Dear Educators: We Acknowledge You, We Appreciate You, and We Will Continue to Advocate for You

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Like many others, I was taken aback when I learned about the appointment of Betsy DeVos as the new secretary of education. Here’s someone with no background in public education—neither as a student, a parent, nor as a teacher. DeVos’s inability to prioritize the safety of students with disabilities or ensure our schools are free from firearms is just the beginning of her troubling stance on education.

As a parent of school-aged children, I felt a wave of concern wash over me. What does this mean for my kids’ schools, their dedicated teachers, and the future of public education as a whole?

This news resonated with me personally, too. My grandparents were both public school educators; my grandmother broke barriers as a math teacher, and my grandfather transitioned from chemistry teacher to principal. My mother, a single parent, dedicated 25 years to teaching special education. Now, I’m married to a high school English teacher in the bustling heart of New York City.

I have witnessed firsthand the tremendous effort that teachers put into their work. Contrary to popular belief, teaching isn’t a walk in the park. Many think, “Oh, teachers finish at 3 p.m. and have all summer off. What a dream!” But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Take my husband, for example. His day starts at 5 a.m. to ensure he’s at school by 6:30 for preparation. He works tirelessly throughout the day, using his breaks to grade assignments and refine his lessons. After school, he often stays late for meetings, clubs, and additional planning. His vacation time? It’s typically spent catching up on paperwork and preparing for the next school year.

Let’s not forget the constant evaluations he faces—at least four times a year—while he worries about students who are struggling academically or dealing with personal challenges. It’s no surprise that teachers are under immense stress and often feel underappreciated.

However, here’s the good news: Those of us who entrust our children to public school educators truly recognize your hard work. Though we may not express it enough, we are thankful. We see your dedication and hold you in high regard.

We understand that spending six hours a day with our kids—sometimes in a classroom of 25—can be daunting (and let’s be honest, we find it tough to manage just one or two!). We know you think deeply about every student, striving to make a difference in their lives.

We also know your lunch breaks are often spent hastily eating while preparing lessons, making copies, or coordinating with parents and colleagues. We’re aware that many of you dip into your own pockets for supplies, whether it’s books, decorations, or treats for celebrations. The countless unseen tasks you juggle are all part of the job, and we recognize the mental load you carry each night before bed.

You treat our children as if they were your own, feeling joy in their successes and heartbreak in their struggles. We know you worry about them just as we do, and in a crisis, you would protect them without a second thought.

Unfortunately, we also know that you may not receive the support, funding, and time off that you deserve. Many of you work long hours and still face criticism from supervisors, students, and even parents. And let’s be clear: you absolutely deserve that summer break (and a raise while we’re at it!).

Most importantly, as we move forward, know that we stand by your side. Many of us are committed to becoming more politically active, advocating for the future of public education. We’ll be joining school boards, PTAs, and advocacy groups, volunteering, and collaborating with teachers to ensure our schools remain inspiring environments for our children.

So, teachers, you’re not alone in this fight. We see your unwavering commitment to our kids, and now more than ever, we’re here to support you with strength, unity, and gratitude. Thank you for everything you do.

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Summary: This heartfelt letter acknowledges the tireless efforts of educators, highlighting their dedication and the challenges they face. It emphasizes the importance of standing together in advocacy for public education, expressing deep appreciation for teachers’ unwavering commitment to their students.