This week was a big week for teachers across the country. It's national teacher appreciation week and for good reason.

I wasn't the best student. Gold stars weren't always my thing and I was quick to snap back or talk out of turn. But as life and time change a person you start to see that maybe that teacher who was in your face was actually trying their hardest to reach out and show you the way. I truly am grateful to all of them who did their best to get me where I am today. We all have that special teacher that made us think and want to better who we are and teacher appreciation week shouldn't be the only time we pause to show them.

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Teachers do more than just educate our youth and get them ready for a world that is ever changing, They do it for the love of learning, They do it because they live for that moment when a child lights up when they "Get it" and they do it because it is truly a noble calling.

Ableimages

It's not for the faint of heart

Teaching takes guts... It takes being able to balance the needs of the students, the demands of the parents and the bureaucracy and politics of what is handed down from the TEA, School Boards and even the principal.. Teachers these days not only teach but may also be the only advocate in a student's life. They counsel, advise and in some cases may be the voice of reason when they cant get that at home and they certainly don't do it for the money.

Catherine Yeulet

Low Pay and Burnout

With all that teachers provide you would think they are cashing it in at the bank. The truth is most of them make enough to make ends meet but having that second summer job isn't out of the question. Believe it or not most of what you see in the classroom is their own decoration, self funded with little reimbursement. When they ask for supplies they are genuinely asking because these may not be part of the school budget.

Burn out is always around the corner in this profession for a number of reasons and believe it or not 41% of teachers will have left the profession after the first 5 years. Covid-19 and distance learning certainly doesn't help as it has taxed many of these wonderful folks to the end adding extra work to an already high work job.

michaelquirk

Thank a Teacher Today!

Even if it's just reaching out to a former teacher or the person that works with your little ones today, give them a nice courtesy and thank them for what they do. You don't need to send an apple, A simple thank you is a big boost to these amazing folks.

In Pictures: What Education Looks Like Around the World During a Pandemic

This Huge Cabin In Palo Duro Canyon Is Top-Notch Glamping

This cabin is (to us) the definition of "glamorous camping".

This three bedroom rental is tucked away in the Palo Duro Canyon. It's a cabin with serious room, meaning it can fit up to eight guests--a girls trip, family vacation, or any bigger group.

The cabin is available for booking through glampinghub.com and the description along with the provided photos is enough to catch the eye of anyone ready to get out of town and away from it all.....without having to go very far.

It's a beautiful place with woodwork throughout, full amenities, and all the mandatory electornics (and WiFi!). If a group of people were to split the cost of their stay between each other, it is without a doubt one of the most budget-friendly options for vacations.

The four day minimum stay required to make a booking is the only drawback to this diamond in the rough of a rental property--but it's nothing a little planning ahead and vacation time can't remedy.