I am a product of public school systems and the proud daughter of a public school teacher. My right to an education has been forged by taxpayer dollars and I would not have had it any other way. For 180 days out of the year, for 13 years, I woke up at 6:00 a.m., went to class and learned the fundamental necessities it takes to be an intelligent, caring individual.
This would not have been possible without the underpaid, overworked educators who show up every day, rain or shine, just to teach mostly under appreciative students.
I know, I am a part of those students. I did not give thanks when it was needed, and I know I was not the easiest student to teach with my incessant need to procrastinate and complain. However, with that being said, I want to take the time now to thank all the teachers who inspired me to keep trying and to never stop and who impacted my life.
Thank you for never giving up on me or my dreams.
Thank you for pushing me to be something bigger than myself.
Thank you for never accepting mediocrity.
Thank you for caring more about the learning experience than test grades.
Thank you for always lending an ear when I need to deliberate.
Thank you for focusing on individual learning styles.
Thank you for accommodating to my needs even if that meant it took away from yours.
Thank you for pushing me to try new things and introducing me to things I never knew I could be good at.
Thank you for answering my questions no matter how irrelevant.
Thank you for actually showing up even when there were days you did not want to.
Thank you for taking the time to make me who I am today.
I know these are dark days for public school systems across America. With Betsy DeVos as the nation’s Education Secretary and her belief that public school should be defunded, that public school teachers are overpaid, and that America’s school’s should reflect “God’s Kingdom;” I know it feels like a slap in the face to all public school teachers. I know it is aggravating but please, do not feel discouraged. There are people who appreciate the work educator’s do. Without the teachers that shaped and influenced me, I would not be the person I am today. I was taught compassion and patience at a young age because of my public school experience and I think the world could use a little more of that.