No doubt about it: many teachers are facing a year of record-breaking discouragement, and classes haven’t even begun.
Budget cuts and furlough days loom for teachers, but enormous testing pressure hasn’t vanished with the pay cut. That means doing more with less--and in less time--is the order of the day.
Piles of paperwork, disrespectful, unmotivated students, and (sorry) occasional whiny parents (and politicians) aren’t going away either.
So, what can a parent do help her child’s teacher—and therefore her child—have a better school year?
Encouragement.
Encouragement can take many forms. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
* Say “Thank you.” Simple but profound.
*Write a note complimenting the teacher on a particularly creative lesson or about the way she handled a certain situation.
*Write a note to the principal complimenting the teacher. Principals usually hear only the bad news.
*Ask if you can help. Is there filing, decorating, or tutoring you could do to help in the classroom?
* Help out with classroom supplies. Pencils, paper, folders, erasers are always needed, and English teachers always appreciate books in good condition for the class library.
*Don’t forget upper-grades teachers. Parental support disappears around 6th grade, so these teachers will be pleasantly caught off guard by your interest.
If you’re tempted to wait until you know for sure that you like your child’s teacher, remember that a positive attitude early on will buy you credibility later when if a problem arises. If you are a follower of Christ, your kindness throughout the year may influence an unbelieving teacher.
*Which leads me to the most important: PRAY daily for your child’s teachers, that they would know Christ, that they would be strengthened and equipped for their tasks, that their influence would be godly.
Encouragement is powerful!
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
Be blessed today!
Ginger
Thanks Ginger! So far, we've had five great teachers for the kids - though each one was very different. Our district is small without a lot of money, but we have excellent ratings each year and I know it's because of the teachers.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about donating to the classroom, but I certainly will now!