As the 2024-2025 school year kicked off last month here in Georgia, the familiar buzz of back-to-school season returned to our household. With backpacks packed and pencils sharpened, we watched our kids head back to their traditional classrooms, a far cry from the virtual learning days of the pandemic. While there’s a sense of relief in returning to routine, it’s also a time of reflection on the challenges we’ve faced and the deep gratitude we hold for the teachers who continue to guide and inspire our children through it all.
Ike’s first-grade year was a unique challenge, thanks to the virtual learning setup during COVID-19. I took on the role of part-time teacher, all while leaning heavily on the emotional support of my mom, a real-life teacher herself. Having her live with us during that time was nothing short of a blessing. Her encouragement was the lifeline Ike and I needed to navigate that incredibly tough school year.
Fast forward to today, and my kids are back in their traditional public school classrooms. This shift has brought a mix of relief, seeing them thrive, and a fair share of guilt and anxiety (and yes, plenty of stuffy noses). Every August, as “Meet the Teacher” night rolls around, we find ourselves asking the same question to our new teachers: “What do you need?”
After spending a school year teaching one child with the help of a virtual teacher, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the superheroes that teachers truly are. They’re the unsung, underpaid, and often underappreciated pillars of our communities.
So, we ask, “What do you need?” And then we make it happen—no questions asked, no reminders needed. Whether it’s a 24-pack of Expo dry-erase markers because the school supply list fell short, or a new hard drive to help grade assignments during unpaid overtime, we’re here for it. Need a Chick-Fil-A gift card and a bottle of Pinot Grigio to survive the school year? Consider it done.
We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing teachers, so here’s an extra pack of copy paper and a $50 voucher to the local package store. Long live America’s teachers!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you show appreciation for the teachers in your life? Drop a comment below and let’s chat!
