A reality of present-day teaching is that we are more likely to hear from our students’ parents and other caretakers when they have a question, concern, or request than when they want to thank us. Yet, their silence does not necessarily mean that they do not appreciate us and what we do. They may not show or tell us, and they may not even know specifically what we did, but they can see and feel in their child the difference we make.
The truth is that our days are filled with hundreds of actions that make a difference in the lives of our students. Because they matter to our students, they matter to their parents—even when they are not aware of what we have done.
For the time and effort you invest in planning and delivering instruction—and the other seemingly innumerable tasks that fill your days and, for many of you, your nights and weekends, we want to say thank you. Additionally, on behalf of the parents and guardians of your students, please accept our gratitude for the things you do without planning, expected recognition, or even a second thought that make a significant and lifelong difference for the young lives you touch each day!
Thanks for the minute you took to engage when my child wanted to share a story, celebrate a victory, or grieve a setback. Your listening made my child feel valued and cared for.
Thanks for the excitement you shared when my child reached a goal, overcame a struggle, or made a new friend. You made my child feel important.
Thanks for the confidence you offered when success was not obvious and my child began to doubt. You instilled hope when my child needed it.
Thanks for the encouragement you shared when my child needed a boost and could not see the path forward. You made my child feel competent.
Thanks for the nudging you did when my child was ready to take the easy path. You reminded my child that life’s challenges are to be engaged, not bypassed.
Thanks for the commitment you demonstrated when my child struggled and needed more tools, time, and tenacity. You reminded my child that using the right resources and giving their best effort can bring success within reach.
Thanks for the flexibility you offered when my child did not follow the obvious learning path and needed more options and time. You provided reassurance that success is not always linear and the path to learning may not always be straight.
Thanks for the compassion you showed when my child did not make the best choice. Your understanding helped my child learn from the experience, not just regret it.
Thanks for the knowledge you imparted that sparked a passion in my child’s learning. Your excitement for learning is an inspiration.
Thanks for the patience you revealed when my child hesitated and lacked the courage to do what was hard and risked not finding success. Your willingness to stay positive while pressing forward gave my child the support and reassurance needed when it mattered most.
It is true that we often are not thanked when we deserve it. What we do may not always be noticed or fully appreciated. Yet, what is most important is the difference we make in the lives of our students. On behalf of the parents and caretakers of your students, THANK YOU! WHAT YOU DO MATTERS!
