TikTok Video Exposes Lack of Teacher Appreciation in US Schools

School administrators across the US are facing criticism for their perceived lack of genuine appreciation for teachers, particularly during Teacher Appreciation Week. A former teacher, Maggie Perkins, highlighted this issue in a recent TikTok video, which has garnered significant attention. Perkins shared examples of token gestures she and her colleagues received, such as a "she believed she could so she did" sticker, contrasting these with the significant demands of the teaching profession. "As a teacher, it was more depressing to experience total thoughtlessness than a cheap gift," Perkins stated in her video. Another example she cited was a principal having the custodian gather sticks from the yard and display them in a vase in the teacher's lounge. Perkins' video serves as a call for administrators to move beyond superficial gestures and show sincere appreciation for their staff. The video's popularity underscores the resonance of her message, prompting a necessary conversation about improving teacher morale and recognition.