Teacher Thursday

Let's face it, one of the most underpaid, underappreciated positions today is that of a teacher. When 'Rona' hit, all of the parents were screaming, please open school back up. Ms. My Baby is an Angel (must be you teacher) turned into Ms. Who is This Dementor Child of Mine? Teachers put more into your children than you realize. My best friend is a teacher, I hear her stories, I see her hard work. She showed me all of her school supplies, this woman is investing in her babies with her own money and resources. Teachers are heroes.

Last week, my Georgia government went into talks about these amazing teachers. I was completely appalled at the mention of lowering teacher's salaries and furloughing them to boot. Why, in their right minds would they take even more from these educators? Do they not realize that they are in the positions they are in because of a teacher? Who taught them how to add and crunch these numbers? A teacher. Who taught a doctor about the human hemoglobin and its importance in the body? Who taught a lawyer what the terms arraignment, acquittal, or even double jeopardy mean? A teacher. Then why do we treat our teachers and paraprofessionals as if they are a simple fast-food service industry for our children? Like many things these days, it just doesn't make sense.

When I heard what could happen to my educator friends, I knew I needed to do something in the power that I had available to me. A teacher advocate, a friend to these educators who are investing in our kid's lives, not just academically. Did you know teachers help your children identify and express what type of emotions they are having and feeling? I had no idea until recently. Did you know that teachers may be the only friendly face many of their students see each day? They do more than teach, they love, they nurture and care for our kids.

Having said all of this, I want to introduce you to Teacher Thursday. Each Thursday, I will be spotlighting a teacher. Please read everything they have to say, consider donating to their kiddos, advocate these educators among your representatives. When you buy that pack of crayons, you are supporting a child, not just the teacher. We need to pull together and support others, especially in these dark days.

Teachers! Thank you for all you do! You work a hard job. You mold many minds. You are the unsung heroes of today.