I have always loved being a teacher in December. I loved being around kids during this month, because they help to keep the spirit of Christmas and the Holidays alive! However, with great excitement, comes much thought, and preparation, and it eventually leads to exhaustion. Now, if I am bursting your bubble for even mentioning the word “raise” and “teachers” in a title, I would advise you to stop reading now. Since most of us already know we are not getting a raise, I thought it would be fun to come up with a list of reasons we should in December.
10 Reasons Why Teachers Should Get a Raise in December
1. Teachers are superhuman.
Listen. Teachers care about more kids more than most humans on this planet. We do everything in our power to make sure our students have optimal learning environments, a caring classroom, and a comfortable place to be during the school day. We engage in positive parent partnerships to ensure students’ needs are being met at home, as well as in the classroom. We have also attended more PLC’s, Committees, and extracurricular events during non-contractual time, so it would only make sense.
2. Holiday Projects
In December, we have projects to do. And let’s not forget those ornaments for parents and a little something special for our students. And although the finished products look great, they are exhausting. Not to mention buying materials for a classroom full of students isn’t cheap.
Need academic resources to keep your kiddos on track? Check out my Holidays Around the World Unit!
3. Elf in the Classroom
We spend much of our after school prep planning, grading, meeting, organizing, and prepping for upcoming projects. But in December, many teachers are also making sure that little Elf in the Classroom is always up to something at night so that when the students come in, they are pleasantly surprised with all his silly antics.
4. Glitter
I’ll try to be positive and say it makes for a very pretty and sparkly classroom….but how does glitter ALWAYS end up in some kid’s hair? No matter what I do, I always seem to have a wild child who thinks he/she can get away with it.
5. Gingerbread houses
We always did gingerbread houses in my classroom, and it was by far the most fun day of the year. But don’t think for one second that it wasn’t carefully coordinated and planned weeks in advance. That stuff takes major planning, and you have teachers (and parents) to thank for that!
6. Classroom Parties
Classroom parties can be a lot of fun, but they take a lot of energy out of a teacher. Especially when we have parent volunteers in the room, because we have to accommodate and put everyone to work.
7. Field Trips
It sounded like such a good idea when we planned it in September!
8. School Plays and Musicals
In order for a school play or musical to be successful, many people around the school have to come together to make everything just perfect for the big night. Teachers also have to clear their schedules and miss things with their families to be there.
9. Santa
When Santa is coming to town, our students have a hard time concentrating on just about anything. We do a good job of requiring our students to focus, but Santa is a tough competitor for their attention.
Thank you for hanging around! If you liked this article, be sure to pin it for your teacher colleagues! If you enjoy this space, be sure follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Teachers Pay Teachers to stay posted with the latest freebies, tips, and ideas. Wishing you the best this December!
