Dear gentlemen I overheard discussing “those lazy teachers”:
I sat quietly while you chatted with those around you about “lazy teachers.” I nearly lost my cool when you followed it up with the classic line, “It must be nice to only work nine months out of the year.” Seriously, how is this stereotype still floating around?
I was tempted to speak up, but I didn’t trust myself to keep it together. Here’s what I wanted to say, but I feared I would come off as a raving lunatic—which, let’s be honest, I might just be.
It’s time to finally debunk the myth that teachers are lazy. Perhaps what you really meant, kind sir, is that they’re a tad “crazy.” You were so close to the truth.
Because let’s face it, teachers are definitely a bit off their rockers when they…
- Show up weeks before they receive a paycheck. That’s right—teachers are typically paid for only nine months out of the year. So that packed parking lot of teachers in August? They’re working for free. They must be absolutely bananas.
- Take on second jobs just to continue teaching. The harsh reality of teacher salaries means many have to find side gigs outside of school hours to make ends meet. From waitressing to tutoring, many educators juggle multiple jobs to support their families. Yup, they often work in the summer and during the school year just to keep their passion alive. Crazy, right?
- Answer emails and calls from parents at all hours. If parents or kids are confused about homework or have family issues, teachers make themselves available. They’re the ones checking emails at 10 p.m., preparing for the next day, because kids and families have unpredictable needs. You’d have to be a little insane to be that dedicated.
- Spend their days working with students from diverse backgrounds and varying home situations. Imagine trying to meet the needs of 30 kids daily—each one unique! They strive to engage every learner, showing them they matter. They must be out of their minds if they think they can pull this off, yet they walk into that classroom every day, hoping to make a difference for at least one child.
- Find joy in things far more valuable than money. The smile of a child who finally grasps a concept, a heartfelt thank-you note from a parent, or a motivational speech from the school principal—these are the moments that remind teachers why they do what they do. They must be completely bonkers to value these experiences over a bigger paycheck.
Clearly, “lazy” doesn’t cut it when describing teachers. I’ve seen them rearranging classrooms, taking extra classes to improve, and sacrificing their lunch breaks to help a struggling student. That’s not laziness; that’s dedication. But “crazy”? Yeah, that fits.
And here’s the kicker: It’s the “crazy” folks who often change the world. They think outside the box, strive for the impossible, and know how to create magic. Just look at what a magic maker can do:
- Transform a $100 classroom budget into a year of learning for 30 kids.
- Devote their hearts to a group of students they’ll only have for a year.
- Turn a child who struggles with reading into a confident reader.
- Make math engaging and fun.
- Create a family out of a random group of kids.
- Help students see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
These magic makers love, learn, and laugh while a world that dismisses their “crazy” as laziness looks on. But despite the noise, teachers are focused on a prize you don’t quite grasp, my friend: Every single child matters. That’s their motivation, even when the world tells them otherwise. Teachers see the potential in their students and are crazy about them. They’ll keep working to create a better world for all of us, even if they get labeled with the wrong word. You’re welcome, my friend.
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Summary:
The notion that teachers are lazy couldn’t be further from the truth. They show up early, take on extra jobs, respond to parents at all hours, and work tirelessly with students from diverse backgrounds. Their dedication is anything but lazy; it’s downright crazy. This “crazy” passion is what makes them magic makers, changing lives one student at a time.