Dear Teachers, As You Prepare for A New Kind of School Year

Dear teachers,

As the time draws near for a new school year, the typical feelings of excitement as you anticipate your new classrooms, are probably taken over by feelings you may not have felt before about the new year starting. Feelings of uneasiness, anxiety, or even dread with the unknown state of this pandemic world we are living in. Announcements have been made about changes to the school year, “in this unprecedented time.” That phrase has worn out its welcome with both teachers and families. 

Since I am married to a Middle School teacher, and have elementary aged children, we have been waiting with bated breath about what the new school year would look like. Now that plans are becoming a little more clear, the reality of teaching in the world during 2020 is more than you bargained for when you decided to become a teacher.

You are important. You are important to so many kids of all ages who have the consistency you bring to their lives. You notice everything about them, from when they are feeling down, get a haircut, or finally seem to be making the connections on their school work. You aren’t told often enough how we appreciate your impact on their lives.

You are present. My children spend more time with their teachers than they do with my husband and I. Your presence in their lives is such a stabilizing force for them, and I shudder to think about their emotional state without a non-family member presence in their lives. You aren’t told often enough how we appreciate your impact on their lives.

You aren’t expected to fix everything. The upcoming school year is something that no one has ever expected. With the challenges that are being presented, kids are likely going to need some extra TLC as the year goes on. Some may have experienced extremely challenging time away from school with food instability, financial strain in their homes, loved ones being affected by COVID-19, or even themselves struggling with the physical impacts. We don’t expect you to fix their emotions all by yourselves. Help us parents to know how they are struggling when they begin to spend time away from home again. We recognize that YOU may need some extra TLC too. You aren’t told often enough how much we appreciate your impact on their lives.

You aren’t “just a babysitter.” When the United States fell apart in March of 2020 and every parent was now suddenly crisis schooling, parents finally started to discover how much effort it is to teach. Everyone was singing your praises and telling you that you needed a raise. Now that the school year may look a little different, and you are feeling pressure from every side to get back to work so parents can go back to work, I have heard so many teachers say they feel like they are just a babysitter so parents can get back to work and start rebuilding the economy. You aren’t told often enough how much we appreciate your impact on their lives.

You can do hard things. Every teacher I know tackles so many challenges, even when there isn’t a pandemic. You have mastered teaching at multiple levels within one classroom. You can adapt class work to each child. You are committed to support kids even when they push your buttons. You are underpaid and underappreciated for your efforts. You stay up to date on the ever changing technology. You purchase supplies out of your own salaries. You spend evenings, weekends, and vacations thinking about your students, grading their papers, and planning for the future. You are masters at juggling so many things at once. You are creative and resourceful. You aren’t told often enough how much we appreciate your impact on their lives.

I just want teachers to know that parents are behind you. We support you. We will be YOUR cheerleaders. We notice the significance of the position that you hold in our children’s lives. We have learned so much from you over the years, you aren’t told often enough how much we appreciate your impact on our lives.

Love, 

Your Student’s Family

Amy Foster
Amy is a lifelong Wichita-area resident, with the exception of her college and grad school years. Amy has worked as a pediatric physical therapist for a local non-profit organization during her 22 year career. She married Brett, a youth pastor turned special education teacher and coach, and can be seen supporting Andover Middle School with her two boys, aged 13 & 11, only 18 months apart! They keep her occupied in athletic activities . When she isn't busy momming, she likes to walk her dog in her neighborhood, and do embroidery by hand.