Teachers change the world around us every day. Throughout my life, I have had the pleasure of being guided, educated, and mentored by the most dedicated and hardworking people: my teachers. Educators and their abilities are highly underrated. The kids that pass through their classrooms are deeply affected and touched by them. Kids and teens alike are impressionable beings, and the majority of the beginning of their lives is spent in a classroom.

These teachers are not only educating the youth but guiding them through some of the most tumultuous times of their lives.

I remember the times I would be closed off and reserved if I was having a bad day, and my teacher would check up on me. Or when I went through friend troubles in high school and my teachers were there to talk to me about the situation.

Teachers do SO much more than teach — they nurture, care, enlighten, and engage young people daily.

It upsets me greatly when the work of teachers all across the world goes unappreciated. Many teachers work extra hours, are underpaid, and use their own hard-earned money for classroom supplies. In my opinion, educators are the superheroes of our society. The next time you want to complain or yell at a teacher, think about the fact that they are not there to make life miserable or to fail people (and if they are, they should not be in this profession).

Teachers have families and lives outside of the classroom, too. They understand the frustration you (or your child) might be facing. After all, they were students once, too. Be considerate and communicate your feelings, instead of lashing out. After all is said and done, remember to say thank you.

To all the teachers and soon-to-be teachers: thank you for all that you do. Even though you might feel as if your actions go unnoticed, just remember that someone out there is thankful for the impact you have had on their lives.