Three Cheers For Teachers

by Liz Arrington

Do you remember your favorite teacher? What grade were you in? What do you remember about them? What did they do that made them your favorite? How has that influenced the person you are today? The influence of a great teacher truly lasts a lifetime. I have many vivid memories of exceptional teachers I had growing up. As a parent- I am grateful for so many dedicated teachers who have made an impact in our lives. I wish I could individually recognize the educators at our Cy-Fair ISD schools who have gone above and beyond to nurture my boys’ love of learning, passion for science, and appreciation for the arts and music. Weaving their dreams for the future into their education and providing the perfect balance of unconditional love and persistent encouragement. If you are a teacher who is reading this right now, please know how incredibly valuable you are. It’s about that time of year for Teacher Appreciation weeks. A chance for administrators and parents to shower our educators with welldeserved gifts, special meals, coffee delivery, and sweet treats. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Teacher Appreciation week takes place during the most difficult part of the year. Those final warm spring months of a loooong school year with testing, year-end programs and events on top of stir-crazy kids who are ready for a break! There are so many creative and thoughtful ways to show your appreciation for teachers. Gifts are always very nice- personalized cookies, coffee gift cards, fun supplies for the classroom like Sharpies or pretty Post It Notes, mini charcuterie boxes and even bottles of wine! But teacher appreciation doesn’t have to be costly, and it doesn’t have to be reserved for one week of the year. In fact, it shouldn’t be! Here are some specific ways you can show your appreciation for teachers- year round: ● Donate classroom supplies throughout the school year, not just at the beginning ● Assume your teacher has your child’s best interest in mind ● Tell them when they do something awesome!

Share with them ways that your child is showing what they’ve learned at home, or a lesson your child was excited about.

● Respect their hours and try to email within those hours, be patient in waiting for a response. ● Email the principal and brag on your child’s teacher. ● Provide context, not excuses. If a teacher is reporting an issue with your child, help the teacher by providing information that supports understanding and solutions. ● Help where you can, whether it’s volunteering for field trip duty, sharpening pencils or cutting out shapes! Not sure how to help? Just ask! ● Recognize ALL teachers and support staff.

Music, Art, PE, Librarians, paraprofessionals, there is likely a whole team of passionate educators working with your child! ● Be informed about the workings of the school and the district. Become familiar with how decisions are made, who is in charge, and what their qualifications are. ● Get involved! Local non-partisan groups, such as the Cy-Fair Civic Alliance, are an excellent resource to engage, get information, and connect with other people in our community. Above all- teachers need and deserve to feel supported by their community. They need to be recognized and compensated for their gifts and abilities. They need involved parents who are advocating for and with them. These past few years have been impossibly hard on educators… on all of us. As a community, we can help by approaching teachers with compassion and true appreciation for the critical role they play in shaping our next generation, trusting in their expertise, and giving them the credit that they have earned. Let’s start today- three cheers for teachers!!! We love you!

Liz Arrington combines her background as a professional children’s therapist with her love of music to provide early childhood music and movement classes to families of Cypress. Outdoor, Weekday, and Saturday classes available. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com