The Poor Mom Revolution

Being a teacher for 9 years allowed me to see the good, the bad and the ugly of our education system. So many teachers are overworked, underpaid and stressed beyond belief. But as many of you have heard and/or said before, you don’t get into teaching to make money, you do it for the kids. The kids part of that is true. I didn’t go to work everyday, make awesome lessons, think about how to get the kids excited in my own time and want to teach them how to be great human beings just because I had nothing better to do. I cared about every single one of them as if they were my own. Most days the lack of administrative support, colleague drama, top down teach to the rest mentality really messes with your ability to love the profession, but I remember a few things that really made the days worth it. Knowing not everyone is against you is half the battle. When parents are on your side it makes it all that much easier so I’ve given you my little secret. I had one parent when I taught 5th grade provide me with a similar survey and I have been doing it annually ever since. It’s a list of simple, cost effective ways you can let your teacher know you care and appreciate them throughout the year…

At the beginning of every school year, I send a survey to the teachers for the year. I got mine off Etsy, but you could always make it yourself if you’re handy. It asks them their favorite color, snack, drink , place to eat, etc. This is the easiest way to grab little snacks, holiday and birthday gifts, end of the year presents they’ll actually love! Every December we do a gift basket with favorite drinks, snacks and candies with a homemade card from the kids and end of the year we do a bit more.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1052207127/all-about-my-teacher-survey-beginning-of

What I love most about it is that you can be as detailed or simple as you’d like. You can provide small pick me ups throughout the year or big ones on occasion. I remember when a parent dropped me off a coffee on my lunch break and I almost cried! Being kind goes such a long way and who doesn’t want to thank their teachers for being awesome with their child all year!

. Teachers don’t need or want anything big or grand, they just simply want to know that their hard work doesn’t go unseen.