Depending on where you live, it’s most likely that school’s out for the summer, or nearly is. Or perhaps, the students and teachers in your life are still embroiled in exam preparation and stress! Either way, this time of year reminds us of the importance of teachers in our lives, the role they play in supporting us, laying the foundations of knowledge for the rest of our lives and inspiring us for our futures. We know the enormous commitment that many teachers give to their students.

However, there are some people who do not have this optimistic view of teachers. There are people who criticize teachers for the “short” hours they work, the “long” vacations they get, and the “easy” job of simply “supervising” children. These people don’t know, or don’t care to know the long hours behind the scenes, the late night and early mornings, the jumping-through-hoops and preparation that goes on to give the students the best education possible.

In this video below, a professor shares his uncomfortable experience at a dinner party, where a CEO questioned him on how much he earned and reminded the entire table that: “those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach!” How rude and awkward for everyone at the dinner party!

However, the professor rose to the occasion. You have to check out his beautiful response to the CEO in the video. The professor not only taught him a lesson that day, but also reminds us of the remarkable worth that it is to have a job that might not make big bucks, but makes a big difference instead. 

How Much Does A Catholic School Teacher Make?

“You want to know what I make?

I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make them wonder. I make them criticize. I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them understand that Jesus loves them, that they are the Father’s son or daughter in Jesus, and that He has a plan for thier life that is better than any they could have made.

I make them read. I make them show their work in math and perfect their English papers.

I amke them know that their neighbor is someone theat they are called to love and forgive, and I amke them understand the dignity of the human person.

I make them understand the traditions and the teachings of the Church. I make them understand tha tif they use their brains and follow God’s call on their heart, that they shouldn’t pay attention to someone who tries to judge them by what they make.

You want to know what I make?

I make saints.

What do you make?

– As told by Archbishop Samual J. Aquila

Let’s take this opportunity today to thank a teacher for their hard work, and to say a prayer for them today! 

“Dear God,

Grant our teachers an abundance of Your wisdom. Prepare their hearts to welcome and love our loved ones, and may we make sure to show them love and respect in return. Give them grace as they help students who aren’t thriving, courage to say what needs to be said, tools and knowledge on how and when to speak love, and strength when they feel weak. When they feel unseen, remind them that no moment goes unnoticed. They are shaping the future in one million small – yet incredibly important – ways every day. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift of learning they share with our children. Bless them, Lord, and may they see even just a glimpse of how their faithfulness will forever impact generations to come.

Amen.”

Some Additional Resources

What Catholic Schools Are Called to Be – Remarks by Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver, 

Going Deeper – Catholic Teacher Formation, Johnathan Doyle’s YouTube Channel