Honoring Those with Teaching Careers

In honor of “Back to School” season, I’d like to honor those with careers in teaching.  I’ve always admired teachers and there have been a few that have touched my life immensely.  My sister had a college professor that ended up becoming her coach outside of the classroom. My Dad was lucky enough to have a teacher who helped him improve his reading skills when he was too shy to ask for help.

My friend Katie has a career I truly admire. Listening to her tell stories about her work could keep me occupied for hours. Her stories reflect patience, creativity, her love for children and a deep understanding of the newest methodologies in her field.

Katie works as a Reading Specialist in the school district I grew up in.  Last school year she worked with many elementary school students who started the school year unable to read and finished the school year with significant improvement. Some of her students had learning disabilities and social issues, while others were attempting to learn English as their second language. Still others came from homes where practicing skills like reading were left entirely to the teachers.

Last week Katie was headed out to get supplies and decorations for her new classroom. My Dad got wind of this and insisted on donating money to her classroom as a way of acknowledging how important her work is.  Many of us forget how many classrooms are in need of basic supplies. According to a recent survey by the makers of Excedrin®, a large majority of parents (85%) think their schools are in need of new or upgraded supplies such as pencils and paper and computers or software and gym/sporting equipment. In addition, 44% of these parents also say they expect to get a headache during the back to school season.

In honor of all of the amazing teachers, schools and parents out there, Excedrin® has put together a program that gives back with every purchase of Excedrin®. People can enter for a chance to win $10,000 for the school of their choice: whether it’s the school that gave you your start or a school that has somehow inspired you.

To enter the “Help Your School Excel with Excedrin” sweepstakes and have the chance to be one of the five lucky winners, visit Facebook.com/Excedrin.

In keeping with the back-to-school theme, this month’s giveaway package is meant to help you stay organized, hydrated and headache-free as you adjust to hectic schedules and spend increasing amounts of time on-the-go.  We will select one giveaway winner who will get a 2013-2014 academic planner and pen, a magnetic memo board and an aluminum tumbler. Just share a story about a teacher that inspired you in the comments section for the chance to win!

I am an Excedrin® Extra Strength brand ambassador. I’ve been compensated for my work and all opinions are my own.