Teacher Appreciation

It’s teacher appreciation week and nothing inspires more appreciation for teachers than chaperoning an early elementary school field trip.

Today, I accompanied little Bro and his classmates while they discovered the Phoenix Children’s Museum. A three-story building with rooms full of hands-on activities; the excitement was palpable, the smiles were bright, and the volume was LOUD.

Last year, I traveled to the dinosaur museum with Big Bro and his then second-grade class, supervising a group of seven boys, trying to make sure I kept track of them all while also keeping them out of trouble in a facility that included a replica gold mine complete with running water and dark tunnels.

Though the school day is two hours shorter than my work day, after just one shift caring for a gaggle of enthusiastic children in a public space, I’m ready for a nap.

Teachers are heroes, magicians, and some of the kindest and most patient humans I’ve ever met. Little Bro’s teacher kneels to greet each child at eye level as they walk into class for the day, giving each one a special moment of her undivided attention. 

As the school year comes to a close for us in Arizona, I’m so appreciative of the teachers who extend our village, doing so much more than educate our kids. And, I’m thankful to be able to join if only for just one day as a chaperone, with my boys who still want to share everything they do in school with their mom. I’ll hold onto it as long as I can.