There’s an old idiom that reads: Those who can’t do, teach.

For some reason, our society doesn’t give much esteem to those who choose to devote their life to educating young people. For some reason, teaching as seen as a last resort. It’s something you do when every other major or job is too hard, because apparently its easier to devote time, money, and emotional energy to raising the next generation to be responsible and educated citizens so that our society won’t collapse in on itself.

Teaching is doing something. Teaching is doing the one thing that allows every other profession to exist.

Passions and interests don’t manifest spontaneously. Talent is all well and good, but it is meaningless if no one cultivates it. Somewhere along the line, you were introduced to something that suited your mind and had a mentor that inspired you to pursue those interests. In a perfect world, everyone’s parents were this person. But for many, the only guidance they receive in their life comes from a teacher.

And even for people who have wonderful, educated, involved parents, school is still one of the greatest resources these people have ever benefited from. Skills you gained in school have helped you mature into adulthood, work hard, and chase your dreams. Teachers filled in the gaps for what society and your family could not teach you.

These were skills given to you by a teacher.

Aside from the fact that education is essential to social mobility, it is something that is essential for becoming a responsible adult. Education is empowerment, and it is the teacher who empowers so many students.

Teachers are the authors of all respected professions, and they deserve the same respect as the engineers, doctors, and CEOs that they helped to create. The people who give their lives to the education and enrichment of the young are owed so much thanks for what they do for our society. Without them, we might not have a society.

To students whose lives might be a sea of chaos, a teacher might be the only calm in their personal storm. School is a safe-haven for some. It might be the only place were certain students are fed and have adult guidance and supervision. Young people need older, wiser people they can trust and rely on, and so often these older, wiser mentors are teachers.

I know for me, the teachers that I was fortunate enough to have were not only great mentors, but were also great friends. These were people I could trust with personal information, and who would always be there for me. They helped me become better versions of myself, and for that I am so grateful.

So to teachers everywhere, thank you for what you do. Our world might take you for-granted, but your hard work wasn’t for nothing. Your students see you, and they are so thankful.