A few years back, when I first joined Twitter, I couldn’t help but engage with a local journalist who had tweeted a trio of negative stories about education and teachers. Didn’t she realize it was Teacher Appreciation Week? Could she not share some of the positives? In response, she remarked that uplifting stories didn’t garner attention while negativity was what captured the public’s interest.
I couldn’t agree more that there is so much good happening in our schools. Unfortunately, these positive aspects often go unnoticed. Last year, I penned an open letter to the local newspaper urging the community to focus on the bright side of education. I encouraged them to look past test scores and to recognize the hard work of students who are challenging themselves, the creativity teachers instill in their classrooms, and the numerous ways educators strive to create enriching experiences for all children.
During this week, countless teachers will receive heartfelt tokens of appreciation—homemade cards, crafts inspired by Pinterest, poems, mugs, candies, and complimentary meals. These gestures are cherished, reminding us that parents and students value our efforts and acknowledge our commitment. Yet, this year, I yearn for something deeper—something that requires little time and no money.
I envision a shift in the narrative, and I invite you to help make that change. This week, take to your social media platforms and post something uplifting about a teacher you admire. If you’re a parent, it might be your child’s teacher, or perhaps it’s an influential educator from your past. Share your stories on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to help counter the negativity that often surrounds our profession.
Stories hold the power to inspire and connect us. If the media frequently portrays the negative aspects of teaching, it is up to us to showcase the wonderful realities. Let’s shine a light on the dedication, creativity, and success that define our teachers’ work. Share your experiences, our collective stories—our expertise, compassion, small victories, and major milestones. This week, let’s amplify those narratives using hashtags like #TeacherStories and #ThankATeacher.
Let’s change the conversation and celebrate the incredible impact educators have on our lives. That’s how you can truly honor a teacher.
This message originally appeared on the author’s blog, Home Insemination Kit.
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In summary, let’s take the time this week to highlight the positive stories surrounding our educators. Sharing these narratives will not only uplift teachers but will also inspire our communities to recognize the invaluable work they do every day.