Teacher Chat

Every year, I get my hopes up during Teacher Appreciation Week, and every year, it’s the same disappointment—just a different year. The hardest part of my job is that I’m not a regular classroom teacher, so I tend to get overlooked. I keep thinking maybe this year my students will show some appreciation like they do for their classroom teachers, but it never happens. My hopes always get shut down.

I would expect at least my family to recognize me, but that doesn’t happen either. I see other teachers post about their families showing love and appreciation in different ways, and this year, I got nothing. In the past, it’s been something minimal—like a book for my classroom or a travel bag—but even that meant something.

This year, the only one who acknowledged me was my husband. He came home from work on Friday with a bottle of Billecart and a dozen roses. That gesture meant a lot, but it’s hard not to feel forgotten by everyone else. Not to get too personal—though honestly, I’m well past that at this point—I give up. I do so much for others and rarely get the same in return. It’s disheartening.Here’s to taking a step back, taking a break from doing too much for others, and finally focusing on myself.