by Hope
The pandemic has affected a lot of people in a lot of different ways. But school teachers…now they have taken the brunt of it in my opinion. Last spring they had to switch gears with almost no notice and implement technology most of them had never used and had no desire to use. Then, on top of that, they spent a summer of uncertainty, not knowing what this school year would look like.
And now, they are teaching in person with all sorts of COVID regulations AND online with an audience that is often not motivated to participate or perform. So now they are writing curriculum, extending their work hours even more, being more available then ever. Oh, it just makes my head spin!
With 3 kids in the mix, I see it, I empathize for them. I hear of their struggles…which has trickled down to the students through no fault of their own. This is especially prevalent in our tiny town where more than 60% of homes do not have high speed internet, let alone a computer. Where many do not have transportation or food, let alone the capability to get their kid online for school or to the school to get packets.
And if they are online…well, let’s just say the “lack of performance” is overwhelming. All this to say, I really feel like I need to step up my game in appreciation/Christmas gifts for my kids teachers. I’m not saying more money, although maybe a little more, but I definitely want to put more thought into it than I have before.
I want them to know that their extra work is seen and appreciated and valued, now, more than ever!
So BAD Community…I know we have some teachers on here and other parents who must be seeing and feeling the same thing. Let’s brainstorm some thoughtful, impactful gifts for our teachers to hopefully communicate gratitude, maybe bring a smile and little joy to their lives…
Hit me with your best ideas from years past or new ideas in light of COVID in the comments. Thank you!
Hope is a resourceful, solutions-driven online business manager with over two decades of experience helping clients streamline operations, manage projects, and grow their businesses through digital marketing and technology.
But life has a way of rewriting your plans.
A year ago, Hope made the decision to move in with her aging parents full time – a season she wouldn’t trade, even as it came with its own financial and emotional weight. Earlier this year, she lost her mother, and is now walking the tender, disorienting path of grief while learning what “forward” looks like from here.
Hope came to the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015 as a single mom raising five foster and adoptive children. She’s written through job changes, financial setbacks, and the bittersweet transition to an empty nest. Her kids are finding their footing in the world now – and so is she.
Rooted in faith and fueled by the same perseverance she’s brought to every hard season, Hope is ready to face her finances with fresh eyes and an honest pen. She believes that clarity, courage, and community can change the trajectory of anyone’s story including her own.
She lives in Austin, TX with her dad, loves adventures with her dog Addie, and is figuring out, one step at a time, what this next chapter is meant to be.
