Supporting Teachers

It's my favorite time of the year: back-to-school! Melina wrote a blog post about essential school supplies, and Darin wrote about how to help teens during the new school year. As a former high school math teacher, I wanted to add my voice to the conversation. Teachers shape the minds and characters of the next generation, and by supporting them, we can ensure that teachers are nurturing well-educated, capable, and responsible citizens. How can you support local teachers?

If you have children in school, then supporting the teacher will also obviously support your child. One of the easiest ways to do that is to purchase extra supplies, if possible. Many school districts do not budget to supply teachers' classrooms with what they need to help students be successful. Also consider sending in more supplies in January or February. By that time in the school year, some basic supplies from August are running low - especially white board markers, facial tissue, and pencils. If your work schedule allows, participate in classroom activities and field trips. Your child will love having you help out in the classroom, and you will get to build relationships with other kids in the classroom! If you cannot attend special classroom events, try to send in snacks or supplies to help make it a memorable experience. 

At home, create a homework area for your child that is clean, well-lit, and free from distractions. Make sure your child has the proper supplies to successfully complete their assignments. This not only helps your child but also reinforces the teacher's efforts in the classroom. Also establish a strong line of open communication with your child's teacher. Regularly check in about your child's progress and any concerns that may arise. This collaboration helps in creating a cohesive educational experience.

Even if you do not have children in school, you can still support your local teachers. You can advocate for better school funding and vote for those who support properly funding schools. If you have extra supplies, books, snacks, or bookshelves, contact a local school to see if teachers could use the donation. Depending on your career, you can offer to talk to students about what you do. Check with local organizations to see what volunteer opportunities are available. For example, one of our local nonprofits trains and schedules volunteers to go into schools to help second and third graders who are struggling to read. This partnership not only helps the child by providing one-on-one instruction but also frees up the teacher's time to work with other students.

Supporting teachers is a collective responsibility that involves parents and the community at large. In many communities, schools provide opportunities for all children regardless of their background. Our future depends on the dedication of hard working teachers. By working together, we can create an environment where teachers are valued and well-supported so they can ensure that every child has access to a high quality education.