So often, teachers are required to give time and money for school fundraisers. Most times, teachers do so without any thought to help their students. Unfortunately, many teachers can’t afford to give to every fundraiser. No, this is not a tirade about teachers being underpaid (although true). This is about teachers giving to the community because they care. Over the years, I have seen teachers coaching children in sports, teaching in their places of worship, and attending various functions they have been invited to.
My ability to attend functions was often hindered because of my family. Many times my own daughters were participating in their own functions and I could not attend many of my student functions. I would always tell my students that I had to go to these before I could attend any others because family should come first. While I’m sure some of my students were disappointed, the majority understood.
This brings me to my two points of this blog. First, parents – please make time for your kids. They want to please you and get your support and approval. They desperately need it. They crave it. Oftentimes when they reach out to their teachers, they have a need for approval that is not being met at home. I understand if you have jobs and obligations, but many teachers have their own families to care for and cannot be parents for your kids as well.
Second, when I can, I try to give back to the community. My first book, What If…?, was donated to the Chatham Library last year. In keeping with that mindset, I am donating the second book from my family, Jasper the Jittery Jaguar, to the Chatham Library as well. The library has meant so much to my children over the past 14 years, I think this is a way to give back to the community. I urge parents and children to use the library system we have in the county. It is such a great asset and during the summer kids and families can get books and movies of all kinds to entertain and enjoy.
Many teachers give to their communities. They do so because they truly love this area and their students. My hope is that the community will recognize this and support our teachers and schools even more than they already do. Appreciate all the teachers do to give to the community and use the resources, like the library, to get involved with your kids. Even just watching a movie together can mean a lot.
And while you’re at it read (or buy) my family’s contribution to the library together. We love this area and are proud to call it home.
My ability to attend functions was often hindered because of my family. Many times my own daughters were participating in their own functions and I could not attend many of my student functions. I would always tell my students that I had to go to these before I could attend any others because family should come first. While I’m sure some of my students were disappointed, the majority understood.
This brings me to my two points of this blog. First, parents – please make time for your kids. They want to please you and get your support and approval. They desperately need it. They crave it. Oftentimes when they reach out to their teachers, they have a need for approval that is not being met at home. I understand if you have jobs and obligations, but many teachers have their own families to care for and cannot be parents for your kids as well.
Second, when I can, I try to give back to the community. My first book, What If…?, was donated to the Chatham Library last year. In keeping with that mindset, I am donating the second book from my family, Jasper the Jittery Jaguar, to the Chatham Library as well. The library has meant so much to my children over the past 14 years, I think this is a way to give back to the community. I urge parents and children to use the library system we have in the county. It is such a great asset and during the summer kids and families can get books and movies of all kinds to entertain and enjoy.
Many teachers give to their communities. They do so because they truly love this area and their students. My hope is that the community will recognize this and support our teachers and schools even more than they already do. Appreciate all the teachers do to give to the community and use the resources, like the library, to get involved with your kids. Even just watching a movie together can mean a lot.
And while you’re at it read (or buy) my family’s contribution to the library together. We love this area and are proud to call it home.