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An educator's job is often demanding, stressful, and overwhelming. This year, only 34% of the teachers in the U.S. said they were satisfied with their jobs. The pressure is real. They are responsible for shaping the minds of the future generation, after all.

So, since the new school year is already upon us, let's show our teachers some appreciation with this list of wholesome interactions between them and the parents of the children they teach. It's like the Dalai Lama said: "When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts."

#1

When I Dropped My Son Off At School, He Noticed A Girl In Line And Said, "That Girl Looks Cold." He Got Out Of The Car And Was Off. Later, I Got This Message From His Teacher

When I Dropped My Son Off At School, He Noticed A Girl In Line And Said, "That Girl Looks Cold." He Got Out Of The Car And Was Off. Later, I Got This Message From His Teacher

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#2

A Teacher Sent This Out And I Love It. Thoughts?

A Teacher Sent This Out And I Love It. Thoughts?

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Lost Panda
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My elementary aged son gets an enourmous amount, my middle school aged daughters get a normal/reasonable amount, my high school daughter gets what she didn't finish... I'm sorry, but this feels backwards to me...

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#3

I’m A Teacher. Today A Child Gave Me Toy Replicas Of My Dogs That His Mom Had Crocheted Me

I’m A Teacher. Today A Child Gave Me Toy Replicas Of My Dogs That His Mom Had Crocheted Me

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In 2023, researchers found that most teachers living in OECD countries feel undervalued by their community, the media, and policymakers. Soo-yong Byun, the co-author of the study, said that teacher satisfaction directly affects student satisfaction and outcomes.

"If teachers feel valued in society and by media and policymakers, their job satisfaction will increase and thus [they will] make more efforts to adopt new ideas and methods to change and improve their schools," he explained.

#4

My Student’s Dad Painted This Picture Of My Dog For Me As A Gift

My Student’s Dad Painted This Picture Of My Dog For Me As A Gift

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#5

My Son’s Teacher Told Me He Looks Out For A Little Girl Who Has Just Moved From Venezuela And Doesn’t Speak English Yet. I Am So Proud

My Son’s Teacher Told Me He Looks Out For A Little Girl Who Has Just Moved From Venezuela And Doesn’t Speak English Yet. I Am So Proud

I cried at the parent-teacher conference when she told me and sent this photo.

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#6

This Heart On My Hand Is Called A "Cuddle Button." Daughter's Teacher Draws This On Both Our Hands When I Drop Her Off At School, And Every Time We Press It, It Sends A Hug To The Other

This Heart On My Hand Is Called A "Cuddle Button." Daughter's Teacher Draws This On Both Our Hands When I Drop Her Off At School, And Every Time We Press It, It Sends A Hug To The Other

Since my wife died last year, my 4-year-old daughter has hated being away from me. So, this helps her feel connected to me.

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Parents, on the other hand, place a lot of trust in local schools and teachers. A poll by PDK International’s 2022 Public Attitudes Toward Public Schools found that American adults rate their local schools very positively. 63% of American adults put "a great deal or good amount" of trust and confidence in their teachers. 

These ratings are almost the highest they've been in 50 years. Still, people don't view teaching as a desirable profession. When asked whether they'd like their children to become teachers, 62% of the respondents said 'no.' It seems that parents understand how hard a teacher's job can be, and few wish their children to experience that.

#7

Cookie Charcuterie Board For My Son’s Teachers For The Last Day Of School

Cookie Charcuterie Board For My Son’s Teachers For The Last Day Of School

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#8

Bother Me All You Want. I Think It’s Adorable That She Wanted Me To See

Bother Me All You Want. I Think It’s Adorable That She Wanted Me To See

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In reality, it's not just the teacher's job to educate and inspire the next generation. It's a tough job that parents need to take part in, too; it's a joint effort. Journalist and educator Dana Brown even goes as far as to say that it's not the children who make the job hard. It's the parents. "Often the most frustrating and overwhelming duty of teaching is communicating with parents," she writes for The Educator's Room.

#10

My Kid's Theater Teacher Asked For Fake Food For Their Play. When She Emailed "Crafty Parents Needed" That Was Like My Bat Signal

My Kid's Theater Teacher Asked For Fake Food For Their Play. When She Emailed "Crafty Parents Needed" That Was Like My Bat Signal

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#11

It’s Always Nice Getting Pictures From Our Son’s Teacher Showing How He’s Excelling In School

It’s Always Nice Getting Pictures From Our Son’s Teacher Showing How He’s Excelling In School

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#12

Here's To All The Amazing Teachers In The World Going The Extra Mile To Care For Their Students

Here's To All The Amazing Teachers In The World Going The Extra Mile To Care For Their Students

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Colleen Glim
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s awesome! And so important. My oldest had to deal with a new home, a new school, and a new baby sister inside of two weeks. I had to tell her kindergarten teacher to be a bit easier on her because of this

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Brown lists three main reasons why parents and teachers might not get along as well nowadays. First, it's that parents are overwhelmed with responsibilities. So, they rely more on teachers to teach their kids life skills, morality, and values. And when these clash with those of the parents, conflicts arise.

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#13

This School Year Is Going Great

This School Year Is Going Great

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Lolo
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes….daughters are really blessings. Glad that she made you proud ❤️

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#14

One Of Our Parents Made This For Our Year 2 Teacher. The Most Gorgeous Gift I’ve Ever Seen

One Of Our Parents Made This For Our Year 2 Teacher. The Most Gorgeous Gift I’ve Ever Seen

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#15

My Wife Had To Write A Not-Sick Note For School

My Wife Had To Write A Not-Sick Note For School

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Second, some parents want to micromanage their children's everyday education too much. "Yes, parents should absolutely have a say in their child’s education, but those choices should be made during elections and school board meetings," Brown claims.

#17

You Have A Future Olympian On Your Hands

You Have A Future Olympian On Your Hands

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And lastly, attitudes toward teachers at the top matter. Brown says that parents often mirror the administrators when it comes to respect for teachers. When rigid regulations and micromanagement are coming from the top, parents tend to follow suit.

#19

My Son Is In 5th Grade, And This Thursday Is Their Concert. I Thought It Was So Kind That His Teacher Reached Out To Me Regarding His Solo. It Really Warmed My Heart

My Son Is In 5th Grade, And This Thursday Is Their Concert. I Thought It Was So Kind That His Teacher Reached Out To Me Regarding His Solo. It Really Warmed My Heart

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Colleen Glim
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Was in this position at 12. Was too shy to do the solo. Always regretted not doing it

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#20

Turned My Son’s Drawings Into Teacher Appreciation Cookies

Turned My Son’s Drawings Into Teacher Appreciation Cookies

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#21

That’s So Lovely

That’s So Lovely

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Lolo
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely heart warming act of her. I also had a teacher who was so supportive, loving and caring I hope I’ll meet her one day and let her know how much positive impact she had on my life ❤️

Still, the first issue is probably the most glaring. Many parents want to control what and how their children are learning, prompting conflicts with the teachers. Jessica Winter writes for The New Yorker that this issue might have become more prominent with the pandemic. Teachers got a direct glimpse into the children's home life, while parents could finally sit in on the process of the classroom.

#22

Vietnamese Immigrant Parent Reminds Me Why I Am A Teacher

Vietnamese Immigrant Parent Reminds Me Why I Am A Teacher

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#23

This Was For My Son's Teacher. She's Leaving, And They Had The Best Bond. She Came In And Burst Into Tears, Which Got Me Going, And Then Another Teacher. It Was A Very Teary Moment

This Was For My Son's Teacher. She's Leaving, And They Had The Best Bond. She Came In And Burst Into Tears, Which Got Me Going, And Then Another Teacher. It Was A Very Teary Moment

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#24

Teacher Appreciation Gift For My Daughter's 1st Grade Teacher! Parenting Honestly

Teacher Appreciation Gift For My Daughter's 1st Grade Teacher! Parenting Honestly

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Winter writes how, back when she was in high school, the only calls her parents got about her from school were about missed classes or if she had to go home early if she felt unwell. Nowadays, parents get informed about even the most minor things that happen in classrooms. Even back in 2013, only four out of ten parents claimed to have received phone calls from the school about their children.

#25

A Sweet Message From One Of My Student’s Parents. I Miss My Kids A Lot

A Sweet Message From One Of My Student’s Parents. I Miss My Kids A Lot

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#26

Message From My Nephew's Teacher To My Sister

Message From My Nephew's Teacher To My Sister

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#27

Didn't Expect This From The Teacher Today

Didn't Expect This From The Teacher Today

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Little Wonder
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I worked in a library a little girl solemnly told me "My mum wants to die" to which her mother replied very quickly "My HAIR, my hair!!"

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Psychologist Michael Thompson explains that this is due to parents just being more involved in general. "This is the most devoted, most conscientious, most aware parent cohort ever—but they're also wildly anxious." Out of that anxiety, he says, comes the sometimes overbearing communication.

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#28

That Teacher Taught Us How To Love, And You Taught Us How To Be Thankful

That Teacher Taught Us How To Love, And You Taught Us How To Be Thankful

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#29

I Have A PhD

I Have A PhD

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#30

This Should Be Framed

This Should Be Framed

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Cee Cee
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shame Benny wasn't able to tell his parents this also that they didn't read his body language.

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The key to a good parent-teacher relationship is to trust the teacher to make the right decisions. After all, they've received qualifications and training for doing exactly this, right? "The more you call, the less the teacher feels trusted, and the more it corrodes a relationship," Thompson says.

#31

My Autistic Daughter’s Math Teacher Sent Me This Today. This Is Absolute Comedy Gold

My Autistic Daughter’s Math Teacher Sent Me This Today. This Is Absolute Comedy Gold

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#32

From My Kindergartener's Teacher Today. The Embarrassment Is So Real

From My Kindergartener's Teacher Today. The Embarrassment Is So Real

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Colleen Glim
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The usual way is a gun or a bow and arrow. But if that’s what works, you do you

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#33

My Son's Teacher Is Proud Of Me

My Son's Teacher Is Proud Of Me

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Elle Lian
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ha! I would never have the balls to write this to a parent…but I would be thinking it. 😆

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#34

My Daughter’s Teacher Knew I Loved Knitting. So She Hand-Spun Me Yarn As A Gift

My Daughter’s Teacher Knew I Loved Knitting. So She Hand-Spun Me Yarn As A Gift

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#35

My Brother's High School Math Teacher Assigned Parental Homework. My Dad Was Not Happy

My Brother's High School Math Teacher Assigned Parental Homework. My Dad Was Not Happy

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Huddo's sister
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I could understand this for primary school children, where you can learn more from a parent that the child (until you meet/observe them) but for a high school student, I would expect this to be filled out by the student themselves.

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#36

The Email I Got From My 8-Year-Old's Teacher Today Had Me Dying Of Laughter. Do You Know How Hard It Is To Enforce A Consequence When Trying Not To Laugh?

The Email I Got From My 8-Year-Old's Teacher Today Had Me Dying Of Laughter. Do You Know How Hard It Is To Enforce A Consequence When Trying Not To Laugh?

The mannequin head is mine, as I'm a stylist.

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#37

Accidentally Sent My Son To School With His Newly Bought Ugly Christmas Sweater. Didn't Realize What Santa Was Doing Until His Kindergarten Teacher Pointed It Out When I Picked Him Up

Accidentally Sent My Son To School With His Newly Bought Ugly Christmas Sweater. Didn't Realize What Santa Was Doing Until His Kindergarten Teacher Pointed It Out When I Picked Him Up

She was pretty cool with it. She chuckled when she told me. I laughed too once I saw it.

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Fussy1
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thirty years later, " ...and that's how I got suspended in kindergarten and the reason 'Ugly Christmas Sweater Day' got banned in 4 counties."

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#38

Parenting Is Hard. How Am I Supposed To Discipline My Daughter With A Straight Face, When Her Teacher Sends Me Pictures Of Her Falling Asleep In Class

Parenting Is Hard. How Am I Supposed To Discipline My Daughter With A Straight Face, When Her Teacher Sends Me Pictures Of Her Falling Asleep In Class

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colleen1969 avatar
Colleen Glim
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is she so tired that she’s falling asleep in class? That should be your first question

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#39

She Hadn't Missed A Meal

She Hadn't Missed A Meal

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David
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Required reporters have to follow up even if it sounds not very plausible. Like the time my then young grandson saw a show about trappers / furs and then told his teacher they were nailing cat skins up to dry on their apartment walls. (He doesn't hate cats, he just went with an animal that was around his urban environment. )

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#40

The Good Education We Must Invest In

The Good Education We Must Invest In

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#41

This Is An Actual, Unironic Email That I Just Got From My Son’s Teacher

This Is An Actual, Unironic Email That I Just Got From My Son’s Teacher

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#42

Message To Parents I Got Today

Message To Parents I Got Today

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zims
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine not being able to pay rent because your 7-year-old decided to play Robin Hood

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#43

End-Of-Year Presents For The Teachers Who Look After My Diabetic Daughter

End-Of-Year Presents For The Teachers Who Look After My Diabetic Daughter

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Steve Robert
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is a person who shoots a ball into a hoop worth hundreds of times more than the teachers who are responsible for educating our kids? Yeah, I don't have an answer for this.

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#44

My Daughter's Elementary School Emailed This Photo So Parents Can Claim Lost Glasses. The School Only Has 190 Students

My Daughter's Elementary School Emailed This Photo So Parents Can Claim Lost Glasses. The School Only Has 190 Students

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#46

Kid Went To Spend Their Entire Birthday Money At The Canteen

Kid Went To Spend Their Entire Birthday Money At The Canteen

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#48

It's Teacher Appreciation Week. I Made These For My Kids' Teachers

It's Teacher Appreciation Week. I Made These For My Kids' Teachers

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#49

My Little Sister Was Misbehaving At School, And This Was The Note Home She Got Today

My Little Sister Was Misbehaving At School, And This Was The Note Home She Got Today

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Huddo's sister
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems to be more going on than just missing mum. I would suggest giving her a chewable/stim necklace while finding out the cause. I have a child in my after school care who needs something like this, but for some reason the teacher thought a chewable necklace or chewing gum would be too distracting for the other kids.

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#50

Pretty Sure My Kid's Daycare Teacher Is Former Mafia

Pretty Sure My Kid's Daycare Teacher Is Former Mafia

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Note: this post originally had 66 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.