Compliment a Teacher!

I read in this NEA article that teacher job satisfaction has dropped to an all time low according to the annual MetLife survey. I know I personally have experienced the many factors cited, such as recent law changes, budget cuts, increased class sizes, etc. It feels like so much is out of our control as teachers, but we can't let the stress bring us down. We have to find ways to support each other.

The article reminded me about something that happened a few weeks ago. Another teacher made my day so much by giving me a simple compliment that I actually emailed her words to my husband. She had been in our classroom to observe one of my kiddos, and the next day she told me that she loves watching me teach because I do such a good job. She said she could stay and watch me all day. This meant a lot coming from a veteran teacher who had spent a lot of time in my room when she was a push-in special education teacher. I joked with my husband that at least someone was getting something out of my instruction because it had felt like "one of those days" that we have sometimes. Hearing her affirm my instruction felt awesome.

Teaching is hard work, and it seems we hear about teachers who fall short more often that we celebrate successes. Others (ahem, government!) are quick to point out our shortcomings, and we don't often hear that we're doing a great job or get complimented on those fabulous lessons we teach. Of course teaching in itself is rewarding as we see students learn and grow throughout the year, but hearing it from your peers is priceless.

I would encourage you to support another teaching in your building this week. Maybe, just maybe, you'll make their day the same way that teacher made mine.