As Seen In the Reno Gazette Journal
We all know that teachers play an essential role in shaping the minds and futures of our children. They dedicate their time, energy, and passion to ensuring students receive a quality education, often going above and beyond the call of duty. However, we may not know that they work far more than most of us realize, have increasing demands put on them, are criticized for declining test scores, are underpaid for their level of education, and do not get summers off.
According to ProCare Therapy, Nevada has the worst teacher shortage in the country and ranks near the bottom of the best states for educators. Nationally, “just 12% of the teachers are satisfied with their jobs and over 40% admitted they were likely to leave their job within two years.” In a recent survey, “almost all of the teachers feel overwhelmed, 75% said that they didn’t think that students or the public appreciated their profession.”
It’s time for our community to let our teachers know we care.
What Do Teachers Do?
We all think we know what teachers do. Our assumptions are rooted in our own experiences in education; however, the current landscape is drastically different, especially in Nevada, which has some of the largest class sizes in the nation.
The demands of teachers are substantial and multifaceted. For instance, they are responsible for delivering curriculum content, creating engaging lesson plans, assessing student progress, and providing individualized support to ensure each student succeeds. Additionally, they must collect excessive amounts of data required by the state. Outside their regular schedule, most teachers play multiple roles in the school community, such as mentors, counselors, and sponsors of extracurricular activities.
But Teachers Get Summers Off
While it is a common perception that teachers enjoy long summer breaks, the reality is quite different. Many teachers use their summer months to engage in professional development, take additional courses, or attend workshops to stay updated with the latest educational strategies and technologies. Additionally, many districts have expanded the school year and reduced the breaks between classroom time.
Research shows that teachers work more unpaid overtime than employees in any other industry. It is estimated that, during the school year, teachers work an average of 53 hours per week. During the 40 weeks of a school year, they put in an extra 13 weeks of work, equivalent to more than three months over what their contract requires.
How to Help: Let Your Imagination Be Your Guide
By showing our appreciation, we acknowledge their hard work and dedication, which boosts morale and motivation and reduces turnover. Furthermore, expressing gratitude helps foster a positive school environment, benefiting teachers and students alike.
1. Parents, grandparents, and family members: Consider offering heartfelt thanks, either verbally, with a note, small gift, or gift card, e-mail text, or on social media. Support them when working with your child and appreciate the often overwhelming demands placed on them daily.
2. Businesses: Your future employees are being educated by our teachers. Find a way to engage with the schools, especially near your business. Adopt a school and find out what they need. Promote teacher appreciation on company signs and consider providing teacher discounts. Align with community partners such as the Chamber and the Education Alliance. They recently launched a Teacher Appreciation Campaign where 100% of the proceeds are allocated to support our teachers, and donations are tax-deductible. Visit ed-alliance.org/we-appreciate-our-educators.
3. Members of the community and public officials: Recognize the contribution and value of our teachers with proclamations and support the school district and their needs whenever you can.
Let’s all celebrate May as Teacher Appreciation Month. Sometime during May, please do something to show your appreciation to our teachers, no matter how small. There are several examples identified above and many others you may want to consider. “What would you appreciate?” Our goal is for every teacher in Washoe County to be touched by someone or many in the community in a way that makes them feel valued and appreciated. You have your homework assignment!
To provide donations for teacher appreciation efforts, go to ed-alliance.org/we-appreciate-our-educators.ommunity. Strengthen our Community, in conjunction with our many partners, is in the process of raising private funds to address the urgent funding needs for our Family Resource Centers. For more information, please contact Rachel Tatro at rachel@theblueprintcollaborative.com.
Strengthen our Community (SoC) is a non-profit (501c3) committed to developing cooperative, caring solutions to regional needs, with a special emphasis on education, families, good governance, and environmental sustainability. SoC is dedicated to confronting the important but complex issues in the region that have been difficult or even impossible to resolve. For more information on Strengthen our Community please get in touch with us at info@socnnv.org or 775-350-1465.
Mike Kazmierski is the executive director of Strengthen our Community.
