Educators Who Keep Showing Up

“Children learn more from who you are than what you teach.”

— Anonymous

You ever notice how some people just radiate calm even when everything around them is borderline chaos?

Yeah, that’s a teacher.

It’s the smile at 8:00 a.m. even though they probably haven’t had a full night of sleep since September. It’s the way they somehow manage to stop a meltdown, redirect a flying paper airplane, and remember whose turn it is to feed the class pet—all at the same time. It’s basically magic. Emotional magic.

So, as we kick off our Rooted & Rising series this May (and yes, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week), we’re starting where it makes the most sense: with the everyday superheroes who stock their own classrooms, remember every kid’s allergy, and still manage to teach actual things.

Before I jump into this important topic I want to give a special shout out to my daughter’s 2nd Grade Teacher Mrs. Casillo. She is a master teacher and an all around wonderful human being. I am so incredibly grateful for the kindness, patience, and honesty she has shown both Chloe and me this year. I can only hope that next year and for many years to come Chloe has teachers who care as deeply as Mrs. Casillo. Thank you just isn’t enough!

Let’s be honest—teaching today is less “chalk and talk” and more “guidance counselor meets cruise director meets emotional support human.” You’re not just teaching math; you’re teaching emotional regulation, problem-solving, empathy, conflict resolution, and how to not eat glue.

It’s a lot.

And the wildest part? Most of that emotional lifting goes unnoticed. No one claps for the moment you de-escalated a situation with a deep breath and a calm tone. There’s no trophy for the 500 times you reminded a kid to say “excuse me” instead of blurting mid-lesson.

But if no one’s said it yet, let me: that stuff matters. So much more than we can measure.

The best teachers I know? They’re not out here trying to be perfect. They’re trying to stay present. They know that when a student is having a hard time, the job isn’t to correct first—it’s to connect first.

And that’s what being rooted looks like.

You’re grounded in your “why,” even when the lesson plans are falling apart and the copier jammed for the third time this week. You rise—not because things are easy—but because you care that deeply.

(Also, caffeine. But mostly care.)

Quick PSA: You’re allowed to love teaching and still be tired.

You’re allowed to care a lot and still need space. You’re allowed to want to cry in your car during lunch break and still be a phenomenal teacher.

You don’t have to be all things to all people all the time. (Seriously. No one gave you that job description. Rip it up.)

Being a great educator doesn’t mean you never struggle. It means you keep showing up with heart—even when you’re running on fumes.

If you're a teacher reading this: You are doing enough. More than enough. You’re making ripples that turn into waves, and even if you don’t see it today, someone’s life is better because of you.

And if you're not a teacher but you know one, this is your cue to say thank you—not the fluffy, “you’re amazing” kind (although hey, that’s nice too)—but the kind that says,

“I know you’re doing invisible work that’s exhausting and meaningful all at once. I see you, and I appreciate you.”

Because yeah, that little moment of appreciation? It goes a long way.

We’re just getting started with our Rooted & Rising series.

Next week, we’re shifting the focus to the women who keep everything together with one hand while holding a snack, a toddler, or someone else’s emotional world in the other.

(Yes, we’re talking about moms.)

Don’t miss the free printable thank-you letter for teachers included in this week’s blog—perfect for students to fill out and celebrate their favorite educators!

Until then, breathe deep. Stay grounded. And know that even when it feels like no one’s watching—you’re still doing sacred work.

MAKE SURE YOU MAKE A TEACHER FEEL LOVED THIS WEEK!

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