Do you recognize the many pieces to the puzzle?

Over the last several weeks I have had the opportunity to speak with several different people who are the leaders/coordinators/directors/supervisors in their respective departments within my school district.  This opportunity has given me a new found appreciation for the many intricacies of a large suburban school district.  
As a current classroom teacher I plan my lessons, go to school, teach students, grade assignments and do it all over again.  Unfortunately, many educators including myself, take for granted the many things that need to happen before we can truly do our jobs. 

Before I even wake up on a given morning: there are people working to make sure the buses are safe to transport students, there are people doing repairs all throughout the district, there are people coordinating before school programs, there are people arranging subs for sick teachers, and there are people preparing food to feed our students upon arrival to school.  My point is simple; as a teacher I would not be able to do my job if these "forgotten and under appreciated people" were not doing their jobs.  When you work for a school district everybody is working toward the same goal.  We are here to create a safe, positive and encouraging environment, that promotes lifelong learners who are prepared to be successful democratic citizens. 

So, the next time you use your empty trash can in your classroom, you enjoy the nice air conditioned school in which you work, you spend money from your checking account, and you teach students who arrived at school on time, please remember the people who are responsible for making this happen.  A school district is a complex and delicate structure that requires the expertise of several different people to run efficiently and effectively.  Be aware, be thankful, and be appreciative to those who help us do our jobs, by doing theirs...