Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hi friends, welcome
to Holly's Highlights, a podcast
designed to encourage, inspireand equip you to intentionally
live your life full of purpose.
I'm your host, holly Kirby,motivational speaker, leadership
cultivator, marketingstrategist and personal
cheerleader.
Let's check out today'shighlights.
Hi friends, today's episode isclose to my heart.
(00:25):
As Teacher Appreciation Weekcomes to a close, I want to take
a moment to truly honor theeducators who shape our world in
ways both seen and unseen.
Let's start with the truth thatcannot be overstated Teachers
are the backbone of ourcommunities.
According to the US Departmentof Education, there are over 3.7
million teachers in the UnitedStates and every single one of
(00:48):
them plays a critical role inshaping minds, building futures
and holding together the fabricof our society.
Author William Arthur Ward oncesaid the mediocre teacher tells
.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacherdemonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.
And that's exactly what so manyteachers do they inspire.
(01:11):
Now I can't talk about educatorswithout talking about my mom.
She was a teacher for over 25years before retiring yes, two
and a half decades.
She impacted generations ofstudents and was even recognized
as a teacher feature on a localmedia outlet.
That recognition was sowell-deserved.
And my sister, well.
(01:32):
She holds a teaching degree butworks in the attendance office
where she supports students andteachers alike.
She recently won an award forsupportive staff member of the
year.
Her work behind the scenes well, it often goes unnoticed, but
it's essential to the success ofthe entire school.
I am so proud of her and was soproud of my mom too.
As for me, growing up, I alwaysdreamt of becoming a high
(01:55):
school English and theaterteacher.
I even was a theater teacherfor a year in a private school
after I graduated high school,and a theater director for a
decade in our community.
But once I got my associatesand went to the orientation on
campus in preparation for thatbachelor's degree in secondary
education, well, life just tookme on a different path into
communications.
Still, though, my admirationand respect for teachers has
(02:18):
never changed.
Now, despite their importance,teachers often face serious
challenges, three of themspecifically.
The first one is low pay.
In fact, the Economic PolicyInstitute reports that teachers
earn 23.5% less than comparablecollege educated professionals.
Two burnout According to arecent RAND study, nearly one in
(02:43):
four teachers reported theywere likely to leave their jobs
by the end of the school year.
That's pretty close here, folks.
And third, underappreciation.
Many teachers feel unsupportedby policy, budgets and sometimes
even parents.
Yet they continue to show up,not for the paycheck but for the
passion.
(03:03):
You to show up not for thepaycheck but for the passion.
Now, no matter who you are aparent, a student or just
someone who had a teacher thatmade a difference you can take a
moment to show appreciationBecause, while Teacher
Appreciation Week is marked onthe calendar each year,
appreciation doesn't need to beseasonal, it needs to be
intentional.
So I have about five ways thatare some simple yet realistic
(03:25):
and practical ways that you cansupport and encourage teachers.
First off, reach out, reach outto a former teacher and simply
say thank you.
My mom used to keep thank younotes from parents and children
in a folder in her classroom towhere she could open it on a
discouraging day and just find abit of encouragement through
the lives she taught.
(03:46):
When she was diagnosed with theglioblastoma brain cancer, she
even had some former studentswrite her thank you notes
letting her know what an impactshe had on their lives.
See a thank you email, ahandwritten note, even a
thoughtful comment on socialmedia.
It takes minutes but stays withthe teacher forever.
Number two support publiceducation through voting,
(04:08):
volunteering and even donatingsupplies.
You don't have to be amillionaire to support teachers
financially.
See, I used to provide Kleenexboxes, dry erase markers, even
snacks, to my children'steachers throughout their
elementary school years,typically toward the beginning
of the school year and then atparent-teacher conference time
too.
It wasn't flashy, but thoselittle things, they're gold in a
(04:30):
classroom.
So ask your local school what'sneeded.
Teachers often spend hundredsout of pocket each year.
I know my mom sure did.
Even a $10 gift card for theirfavorite fast food restaurant to
get a treat can say I see you.
Number three amplify their work.
Remember my mom who had beenteaching for over 25 years?
(04:51):
Well, her teacher featurewasn't something she applied for
.
I nominated her.
That one action turned intopublic recognition, a very nice
dinner out for her and my dad ata high-end restaurant in town,
compliments of the awardpresenter and a morale boost
that carried her through a verytough school year.
So nominate a teacher for anaward, tag your school district
(05:13):
and spotlight great educators onyour social media.
Number four advocate for betterteacher pay and school funding
in your local community.
Now, whether you have kids ornot, it doesn't matter.
School boards, local budgets,education legislation these
affect our community's future.
So speak up when it counts.
(05:34):
Attend a school board meeting,vote for measures that support
school funding, ask candidateswhere they stand on education,
even getting involved in the PTAcommittee.
Teachers don't always have aseat at the table where
decisions are made, but yourvoice can help pull up a chair
for them and five teach kids torespect and value educators.
(05:56):
One of the most powerful waysto support teachers isn't
something you buy or sign.
It's something you teach, andit starts at home.
Respect for educators beginswith how we talk about them in
front of our children.
You know kids pick up on ourtone, on our words, on our
attitudes.
If they hear us complain abouta teacher being too strict or
(06:17):
they see us roll our eyes atschool policies, they
internalize that.
The message becomes teachersare obstacles, not allies.
But when we model respect, weshift that narrative.
One of my kids had a run-inwith a teacher once where I
encouraged them to go in andspeak to that teacher as they
did.
The teacher had such utmostrespect for how my child took a
(06:40):
stand and did so respectfullythat they even called me in just
to share that they had neverhad such an exceptional student.
Now they didn't come to see eyeto eye on the issue, but the
win was the respect was taughtboth ways.
Actually, respect isn't justabout saying yes, ma'am, no,
ma'am, thank you please.
It's about teaching teachers orpeople.
(07:03):
I have often said to my kidshow would you want someone to
talk to Momo?
So my mom, who was a teacher,see, it's about teaching our
kids that teachers are humanstoo.
They make mistakes, they haveto set boundaries, they feel
pressure and overwhelmed andthey even have life happen.
That impacts their reactionstoo.
My mom lost both of her parentswithin one month of each other
(07:28):
while she was teaching.
As I drop off my son at school,every day, I remind him to be
respectful, and I'm so pleasedto hear all the parent-teacher
conferences about how much histeachers like him and say he's
respectful and kind to them.
Perhaps try asking your childwho is one teacher that made
(07:48):
your day better this week.
Speak highly or positively,encouragingly of your educators.
This week may be ending, butour appreciation shouldn't Might
this remind us that educationis a lifelong gift and those who
give it deserve a year roundsupport.
So here's my call to action forall of us Take one meaningful
(08:11):
step to honor a teacher, past orpresent, send a note, make a
post, buy them coffee or simplytell them they made or make a
difference.
And if you're a teacherlistening right now, thank you.
Thank you for doing one of thehardest, most important jobs in
the world.
We do see you, we value you andwe are better because of you.
(08:38):
Now, if you want to learn moreor get involved, check out the
following websites to supportteachers.
There's donorschooseorg thatsupports teacher-led classroom
projects.
Neaorg, where you can learnabout national advocacy for
educators.
Adoptaclassroomorg that helpsfund classrooms in need, and
(08:58):
then chalkbeatorg, and you canstay informed on education news
across the country.
Thanks for joining us today.
I'd encourage you to connectwith me on Facebook at Holly's
Highlights, or Instagram atHolly Kirby, and tag a teacher
on today's episode post to thankthem, acknowledge them,
celebrate them, whether you'vebeen taught by someone amazing
(09:21):
or related to a teacher orsupport staff, or simply value
the power of education.
Let's carry the gratitudeforward.
Until next time, keep learning,keep growing and keep
appreciating our teachers andthe support staff too, of
(09:56):
purpose.
I'd be honored if you'd take amoment to leave a review or,
better yet, subscribe.
We can also stay in touch byjoining my email list at
hollykirbycom, that'sH-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Ycom.
Until next time, make it agreat day for a great day.