Best Teachers: Thank you to educators for the amazing work you do

An early childhood education leader has given an insight into the amazing role teachers play in the lives of young kids after a random question from a parent.

Mother’s Day is traditionally a time to thank all the mums of Australia and all the amazing work they do.

But what is the amazing work they do?

Is it bringing life into the world; the sleepless nights; caring for us when we are sick; juggling work and responsibilities while all the time ensuring that the family is looked after?

Does it include the mums who may sacrifice their dreams to give their children the ability to dream bigger than once possible?

For me, yes, this is why we thank mums and the incredible work they do. But it also extends further.

There is debate around the origin of the word ‘Mother’ and many references to its meaning, but I personally like this one from the 1600s – “Alma Mater” which in Latin translates to “nourishing Mother”.

It doesn’t denote position or gender or any of our binary definitions but rather the act of caring, raising and educating someone.

This Mother’s Day I want to extend thanks to all those people who are our own “Alma Mater” – be it the always dependable grandparents, our supportive friends and extended family and, of course, the educators who nourish our children on a daily basis.

Care for Kids CEO Ash Sachdev with his family.

I was reminded of this when speaking to Alicia who works in a Victorian based Early Childcare Centre, telling me the story of a parent who asked after months of care what her daughter smelled off at the end of each day.

They finally worked out it was her perfume from hugging this little one so much during the day.

These educators often juggle much more than others, nourishing their own kids while also nourishing our kids, so that we can build a platform to launch a child’s dreams.

I also appreciate that there are lots of people out there without mums, or who haven’t enjoyed a relationship with their mums and I acknowledge that sometimes Mother’s Day brings a sense of sadness.

If I have learnt anything through life, there are “Alma Maters” all around everyone one of us, they just don’t all have the title of mum.

Selfishly, I want to thank my wife, the mum of our kids, the glue who holds our family together and the person who does more than I know or thank her for.

My mum who still nourishes me, even though I have a cool title of CEO, and is still teaching me more about life, family and selflessness on a daily basis.

So this Mother’s Day, thanks to all the mums out there and the amazing work you do and silent inspiration you serve daily.

Thank you to all the “Alma Maters” out there and all the nourishing you do without the title you deserve. Mother’s Day is a reminder to give thanks to all the amazing people in our lives.

Ash Sachdev is CEO of Care for Kids, a supporting partner of Australia’s Best Teachers