For the last dozen years, I’ve been immersed in education. It’s a career that truly becomes a lifestyle. I estimate that I’ve graded 10,000 essays. I’ve attended graduation parties, led professional development sessions, trained staff, saw growth, experienced loss, laughed uncontrollably at student jokes, and I’ve even cried (though I always prided myself on making it to the bathroom). Educators offer a unique perspective. Though our experiences are universal, they’re also remarkably unique and individual. We all have a story, and we love to share them with our families. Here are a few things I wish our families knew:
We want you to know that we are qualified.
Being a teacher in West Virginia, requires, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree. Your child’s teacher went to college where he or she likely took courses in everything from human development to methods of curriculum and instruction. In Ohio County Schools specifically, nearly 50% of our professional staff holds a master’s degree or higher. Teachers in WV are required a specific number of professional development hours annually and have to take additional classes to renew teacher certifications. In short, our learning never stops. We are always trying to be better for your child. They deserve it.
We want you to know that we’re human.
One of my favorite one-liners as a middle school teacher and assistant principal was, “I know this sounds crazy, but I swear I have friends!” We often forget that educators existed before they were teachers, and they still exist outside of the profession. In our society, when we become a teacher we take on the full standard and expectation of “educator,” and that often influences public perception of who we are or who we should be. We don’t take it lightly. All that being said, we are, in fact, humans. We have family and friends. We go to concerts. Our children get sick. We have feelings and emotions. We go on dinner dates. We sound like Disney princesses when we yell (that one might just be me). We make mistakes. We try to fix them. We learn as your child learns every single day.
We want you to know that we think about your child, even years after we’ve had them.
Your child lives in our memories. Educators hold so many stories, and those stories make up a large piece of who we are and who we become as people. We continue to cheer for students in every capacity, even when they no longer are in our classrooms. We get excited to see pictures of them in their homecoming or wedding attire. We look forward to hearing professional and personal updates of who they’ve become in this world. We grieve when we hear the unthinkable. The relationship shifts to a memory, but the memories don’t fade.
We want you to know that we’re in your corner.
It takes a village. You’re not alone. If you’re frustrated, call us. We’ll work through it and find a solution. If you need help, call us. We’ll connect the dots and find the resources. If you just need someone to say, “This will get easier. Different. Better. You’ve got this.” Call us. Your child’s story often mirrors your own perspective. We want you to know it’s a team effort. We want our families to feel connected to our school system to give each student the best possible chance of success.
We want you to know that we love your kid.
No explanation needed.
Words from teachers
We asked teachers from public, private, and virtual schools to share their thoughts on what they would like parents to know as we begin this school year.
“I want parents to know that we are a team with a common goal. We want what is best for these children. We want children to succeed, to love learning, and to enjoy coming to school. We want our classrooms to be positive, nurturing, and engaging places where children feel safe to learn, to make mistakes, and to grow.” -Mrs. McFadden (Wheeling Country Day School)
“As we step into a new year at VPrepWV, there’s one thing we want you to know… We care about you! We’re so excited to be part of your family’s journey, and we can’t wait to watch you grow academically!” -Mrs. Burris (WV Virtual Prep Academy)
“I wish parents and caregivers knew that a teachers job doesn’t stop at 3 o’clock. As a teacher we think of our students and their learning and their wellbeing around the clock.” -Mrs. Kucera (Steenrod Elementary)
“I want parents to know that as amazing as it is to watch their children excel academically, what impresses me the most is the little acts of kindness I see happen in the interactions every day. I really get to see the love you all pour into your children be poured into their peers and those around them.” -Mrs. Walters (Middle Creek Elementary)
“One of the best things families can do is help kids practice paying attention without needing a screen. It might not always be fun towards the end of summer, but it builds habits that last way beyond school. We’re not expecting perfection. We’re asking for effort and respect.” -Mrs. Wallace (Wheeling Country Day School)
“I want parents to know we are a team. I want to work together to help your child be exactly who they are and embrace how they learn best. I will always meet them where they are: sparking a sense of wonder, supporting the stumbles, and helping them to understand the importance of perseverance.” -Mrs. Fuentes (Wheeling Country Day School)
