#AD Both of my parents were teachers, so growing up I always knew how hard teachers worked. The passion. The planning. The patience. Being a teacher isn’t for the faint of heart, it takes a special person and I’ve always known and believed that.

Fast forward to present day and present circumstances. I’m home administering all the distant learning for my 5 kids that range in age from 6 to 15 years old… and grades 1 through freshman in high school! Each day is a new day with them and it’s not always easy, especially since I’m trying to balance my own full time job and everything at home, too. Every afternoon we cram around the dining room table and go through all the “homework” for the evening. I like (need) to make sure I’m on top of it all. I love having this evening “check-in” because it’s a good time for quiet study and they help each other, too. Thankfully we have the necessary tools to get everything done - everyone has designated colored notebooks for their specific classes, so it makes it super easy to know what notebook goes with what class. There’s a lot of moving pieces with distant learning and it’s something I’m trying my hardest at right now for these 5 kids.

I have truly never felt a deeper appreciation for all of the teachers in my kids’ lives than I do now. Each day these teachers manage to make lessons fun. Each day these teachers are there for questions. Each day these teachers check in to make sure everything is going well. Each day these teachers sign off with a smile. Each day these teachers make sure their students are managing as best as can be. It’s been a blessing to have the dedication, devotion, and determination from our teachers. They are truly heroes in my eyes.

I can’t say enough because I know now firsthand how hard it is to manage school for just these 5 from home. So many teachers are not only doing this from home for their students, but also balancing kids and lives of their own, too. A HUGE thank you and many, many. #FiveStarAd @meadfivestar Let’s celebrate teachers and parents alike this Teacher Appreciation Week, all month long! Share your own story and tag #HighFivesForTeachers and #FiveStarStrong.