A few years back, I ventured onto Twitter and felt compelled to engage with a local journalist who had just shared three consecutive negative stories about teachers and education. Didn’t she realize it was Teacher Appreciation Week? Couldn’t she balance the negative with something uplifting? She replied that positive stories don’t sell; the public is more interested in the bad news.
I countered her by saying there is an abundance of good happening in education. Yet, sadly, the positive is often overlooked. Last year, I made an appeal in our local newspaper, urging readers to recognize the good in education. I encouraged them to focus on the real students, dedicated teachers, and the vibrant school community. I asked them to look past the standardized test scores and to celebrate the students who strive to learn, the educators who inspire creativity, and the countless ways teachers go above and beyond to provide a holistic educational experience.
This week, many teachers will receive heartfelt tokens of appreciation, from homemade cards and thoughtful crafts to poems and free meals. Parents and students will do their best to show us they recognize our hard work and commitment. We will cherish these small gestures, the treats left on our desks and in the staff lounge.
However, this year, I desire something more impactful—something that doesn’t require money or much time. I want the narrative to shift, and I invite you to help me change it.
Throughout this week, I urge you to utilize your social media platforms and share something positive about a teacher you know. Ideally, it’s your child’s teacher, but it could also be a former educator or someone you admire. Post your photos on Instagram, share anecdotes on Twitter, and update your Facebook status to help reshape the often negative portrayal of educators. Let’s tell the true story of what teachers accomplish.
Stories have the power to connect us, inspire change, and reshape perceptions. If the media predominantly showcases negativity, it’s our responsibility to highlight the positivity. Share a teacher’s story, share your experiences, and celebrate our collective achievements. Use hashtags like #TeacherStories and #ThankATeacher to amplify the positive conversation.
Together, we can alter the narrative and celebrate the real value teachers bring to our communities.
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In summary, this Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s focus on sharing the positive stories of educators and celebrating their hard work and dedication. By doing so, we can help shift the conversation and foster a more supportive narrative around teaching.