Gratitude for Teachers, Coaches, Directors, Etc.

Some of the most influential people in our children’s lives are often their teachers, coaches, directors, and others who are in positions of leadership over our kids. These are some tough, tough, jobs, but they are so important. Probably most of us can remember specific teachers and coaches from our own childhood who spoke words that really stuck with us. (Unfortunately, we know that the power of those words can work both positively AND negatively. But we are sticking with the positive scenarios in this post.)

As a former student, I have an appreciation for the influence these people had in my life. As a former public school teacher, I have an appreciation for how hard these people work (and often for not a lot in return). And as a present mother of five children, I have a new understanding of and appreciation for the significance of the roles that these people play in our kids’ lives. Many of them do what they do because they genuinely love and care for our kids. And how about those who VOLUNTEER to coach, direct, or teach our kids in various activities? They are freely giving their time and energy to pour into our kids’ lives, and we often take that for granted.

I know that Teacher Appreciation Week is a thing (a very good thing!), but let’s not withhold our gratitude from these influential people throughout the rest of the year. It is so beneficial for them to hear words of thankfulness and encouragement; it can help them keep going when they are feeling worn down. We know they probably get to hear the negative feedback pretty freely, so let’s make sure we are generous with our positive feedback on a regular basis. And let’s encourage our kids to frequently express their own gratitude toward these individuals as they go through classes, practices, games, rehearsals, performances, lessons…ALL the things. These men and women spend significant time and energy on our kids, and they need our encouragement.

How do you and your family show appreciation for teachers, coaches, directors, etc.?