Behind Every Lesson: Why Teachers Like You Deserve More Than Just Thanks on Labor Day

It’s 5:00 in the morning. The sun hasn’t come up yet, but Mrs. Smith, an elementary school teacher, is already awake. She hits the snooze button on her alarm, wishing for a little more sleep. However, her mind is already racing, full of thoughts about the day ahead: lesson plans, grading, meetings, and, of course, her students. Despite the exhaustion and stress she begins to feel, she gets out of bed, determined to keep going.

With a cup of coffee in hand, she looks at the chaos on her desk: papers, books, notes everywhere. There's so much to do: plan lessons, respond to parents' emails, attend meetings (some of them unnecessary). But inside, something drives her to keep going. She loves teaching, with all its challenges and rewards. She enjoys seeing the spark in a child’s eyes when they finally understand something that was hard for them. That’s what keeps her going, along with helping her colleagues and supporting families, including her own.

By 7 a.m., she’s already at school. The hallways are still quiet, but she knows they will soon fill with voices. She prepares the classroom and writes the day’s agenda on the board, wishing she could give each child the attention they deserve. However, with so many students and so little time, it’s a constant struggle.

When the first bell rings, the hustle and bustle begin. She teaches math, reading, and science. She helps those who struggle, encourages those who excel, and manages the small crises that come up. In the midst of it all, she reminds herself to be patient, even when it feels like nothing is going as planned.

Lunchtime arrives, but Mrs. Smith doesn’t rest. She eats quickly while responding to emails and preparing for the next class. She barely finishes her sandwich before the bell rings again, and it’s back to work.

By the end of the day, she’s exhausted. Her feet ache, her back hurts, her voice is hoarse, and her mind is still buzzing with everything that’s left to do. She goes home with a backpack full of papers to grade and plans to adjust. The work seems never-ending.

When she gets home, she tries to relax, but her mind keeps going. She thinks about the students who are falling behind, what she could have done better, what she forgot. She hopes tomorrow will be easier and keeps looking for ways to make it quicker, though sometimes she feels overwhelmed.

Mrs. Smith is tired. She loves her job, but sometimes it feels like too much. She wonders if anyone really understands how hard it is to be a teacher. The early mornings, the long nights, the endless dedication... it’s all exhausting. And tomorrow, it starts all over again.

She reminds herself that she needs to take care of herself and her family, that she had promised not to bring work home, and that even with years of experience, she still finds it difficult to adapt to this rhythm...

This Labor Day, let’s take a moment to recognize teachers like Mrs. Smith. They are the backbone of our society, working tirelessly to shape the future, often without the recognition they deserve. They are workers who put their heart, mind, and soul into every school day.

Here are some products that can help make Labor Day a meaningful celebration in your class, where students can reflect on and recognize the value of hard work, just like yours:

- Labor Day, International Workers' Day PowerPoint & Google Slides Discussion Q’s

- Labor Day Activities, International Workers' Day Activities

- Labor Day Craft, International Workers' Day Craft, Digital & Print Writing 

So, to all the teachers, this day is for you. Be proud of your work, even on the hard days. Remember that you are making a difference, even if it sometimes feels like no one notices.

And when you teach your students about the importance of Labor Day, explain to them that it’s a time to honor the work that teachers and others do, from doctors to farmers to factory workers.

Thank you, teachers. You are seen, you are appreciated, and you are valued.