Why we should thank our teachers

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Photo by: Lane Phifer

Story by Lane Phifer, Multimedia Editor

As the school year draws to a close, it’s important to look back on the memories we made and to remember the people that helped us along the way. 

Whether you’re a freshman that’s trying to survive high school or a senior preparing for the next chapter of your life, you’ve met a teacher, counselor, or staff member that you’re thankful for. 

Although students may not be in the building, teachers, staff and admin across the district are working closely together to ensure a proper education for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, we need to be thanking our teachers and staff for everything they’ve done for us. 

During my time at Pittsburg Community Middle School (PCMS), I had an english teacher named Mashea Shultz; on the last day of school, she wrote all of us letters thanking us for being in her classroom. 

Not long after I received Mrs. Shultz’s letter, I realized something that most 7th graders my age didn’t. Instead of her thanking us, maybe we should have been thanking her for everything she did.

From teaching future generations to staying up late at night grading homework, and believing in us when no one else did, teachers are our everyday heroes who sadly aren’t as celebrated as professional athletes, movie stars or famous politicians. 

Every year, I write letters to each teacher or staff member that inspired me most throughout the school year. Although I’m not the only student that does this, I personally do it because teachers truly are not valued enough. It’s time that we thank them for the lessons we learned in and outside of the classroom. 

Fundings for classrooms often become scarce throughout the school year. As a result, some teachers have to pay out- for items like Kleenex tissues, snacks and pencils, along with classroom decorations. 

According to Debra Deskin, who is a teacher in Oklahoma in the article “#OutofMyPocket: Educators Speak Out on Buying Their Own School Supplies,” she receives little to no extra funding to purchase basic supplies — which can be financially challenging at times. Deskin often has to choose whether or not to pay her bills or purchase items for the classroom. 

Not only that, but teachers spend additional hours coaching, tutoring or attending after-school programs without getting paid. The truth is, teachers truly are not appreciated or paid enough for all of their hard work and dedication. Luckily, it’s never too late to thank them. 

Before the end of the school year, I recommend that all PHS students do something nice for their teachers. Although we can not be face to face with them, even just writing them a letter, sending them a card, or simply shooting them an email will make their day. 

As a student who does this yearly, I can honestly say that the reactions are worth it. I believe that saying thank you to our teachers is important, as well as is giving them our utmost respect. Teachers are some of the main people I look up to in life because of all their hard work and the amount of time they put into their jobs, and I can only hope that after reading this article, you do too.