Thursday, August 11, 2016

A Back-to-School Salute to Teachers

Merriam Webster definition of a teacher
   That is such a limited description of a person whose job is truly limitless. I had the privilege of working with some outstanding teachers over the fifteen years I was in the public school system. My experience allowed me to observe teachers in their classrooms from the kindergarten through the twelfth grade.
   I was a child specific aide in many of the classes, a room mother in quite a few, and just a spare hand in others. My admiration for any person that chooses to teach is boundless. Every grade brings with it special challenges and it’s the teacher’s job to guide each student through the obstacles they may face. A young child often has separation anxiety while the teens are often rebellious and anxious to become adults. Unfortunately, many teachers are the only adult to show some of these young people any attention. It can be a heartbreaking job at times. The joy on a teacher’s face when a student “gets it” is obvious.
"A teacher must have" quote with cartoon teacher at her desk
   On many occasions, I have seen teachers use their own money to purchase supplies, clothes, food, and even prom dresses or rent tuxedos for students in need. These random acts of kindness aren’t made for recognition. They simply want to make a difference in the life of a child.
   Some think people choose to go into education so they can get summers off every year. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most of the teachers I know work two jobs year-round or spend their summers attending college classes, coaching, working with school clubs, traveling to educational seminars or preparing for the next school year.
   Choosing to make teaching your lifelong career is definitely a selfless one made for the love of education and helping children. It’s a new school year and a chance to influence a new group of students. I wish all of my friends in the school system a wonderful year.
Bentley Basset Hound sniffing a "The Returns" lunchbox in a classroom setting

*I was the president of my children’s PTSA for five terms. That made me President Clinton during the same time Bill Clinton was in office. This also made me the first female President Clinton, just sayin’…
                   What can a parent do to help?
·        Join your child’s school PTSA.
·        Attend teacher conferences
·        Don’t immediately take your child’s side. Children don’t always tell the “whole” story.
·        Most schools have their own website. Learn to navigate it and use it to keep up with your child’s tests, homework, etc.
·        Make sure that you are receiving progress reports and report cards.
·        Know your child’s friends.
·        Get involved and stay involved from kindergarten to graduation
   Are there a few bad teachers in the system? Of course, but the majority of our educators are devoted, intelligent, and grossly underpaid. Ask anyone you encounter today to name his or her favorite teacher. It doesn’t matter if the person is 18 or 88 years old, they will recall the name of that one special person who affected their life with a smile on their lips. We may only have a teacher for one year during our time in school but that one year can make a huge difference in our lives.
If you can read this…thank a teacher!
Back to school time is difficult for pets too. Here are 5 Tips to help your dog deal with this time of year.

37 comments :

  1. I wish all teacher a good new school year.... I needed a while to see that they are NOT my enemies (eggs-cept the a-hat principal) and after that realization I loved school and I counted the days during the long summer vacation. (hope no one of my former class mates reads this comment LOL)

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    1. A good teacher touches a life forever. Principals are the backbone of any school and can lead to its success or can cripple it.

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  2. We can't believe it's back to school time already. What happened to the summer??

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    1. That is my question! It seems as if they just got out for the summer.

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  3. No chance of school anything here. My mom hated school after the fourth grade. The only teacher she would say she liked was her high school debate coach. She always was bored and found school stressful and a waste of time. As she got older she even skipped school as much as she could! She was a bad girl, but still got good grades. Dog school for our sports, on the other paw is always fun and we love our teachers there. Obedience school is something mom dislikes as well.

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    1. I used school as a social gathering place. It was a great time but now I wish that I'd paid more attention.

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  4. that is one job I would never ever want - would hate to be a teacher - well actually I was a lecturer at University but older people I can cope with - could not handle those under 18 :)

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    1. I substituted in classes before and I am not cut out to be a teacher. LOL!

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  5. This teacher thanks you very much!!!!!!!!

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    1. I didn't know that you were a teacher! Thank you for making a difference. ☺

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  6. Great post! Our daughter-in-law (Ryan's Mom) is a fourth grade teacher.

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    1. Fourth grade is a great age because the kids aren't babies anymore but puberty hasn't hit yet! Thank your daughter-in-law for me. ♥

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  7. Kudos to all those dedicated teachers out there
    Lily & Edward

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    1. Indeed! A major wage increase is a great place to start. ☺

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  8. Such a wonderful recognition of and tribute to teachers! My human Gran taught first grade for 30 years. She still has students--now accomplished adults and parents of their own children--who come to visit her. Just goes to show you how important a teacher can be in a child's life.

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    1. I believe that everyone remembers their first grade teacher. I enjoyed working with the little ones.

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  9. My sister in law retired from teaching in May. She taught high school math....thankless job for sure. I was always amazed at the sass she got from some parents when she gave kids the grades the earned...not what they expect. This was in one class of 'delinquents' not as in crime but just plain could care less and no respect. When she had to deal with the parents she knew why the kids were like they were.
    Hugs madi and mom

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    1. It never ceased to amaze me how parents act toward teachers. Math teachers really get the short end of the stick because so many students don't learn the basics. By the time they get to high school, they are totally lost so they just disrupt the classrooms. Thank your sister-in-law for her years of service. ♥

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  10. Great advice for parents! I LOVED being a teacher! I taught 3rd and 4th graders for 35 years. It's amazing what kids remember from our year together. When I meet them in the neighborhood or talk to them on Facebook, even kids I knew in the 1970s remember stories I read to them, activities we did, and even what we ate at some of our parties! And I remember my favorite teacher Mrs. Nelson from 5th grade who taught me state capitals and read us Treasure Island.

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    1. Thank you so much for enriching the lives of so many young people. It was always fun to see students outside of school. I think the little ones believe that teachers and other adults from their schools just stay their 24/7. LOL! My favorite teacher instilled a love for quotes in me that has grown stronger each passing year.

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  11. A huge thank you from Claire : she's a primary school teacher, and goes back to school on Monday. She really enjoyed reading your wonderful tribute to teachers. We'll talk about back to school on our blog tomorrow. Purrs

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    1. Give her a hug and best wishes for an amazing new year. Schools open here on Monday also.

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  12. Yes, it's that time of year again!!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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    1. It is still so hot here for all the kiddos riding school buses. I feel sorry for them.

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  13. Fabulous post!! I would love to assist as you did, isn't it volunteer only? Our family is FULL of teachers!!! My husband taught Special Ed in the Inner City of Detroit for 36 yrs, his Mom owned a pre-school, my sister-in-law taught elementary, her daughter teaches elementary, we have two guidance counselors and a Speech Pathologist for elementary school! Tons of educators in our family! DakotasDen

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    1. That is awesome to have so many educators in your family! The PTSA and room mother was volunteer. I was at the school helping so much that the principal called and offered me a job as a child-specific aide for a little boy. It was a regular paying job. I did that until he went to middle-school. I also worked as an aide in the mild/moderate special ed class when I moved to the high school. It was very rewarding work. You'd be awesome at it. ☺

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  14. Oh, teachers are PAWSOME!!!! I just wish they were paid more, especially here. Our teachers can't even live here cause the cost of housing is so out of control. There are some ideas floating around to help them, I just hope they put something into place to help them, or all our kids around here are going to be in deep doggie poo poo!
    HIGH FIVE to the TEACHERS! and maybe a couple margaritas after hours...just sayin'....☺
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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    1. It is really sad how little we pay our teachers. They have one of the most important jobs in our country. We should at least provide them free margaritas! LOL!

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  15. Thank you for your years of service!! Teachers have always been my role models in life!

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    1. Thank you. It was a wonderful working with the teachers and students...most of the time! LOL!

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  16. 3 bum swings! 3 more!

    Pawsome salute to Teachers!

    Great tips for helping your dog deal with back to school.

    My huMom used to teach adult literacy. We understand that learning is a life long journey & those who help you along that journey are some of the most important people in your life.

    The first female President, President Clinton! BOL! 3 more bum swings!

    Nose nudges,
    CEO Olivia

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  17. My stepson and his wife are both teachers (she just tutors right now while she is home with their two boys) and it is tough work, and they really work hard!
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  18. Awe thanks for the great shoutout for the teachers! They are the best and so under recognized. Nice to meet you president Clinton, lol

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  19. Great post! I have had so many awesome teachers in my life who helped shape the adult I am today. Teachers are great!

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  20. Wonderful tribute to teachers! I don't think they always realize what an impact they have on kids of all ages. One kind thing, one small compliment can stick with a kid for years, even for their entire life!
    Love & biscuits
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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