It’s no secret that teachers are some of the most undervalued and underappreciated professionals out there. They work tirelessly to educate future leaders and often don’t receive the credit they deserve. This is why one Twitter user asked the social media site to share the nicest thing a teacher has ever done for them and the responses might just inspire you to thank a teacher today.
1. This teacher provided a safe space.
For me, my high school drama teacher knew I needed a safe space. She let me “hide” with her in the auditorium when I needed to. She’s the reason I fell in love with the stage and found community and acceptance in theater. Love you, Mrs. Bach!
— Chasten Buttigieg (@Chas10Buttigieg) March 26, 2019
2. This teacher offered protectionin a difficult time.
I came out to my parents in 5th grade and before I did my teacher made sure I knew if it went badly I could live with her. Throughout my years at that school she always protected me.
— Wilson Knight (@WilsonKmusic) March 26, 2019
3. This teacher reinforced kindness.
Not me, but my daughter — when she was little she came home from school with a little certificate commending her for 'Refusing to be Drawn Into a Fight.'
Such a specific and valuable thing for teachers to be noticing and encouraging. Handy on Twitter, too. 🙂
— Ben Stephens (@stephens_ben) March 26, 2019
4. A third-grade teacher helped her overcome social anxiety.
3rd grade teacher. She took time to help me overcome my social anxiety and changed my life. Then became my “pen pal” for 15+ years. Even came to my college graduation.
— Kasey (@kayemeh) March 26, 2019
5. This teacher created a quiet space during a student’s panic attack.
I was having a panic attack once, and my favorite teacher ever brought me into her classroom and helped me calm down. She made her classroom a quiet space for me on multiple occasions.
— buzzfeed have the decency to ask (@isthbel) March 26, 2019
6. This teacher’s support knew no bounds.
In 5th grade, I told my teacher that my brother and I were going to put on a stunt show in our cul-de-sac on Saturday morning. Right on time, on his day off, he drove up in his Mustang, watched us do really stupid things on bikes and big wheels, clapped and cheered.
— The Old Goat (@theoldgoatmount) March 26, 2019
7. This teacher educated students about 9/11.
I was a junior in HS when 9/11 happened. My American Studies teacher stopped classes for a week so we could get a crash course in middle eastern politics, and wrap our young minds around what had happened. I will always be grateful for his bringing information instead of fear.
— patty (@mylittlevictory) March 26, 2019
8. This girl’s teacher took her back-to-school shopping.
My mom was bedridden for a number of years and my 6th grade teacher, Miss Munian, took me back-to-school shopping. When the internet got big enough to find people I sent her a thank you note. 40 years later it still means the world to me.
— Marisa Miller (@onlyonemarisa) March 26, 2019
9. This HS teacher offered her former student a job.
I had quit my job on Wall Street after a crisis. A month later, my HS teacher called me– at my lowest– and got me a job teaching french at my school for a term. It healed me, inspired me, & made me believe in myself again. Teachers (heroes) don't ever stop caring and giving.
— Alex (@alexanderjrigby) March 26, 2019
10. This teacher wrote an inspiring poem for a student who got bullied.
My 6th grade teacher wrote me this letter before I moved on the 7th – she saw the bullying I began to go experience and that I wasn’t going to be just like everybody else and follow the crowd. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/x7lZAX2uDH
— Matt (@Matti821) March 26, 2019
11. This guy’s teacher helped him feel confident.
Taught me how to be confident when raising my hand and sharing my opinions/answers. I used to be super scared and timid at the thought of raising my hand.
— Nick (@spartysayswhat) March 26, 2019
12. This art teacher helped a student graduate.
My HS art teacher helped me build a homemade cardboard “portfolio” to take sample art pieces to a portfolio day at the art institute. I had no clue what her field trip meant until I was offered a full scholarship to attend the univ I eventually graduated from. 1st gen ?.
— Que Fregados (@quefregados) March 26, 2019
13. This teacher helped a student feel proud about his identity.
My English professor could see I was struggling and in the closet, so she assigned me queer poets to present on to the class. She was the first person to show me queer writing and tell me how important queer stories are. She’s the reason I became an English professor.
— Matt (@ellupsis) March 26, 2019
14. This teacher stepped in to help a struggling father.
My mother died after a long battle with cancer when I was in the 7th grade. My elementary school gifted teacher who had known me since I was 2 stepped in and helped my overwhelmed father do things like get me a haircut, take me shopping and never took a cent in repayment form dad
— Jon Panofsky (@jonp713) March 26, 2019
15. And this teacher offered his student an outlet.
When I was in second grade, my parents were getting a divorce. My teacher took me aside and said if I was ever upset or mad and felt like punching someone, I could punch him instead. Never forgot that. #love #TeacherTalkTuesday
— Millennials for Mayor Pete (@PeteMillennials) March 26, 2019
h/t BuzzFeed