7 Facts About Teachers That Might Surprise You
Almost everyone has a story about a teacher who inspired them—the one who made learning enjoyable, sparked an interest in a topic, or even challenged students to reach new heights.
Those are the teachers we remember; their legacies live on in the professional and personal accomplishments of those who attended their classes. Long after the last session, they can still inspire.
We figured it would be fun to share a few interesting things we've learned about teachers and their commitment in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, which runs from May 6 to 10, because, as any good teacher would tell you, learning is a lifelong journey.
In the United States, there are over 3 million teachers. According to federal figures, there are nearly 3.2 million full-time equivalent teachers in public schools. When you think that there are approximately 51 million K-12 students to teach, it seems like a lot!
Women make up the vast majority of teachers. It's probably no surprise that many teachers are female, but the number might be higher than you think: nearly 77 percent. In addition, more than 54% of principals are female.
They actually put in more hours than you thought, and not just in the classroom. We all envy most teachers' summer breaks, but surveys indicate that teachers work an average of 50 hours a week. They do not even have a summer vacation: Around a third of them work part-time.
Many teachers have their own classes while they are not teaching. Nearly 60% of teachers have a postgraduate degree, and most need additional education to advance their careers. And, unlike corporate teaching, this is achieved on the teachers' own time (and often on their own dime).
In the classroom, they spend their own money. When teachers run out of supplies or want to give more to their students, almost all of them (94%) reach into their own pockets. The estimated annual cost of teacher-funded supplies is about $500. That's not chump change, particularly when you know that teacher salaries in the United States average about $55,000.
Frequently, this assistance extends beyond school supplies. In one study, more than 65 percent of teachers said they had arranged for food or paid for field trips for students in need. And 33% have bought jackets, gloves, or other winter gear for the children in their schools. Clearly, they care about more than just education; they want to ensure their students' safety.
A red apple isn't the best present. Teachers claim there are more ways to express your gratitude than the traditional picture of an apple on the front desk. To assist with their classroom expenses, consider giving them a gift card to a coffee shop or an office supplies store. If you're one of the 88 percent of students who say a teacher has had a huge positive effect on their lives, the most important thing you can send is a sincere note that says, "Thank you for doing what you do."
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