Students at Roosevelt Elementary participating in an after-school stem program by blugold beginnings.

It’s the end of the school year  and summer is barreling down on us like a freight train full of sunshine and ice cream. As the school bell tolls for the final time this year, kids (and parents) are going to be running away as fast as possible from the building and into the bliss of vacation. But it’s really, really important that we don’t forget the people we’re leaving behind in those buildings: the dedicated teachers, administrative staff members, and principles who make up our schools.

While you may think they rush home, kick off their shoes, and relax for the next three months, that’s not really the case. There are mandatory training days, summer jobs that help pay the bills, and the next school year to plan for. Plus, while it seems school employees have sweet gigs with summers off, they’ve probably earned them by putting in countless overtime hours during the year to give students the best possible experience they can – with little thanks at all.

If I had to guess, I would say most teachers didn’t enter the profession thinking that it’s easy, that they’ll make a ton of money, and that every student and parent they work with will be unchallenging and obedient. Rather, they do it because they’re passionate about education, helping kids and parents, and securing a creative, intelligent future for all of us. But as with every other profession, burnout happens to educators, and one of the biggest contributors to burnout is lack of appreciation.

Teachers need to hear we value them, that we’re grateful for the time they spend day in and day out with our kids each year. They need to know they’re making a difference. They need to know we believe in what they’re doing. And that doesn’t mean that you give them something straight off of Pinterest (although those things are adorable). It means you look them in the eye and say, “You’ve impacted my kid. I appreciate you. What do you need for your classroom?” While there’s a whole lot we can do as a community when it comes to being active participants in elections and referendum votes, PTA groups, and fundraising that may help teacher burnout and turnover, it can all start with just that simple “thank you.”

So before you and the kiddos disappear into summer, turn around once and take in everything behind you. You’ll see the faces that are helping shape our Valley, doing their best to make a world of difference.

Thank you, district friends. Sincerely.