While teacher appreciation week does exist and takes place in May, it does not seem to really get the point across of how much they deserve. Most teachers are truly more than just educators. They go out of their way day after day to be our mentors inside and outside of the classroom. Students constantly complain about long homework or assignments that are needed to be completed over weekends, when, in reality, teachers also have homework and assignments set to be completed over long weekends. And, they do not seem to be constantly complaining about this. The argument that they are paid to do this is simply invalid due to the fact that they are not getting paid for those extra hours.
Students seem to think the teacher is always the problem but they do not see the amount of effort that the teacher puts into the content outside of school. As an educator, the main focus is constantly on the students, whether they appreciate it or not. Their job is to build the next generation, and that is a lot of weight on their shoulders. Truly great educators are what build up truly great students. And, without these great teachers, the world would be a mess.
Once one looks past the long hours and lack of appreciation, they can move on to how important and truly amazing it is that teachers provide good and trustworthy adults for kids. It is important to remember that so many kids lack a good support system and adult figures outside of the school setting, and that the fact that teachers can add that in is truly amazing. It is very nice to think that teachers love and care for their students because they want to help and make a positive difference in their lives.
Teachers do so much for their students: propagating their minds with ideas and concepts to further their learning and interests, providing a good and caring environment as well as working around students who may not learn the same way as others. Educators have continually supported students and paved the way for greatness for a very long time and it is vital to show them the appreciation they deserve. So, instead of jamming all the deserved appreciation for teachers into one week in May, let us all spread it throughout the year thoroughly.