The Impact of a Teacher

“You may not always see it, but your presence in this world 

has left ripples far beyond what you know. 

Someone still smiles at a memory you created together, 

still feels comforted by the kindness you once showed, 

and still finds courage in the words you spoke. 

Someone hums a song that reminds them of you, 

sees beauty in the world because you pointed it out, 

and carries your wisdom in their heart. 

Someone stands a little taller because you believed in them, 

walks a little lighter because you were there, 

and dreams bigger because you told them they could.

You matter more than you realize.” 

–By Writer’s Blossoms

Teachers, you matter so very much! I hope you know you do! You work harder than anyone I know. Teachers are expected to do the impossible with limited resources while being underpaid and overworked, staying way beyond your contract hours. 

You give so much of yourselves, yet no matter how much energy, passion, and preparation poured into teaching and caring for students, you feel the work is never done. You do this day after day, week after week. It is exhausting physically, mentally, and emotionally.

You balance lessons, planning, creating, preparing, copying, data assessing, meetings, grading, paperwork,  responding to emails and phone calls while trying to teach the students in your care.  You manage students’ emotions, behavior, and trauma on top of all the academic demands. You know the heartbreak of seeing your students struggle with things that can’t be fixed inside the classroom. But, still, you try. 

You often take their struggles home to wrestle with solutions on how you can help.

According to an article by Youki Terada called “Understanding a Teacher’s Long-Term Impact,” teachers have the greatest impact on student achievement compared to any other aspect of schooling. This significant impact is due to the role teachers play in the overall well-being of students. While it is difficult to measure a teacher’s influence on a student’s life, as test scores only show a small portion of their capabilities, it is clear that teachers provide much more than measurable skills for adulthood.

Additionally, a 2015 study found that focusing on student social and emotional well-being resulted in long-term economic gains due to improvements in health, education, and employment.

We know teachers work incredibly hard to create a welcoming, calm, safe space. We see you caring for and teaching our youth how to be good citizens, find things to get excited about, how to be curious, problem solve, and strive to be their best selves. By cultivating a positive and encouraging atmosphere in the classroom, your students are encouraged to believe in their full potential.

You already understand that teaching children resilience, a growth mindset, a good attitude, confidence, and a kind heart will affect the whole child and their well-being for life. And you may be the only positive thing they can rely on. You know that students will always learn best when they feel cared for and valued by their teachers. 

Research in neuroscience and psychology explains these lasting benefits. Stanford professor Linda Darling-Hammond, quoted by Terada, said, “The science tells us that, in fact, because of the way the brain functions and grows, it needs safety, it needs warmth, it actually even needs hugs. We actually learn much more effectively in a state of positive emotion than we can learn in a state of negative emotion. That has huge implications for what you do in schools.”

When surveyed about the characteristics of an impactful teacher in 2017, Terada expressed that people rarely mentioned academics or test scores. The vast majority indicated that exceptional teachers create a safe and loving environment, express belief in their students, demonstrate patience, and nurture their students’ potential.

The mental load can be overwhelming, but you still show up every day because you care. It is evident you want to help kids be successful and know their limitless possibilities. They are the next generation, our next era of leaders. You are creating all the future professions and families. That is no small undertaking.

You inspire young minds and instill essential values and skills that extend beyond your classroom and into real life. You help children gain confidence as they grow. Your students know how to collaborate, communicate, problem-solve, and get along. You teach them that they each matter, are needed, and add value.

The feelings you create in your class will have a ripple effect for life. Wouldn’t it be neat to see just how much what we do matters? To see how you are creating critical thinkers who will effectively problem-solve the issues of tomorrow, offer creative ideas, and think deeply?

While it is impossible to truly measure the depth of the impact you have, here are some powerful statistics from Stacy Tornio’s article called “12 Powerful Statistics that Prove Why Teachers Matter” that highlight your impact.

• The average teacher affects over 3,000 students during their career
• 98% of people believe that a good teacher can change the course of a student’s life
• 88% of people say a teacher had a significant positive impact on their life
• 89% say they recognize teachers have a really hard job
• 79% of students say a teacher encouraged them to follow their dreams
• 83% of students say a teacher has boosted their self-esteem and confidence
• 75% say teachers are mentors and role models
• 94% say we should do more to recognize good teachers
• Nearly 4 million students will graduate from a U.S. High School this year because they have been influenced by a teacher like you!

The significant influence of a teacher is truly inspiring, and I hope it’s encouraging to know that you matter, even when it’s challenging to adequately measure your impact. Please know that you are a force for good in the world.

Teachers, you illuminate the world for your students, guiding them on their journey and the possibilities that await. With your enthusiasm for learning, you inspire the value of education and lifelong learning.

So on the hard days and every day, please know we value you as essential to the future and our success as a society. Please remember how much you do to empower tomorrow’s thinkers and contributors. You are absolutely crucial to your community and we thank you. While you go about teaching, guiding, and leading, you are leaving lasting impressions of love and care in every child’s life.

Warmly,

Debbie

Articles cited: 

“Understanding a Teachers Long Term Impact” by Youki Terada

“12 Powerful Statistics That Prove Why Teachers Matter” by Stacy Tornio

Research facts were provided by the following: ING Foundation Survey, National Center for Education Statistics, The Harris Poll, and EdWeek.