Dear Teacher: You’ve Done So Much
You’re not just a second parent to the kids, you are a pillar of society
Dear Teacher,
Happy World Teacher’s Day. More than celebrating your profession, you are a pillar of society. You’re often overworked, exhausted, and still working after teaching kids. Sometimes, your salary is not enough for your family’s daily needs, especially when you are the breadwinner.
But despite the challenges you encounter, you continue to forge on. You are the second person next to the child’s parents, who learn their numbers and letters with them. You attend and supervise them when they have tantrums or when they cry, give advice when bullied, and protect them from people who want to harm them. You’re not just our second parent, you are our hero.

Keep going despite the challenges
Teacher, you’ve come a long way. You are a parent, a caretaker, and a protector in society. You shield the children from harm. Come May 2025, you are on the front line once more when millions of Filipinos head out to vote. Not everyone understands the sacrifice you make when you help out on election day. You are not just there because of extra pay, but you are there to guard and protect the ballot for your students future.
If they only knew the hardship your compatriots have gone through in past elections. The lives that were gone in protecting the ballot boxes due to violence. Today’s generation was spared from that. But growing up, I read and saw videos on television of teachers who fought with armed men to cheat. They were brave and I want to say thank you.
Every year, many of your co-teachers leave the country to become OFWs for the future of their families. I know this since my sister is a teacher abroad. I hope you get compensated more. The patience to teach children, especially teens, is challenging. They have many distractions, but you persist.
Like other professions, you continue to face challenges. You provide for your family and sometimes look for extra income if needed. You go through long traffic to school and check papers and assignments. Not everyone sees the hard work and despite your exhaustion, thank you for being there.

You deserve respect
The celebration of Teacher’s Day may be over, but you’ll always be in our hearts. Regardless we say goodbye to you, you will always be part of us. We may have a love and hate relationship with you like our parents, but one thing is for sure – you have our respect.
Teacher, you are a pillar of society. You nurture a child’s growth. Your profession is noble. You are and will be a hero in every child’s heart. You are loved and always be part of everyone.
Thank you so much, teacher. This letter is not enough. I know you receive praise always but I want to say it in writing. Who knows, I may follow in your footsteps and give back. I hope you are proud of me.
Love, your student
More on the teachers
Teaching and Raising Kids: Lessons I Learned As A Teacher