone, it’s testing time. This time of year at school, everyone seems tired. But teachers continue to rally their students to keep pushing and excel, write letters of recommendation, proctor mind-numbing tests during planning periods, and remain steadfast for students and all their joys, worries, and needs.
This is Teacher Appreciation Week. Celebrated annually during the first week of May in the U.S., this tradition began as a single day of recognition in the 1950s and expanded to a full week in the 1980s.
We say thank you to the teachers who have such a vital role in shaping our children and our communities.
When the final bell rings, many assume the day is done for teachers. It is not; a teacher’s job continues long after students head home. Teachers spend hours outside the official school day and district-approved calendar – evenings, weekends, breaks – grading assignments, offering feedback, and planning lessons that make learning engaging and relevant. They carefully craft activities that reach students with different learning styles, ensuring that each child has a chance to succeed.
In addition to academic responsibilities, teacher contracts include the phrase “and additional duties as assigned” that means they can’t decline the extra duties that keep schools running smoothly. They cover colleagues’ classes when there aren’t enough substitute teachers, proctor testing, walk the hallways to encourage students to stop lingering and get to class, monitor bus arrival and dismissal to make sure students arrive and go home safely. They supervise lunchrooms, hallways, and recess yards. These moments aren’t highlighted in the media and many are unaware. These “additional duties” help create a safe and welcoming environment for students to learn and grow. And if teachers did not do these services in addition to the academic requirements, districts would have to pay: hire lunchtime aides, pay for playground monitors, raise the substitute teacher pay to attract more applicants, etc.
Teachers also sponsor clubs, coach athletic teams, direct school plays, and organize events like science fairs, art shows, and family nights. Some of these have a (usually) meager stipend like $1500 for the year for a club that meets once a week and competes on Saturdays. These extracurriculars are often some of the most meaningful, memorable, and educational experiences students have, and they wouldn’t happen without teachers who essentially volunteer their time.
What can we do as a community? Your time, talent, treasure, and voice. A simple thank you can go a long way. A note, email, or kind word in the car line or grocery store reminds teachers that their efforts are seen and valued. Attend school events and show up for the programs teachers work hard to organize. Your presence sends a message that you care about what’s happening in your local schools. If you have time or resources, consider volunteering or donating to a classroom. Whether it’s tissues and pencils or books and educational games, small contributions can make a big difference.
Finally, let’s remember that teaching is often a labor of love, but it’s still labor. Teachers deserve respect, reasonable expectations, and the freedom to focus on what they do best: teaching.
To all the teachers in our community — thank you. Thank you for your patience, creativity, and commitment. Thank you for believing in our children and giving them the knowledge and confidence to succeed. This week, and every week, we appreciate you.
