If one were to interview people that know me well, I don’t believe I would be described as a cynic. I think most would consider me to be an optimist, even a bit of a romantic. When it comes to certain things, however, I can be quite suspicious. One thing that I have always questioned, as I felt it was a manufactured observance, was “teacher appreciation week.”
I have been teaching for nearly 30 years, and quite honestly, I have always felt appreciated. Granted, my first year out of college I was making an appallingly low salary; however, I knew the deal when I got into this profession - so I never viewed my earnings as an indicator of my appreciation or my worth. Parents have always been good to me, students have almost always treated me with a degree of respect, and institutions did the best they could to appreciate my work. While I know that my sisters and brothers in the field may not always feel the same way that I do, I feel lucky to be able to do something that I love for a living.
So, when it came to the idea of a “teacher appreciation week,” I was a bit skeptical. It seemed to me that if one wanted to express appreciation, they could do so in their daily interactions and let their deeds speak for themselves. Therefore, I never really made a big deal out of teacher appreciation week at BHS.
This year, however, the Beech Hill School Parents’ Association organized a teacher appreciation week, the likes of which I have never witnessed. Every day, the BHSPA did things large and small to make sure that the faculty and staff at BHS knew just how much they were appreciated. From flowers and balloons to great food and gifts - we were showered with appreciation. I was truly touched and I know that the teachers really appreciated the efforts.
On Friday morning at Community, I took a moment to thank the students and the parents that were present. One student thought it amusing that I was thanking people for thanking people. And it was then that it became so obvious to me how contagious gratitude is. After a week of being thanked, all I wanted to do was to express my gratitude.
I am now questioning all those things that I have written off as consumerism gone haywire - like teacher appreciation week, administrative assistants day, and the like. While getting a gift will never absolve an individual from being unappreciative on a regular basis, observing even Hallmark created holidays can help to amplify and multiply appreciation.
I am so grateful for the efforts of the BHSPA this past week, and most of all I appreciate the way that the events that unfolded this week have helped to change my thinking. I may have just missed administrative professionals day this year, but I have already circled the date on my calendar for next year (April 24, 2024).
While we are appreciating folks, I would be remiss if I did not send a shout out to the moms out there - Happy Mother’s Day!