With the new school year in full swing, I can already tell that the wonderful teachers serving our kiddos are getting progressively tired and probably need a little love. With the unending responsibilities, long hours, and exhaustive relational work of teaching kids of all ages, I think it would be a good idea for military community members to know how to encourage this amazing group of people.
Recently, I got to sit down with a military spouse who also worked as an elementary school teacher. In a stroke of luck, I met Rebecca at church during a season of homeschooling that left me desperately in need of a math tutor.
This phenomenal woman would come to my house, Monday through Wednesday, to teach 4th grade, 6th grade, and 8th grade mathematics. Bless that woman. My brain does not “math” and all of us- my children and myself- would be in tears before the first set of “Practice Questions.” Thank God for Rebecca and her unbelievable gift of encouraging children in learning.
This year, we decided as a family it was time to transition into a public-school setting. To say that it has been an adjustment would be the understatement of the year. It has not been without its own kind of tears, social anxiety, or hardships.
But I am making a concerted effort to bring a little joy into the lives of the men and women who are investing into my children’s education and pouring themselves out to serve their local communities. In interviewing Rebecca, she shared her favorite ways to be encouraged… a few helpful “Dos and Don’ts” if you will.
Do write little notes of encouragement. Words of affirmation are a big deal and communicating your expressed appreciation goes a long way. Even something as simple as a “post-it” note with a quick “Thank You” is meaningful.
Do send a snack. With teachers running around and being on their feet all day, you know they have to be a little hungry. Why not find out their favorite snacks, or send a few at the beginning of the term to hold them over.
Do offer to donate extra supplies. We all know teachers are spending their own money to supplement their classrooms and supply stores. Maybe see if there is a particular need in his/her classroom and offer to share the burden.
Do share a gift card. Teachers are often working long hours, grading papers on weekends, or laboring overtime. Sending a gift card for dinner, or even a gift card to save for a date night or an evening out with friends could encourage a teacher to rest well.
Do find out their favorite teaching tools and send a few. One of the first things my friend shared is that she LOVES Papermate pens. I know dry erase markers and folders are hot commodities (especially those elusive orange folders).
Don’t forget to be gracious in your communication. Sometimes, especially when there are any issues to be resolved, we forget to communicate in ways that assumes the best about the other person. Teachers are constantly berated by frustrated or angry parents. We can be gracious in our emails, notes, or other forms of connection.
Don’t buy scented items. While the intentions may be nice to send a fall scented candle or perfume pouch, sometimes the scents are overwhelming or the recipient of the gift might have allergies. Unless you know for certain, a person likes Pumpkin Spice or Vanilla Hazelnut, maybe stick to the unscented stuff.
Don’t send coffee cups. I know, I know. This “go-to” gift is always good. But I have seen the coffee cup cupboards of many of my teaching friends. The doors barely close and many of these cups are unused or given away.
Don’t expect unrealistic things. I once heard a friend of mine sharing that a mother of one of her students demanded that she use the microwave in the teachers lounge to make her son a glass of warm milk every day at 10:00 am. Yeah. I know that might sound a little bananas, but knowing that teacher have limitations on their time and capacity can help us set realistic expectations.
Finally, don’t jump above the teacher’s head and contact their administrator unless it’s absolutely necessary. What I mean is that, many times, parents and teachers can communicate directly to find adequate solutions to problems that arise. Many teachers would absolutely love the opportunity to resolve an issue without involving their supervisor.
These hip tips were straight from the MilSpo teacher’s mouth. While small things, like sharing notes or bringing a gift might not seem like much, they have a lasting effect. In the same way, avoiding devaluing our teachers or discouraging them, we can empower them by treating them with a higher regard. After all, they are tirelessly working to serve our kiddos while they complete their education.