Something happened today to make me realize how underappreciated we are.

I was teaching one of my classes (high school), and this kid had change on his lap & dropped a couple of quarters on the ground.

So I said jokingly with a smile, "oh, is that my tip?"... and some of the kids laughed.

He says in all seriousness, "Your tip? Why would a teacher deserve a tip? what do YOU do for ME?"

After hearing that response, I just had to shake my head.

He would think it's normal to give a tip to the person who valets his car or serves him lunch. Yet, a person who is working day in and day out, busting our butt to EDUCATE him, something of vast importance considering all that we do as teachers, is "doing nothing" of value in these kids' eyes.

Made me realize how thankless this job can be & how little what we do is understood & appreciated. I am sure you can relate.

Re: Something happened today to make me realize how underappreciated we are.

WoW

That kid is RUDE

But I have to say.. I do not believe he is in the majority.

I think our kids do appreciate us, I think that sometimes they don't show it (okay most times )

But I really do not feel we have a thankless job and I hope you don't let one obnoxious student get you down

Re: Something happened today to make me realize how underappreciated we are.

Honestly, I feel like lately I am hearing the most bizarre comments, you just have to take what they say with a grain of salt

I had a kid today tell me that I need to exercise because I have flab on my arms! Excuse me?!?! The lack of manners is just astonishing!

..... I know it felt bad to hear it...... but just remember they are kids (even in HS) and while they DO know better, they lack common sense!

Re: Something happened today to make me realize how underappreciated we are.

Thanks ladies.

Let me clarify though... while I know it was an obnoxious thing to say, that doesn't even bother me so much, I am used to hearing MUCH worse things on a daily basis!!!

What gets me is that the kid didn't say it to be mean, or even in a mean way (I get along with him fine), he was saying his honest opinion, which is that teachers don't do anything important. So it's more the meaning behind it, the realization that kids don't recognize the significance of what we're doing for them (helping them pass, learn, graduate, etc.), that is the sad part of this whole thing. It was definitely an eye-opening moment for me.

Re: Something happened today to make me realize how underappreciated we are.

I totally hear what you are saying...

Re: Something happened today to make me realize how underappreciated we are.

Re: Something happened today to make me realize how underappreciated we are.

That is so sad that he thinks that way! If he graduates and ends up going on to get a decent job,then someday he might look back on that moment and realize how rude it was to say that.