by Lizi Thach ‘18

The aftermath of National Teacher Appreciation Day (NTAD) on May 3 drastically transformed into a teacher “Unappreciation” Day, as many teachers, behind locked classroom doors, spent several hours crying, consuming comfort food, and binge-watching baby animal videos on the Internet for self-comfort.

Many teachers expected some kindness in return for their strenuous hours of hard work for teaching and preparing lessons for their students. Science teacher Emelia Gonzales explained that teachers have many hardships throughout the year, like grading tests without hurting a student’s feelings, or constantly struggling to read horrible handwriting.

“I have noticed that students no longer seem to appreciate teachers anymore, so I knew this year wouldn’t be any better than last year,” said Gonzales. “I just want someone to bring chocolates and cards and acknowledge me for once!”

While teachers want their students to notice them for their hard work, students respond with disrespect by not paying attention in classes, or playing on their phones. Building Service workers have reported a huge increase of littered chocolate wrappers and tissues in the hallways. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup wrappers were discovered in a corner in the F hallway, and Kit Kat crumbs were scattered all over the floors in the downstairs H hallway.

Teachers also stockpiled on pizzas, donuts and sugary beverages within their department offices last week for their after school therapy sessions. The purpose of these sessions was to encourage teachers to have a positive outlook on their teaching careers, even if they are not appreciated by their students. These sessions have promoted self-esteem in some teachers, but most of them decided to cry themselves to sleep that week.

In order to stop this constant cycle of sorrow, the cafeteria staff has created a recipe of Comforting Chocolate Cupcakes to distribute to all teachers every NTAD, commencing operation “Self Appreciation” Day as a go as of next year. The staff aims to provide appreciation and support from the school to ensure an enjoyable and loving environment for all teachers. The staff will ensure all teachers will be provided half a dozen of cupcakes which will be decorated beforehand, but teachers are free to bring their own toppings. Social studies teacher Scott Allen, for example, plans to bring rainbow sprinkles, or as he calls them “Jimmies,” for next year’s NTAD.

“I have never been this excited for cupcakes in my whole career of teaching!” said Allen. “I can’t wait to decorate my cupcakes and then devour them in front of my students and see them suffer, since their tears empower me. I’d probably have sprinkles everywhere throughout my classroom, but it will be so worth it. It will be a Self-Appreciation Day for all teachers to remember!”