Teachers are the backbone of our educational system, putting in countless hours in (and out of) the classroom all while displaying infinite energy, patience, and compassion. During the pandemic, educators have gone above and beyond even the wildest interpretations of their job descriptions. Their extraordinary ability to adapt and innovate under these unpredictable conditions has been the key to keeping the education sector afloat in both an equitable and accessible way.
According to the United Nations, COVID has created “the greatest disruption to education in history” affecting over 1.58 billion students, teachers, and families around the world. According to Google Trends, searches for “missing my students” have grown by 150% in the previous 18 months.
The Australian Education Survey reported that 66% of educators worked longer hours than normal to ensure students would receive support during the transition to home schooling. A recent Monash University study states that 40% of Australians now have a higher regard for teachers and the teaching profession, following a school year disrupted by lockdowns and the shift to online learning.
Despite the many hurdles, educators have continued to perform their duties while ensuring their students’ education and learning outcomes are not jeopardised. As the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased levels of stress and burnout among teachers, it is critical to acknowledge their efforts.
How to Show our Teachers Some Love:
Make Use of Technology
Now that we’re all so well set up at home thanks to months of home-schooling it’s easier than ever to get a message to teachers. Asking other parents and students to create a short thank-you video is an easy way to give thanks, and it gets the entire class collaborating on something fun.
Send a Card
Everyone loves getting a little surprise in their inbox. Sending a digital card is a small gesture that’s sure to have a big impact. Or get the paints and craft kit out and have the kids’ hand-make a card to bring to their teacher when they go back to school.
Send Flowers or a Sweet Treat
If you are looking for a digital-free, in-person way to say thanks look no further than a classic flower bouquet or a chocolatey treat. This is a gesture guaranteed to make their day and is sure to remind them of how much you care.
Shout-Out on Social Media
Is there a social media page for your child’s school? A great way to say thanks is to use the school’s online platform. Tag a teacher and praise them by leaving a public ‘thank you’ message on the page.
It may feel like we’d never be able to properly thank our teachers for all their hard work and dedication, especially after all they’ve been through, but small acts of gratitude and appreciation go such a long way to keeping them going all year long.
#worldteachersday
