Thank you. To all the teachers and education majors out there, I am thankful for you this holiday season. The constant work and time (and their own money) teachers put into giving kids a good education is constantly underappreciated. I have been surrounded by teachers my whole life and have seen the hell they go through to provide kids not only a good education but also a good day at school. Here are a few reasons we should all be especially thankful for the teachers in our lives this holiday season.

1. They are literally second parents

Every bad day, boo boo, and homework trouble experienced by kids at home translates to the classroom. There, teachers are the ones making sure everyone is OK and on the right track. Not only are teachers considered second parents by a lot of students, I guarantee they consider their students their kids.

2. Schools don't buy school supplies

Teachers do. All the classroom decorations, teaching aids, and extra supplies don't grow on trees. Teachers don't become teachers for the fame or the money, they do it because they care about children and the education provided to them. On top of that low salary, teachers spend their weekends shopping for all the things their kids will need, and either can't or don't bring from home.

3. They double as life coaches

A lot more happens in the classroom than learning, I guarantee. Teachers are the ones who truly understand what a student goes through at school. Whether it be struggling with a friend, bullying, or something else, the teachers are the ones who see it first hand. They are often the ones coaching students through tough interactions during the school day and taking extra time out of their day to listen to a student who needs them.

4. All of their time is spent on school

The job doesn't stop when the school day ends. For most, a healthy break from work is available from the time the work day is over until your day starts again the next morning. This isn't quite the case for teachers. Not only are teachers there before and after student's get to school, I promise they're taking their work home with them. Whether its grading assignments, preparing classroom decorations for the new season, communicating with parents, or preparing the next day/week's lesson, teachers are putting in the work long after they leave school.

5. They are every student's #1 fan

No matter what every teacher works and waits to see their students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. They are there every step of the way pushing student's academic limits and making them better. Teachers are in the business of supporting each student in order to see them grow into the best, most successful adult they can be. No matter the student, every teacher is there every day pouring their heart and soul into education. You won't find anyone in a different profession equally as devoted to the people they work with.

Having a mom and several relatives who are teachers, a boyfriend, and many friends majoring in education has shown me every day how much teachers truly care for the children they teach. Teachers are out there every day working to give the next generation a better life. They are the everyday superheroes, don't let them go underappreciated. Don't forget to say thanks to a special teacher in your life this holiday season.