August is the month that teachers, students, administrators, and staff have returned to school and administrative buildings full of emotions; excitement for a new year, anxiety about the unknown, apprehension about change, or sadness of knowing that your classmate will not be with you this year.  Regardless of the circumstances, level of education, or modality of teaching, we could not return to learning without our passionate and dedicated teachers.

Despite the news that there is a nationwide teacher shortage, we want to say THANK YOU to our teachers that have returned or will be returning to the classroom this fall. THANK YOU to those teachers that have decided to retire or leave the profession. We know that this was not an easy decision, but your hard work and dedication do not go overlooked by the community-at-large.

Today more than ever we have seen how teachers take on expanded roles in the classroom to ensure that their students not only learn but are protected by potential threats or hazards. On average, K-12 teachers spend approx. 7 – 8 hours a day, 140-160 a month, 1,400-1,600 a year preparing for class, attending meetings, and teaching all while taking on the roles of counselor, mentor, guardian, and friend to students of all ages.  

The question that is asked time and again is why is the pay for teachers so low when as a society we emphasize education as the stepping stone for an individual to be a highly productive member of society? Education can lead to productive career paths which increase self-worth and independence while minimizing juvenile delinquency, illiteracy, and incarceration.  We must continue to cheer and be advocates for our teachers, showing them high value beyond what is normal.

Teachers are valuable and we THANK YOU!