Beautiful things teachers do that nobody ever talks about.

Regardless of what you do for a living … who are you or where you’re from… it’s fairly inarguable that teachers are heroes. True heroes. And in many cases, unsung ones.

Teachers are a third - or, in some cases, second - parent to our children: an influential figure with whom they spend an immeasurable amount of time during their most formative years.

It's a time when children strive not only to discover their identity... but to discover their place in the world: where they belong. Who they are. The values that define them.

Teachers do a hell of a lot more than what we see. Post continues after video...

And - despite the fact it isn't in the job description  - it's a teacher's job to facilitate that. Seven hours a day. Five days a week.

Teachers do get credit. They really do. They play a role in our kids lives that's valued and acknowledged and appreciated. But not enough.

Because actual teaching? It's one teeny tiny part of their JD. (Job description).

They're teachers, yes. But they're also psychologists. And doctors. And nurses.

They're nutritionists. They're dieticians, and listeners, and advisors.

They're writers. They're public speakers and they're actors.

Cleaners, cooks, consultants.

They are the judge. They are the jury. (They're not the executioner because that would be irresponsible).

You hear about all the extra hours. It's relatively well-broadcasted information. The come-in-early-leave-late-work-through-holidays stuff.

But the other behind-the-scenes action? Somewhat less-known...

"I've had students who have been suicidal and have confided in me as such. It's a pretty bad night when you're up monitoring their social media profiles to see if they're still alive... I can't begin to tell you the relief when you see them the next day."

One teacher told Mamamia that being diplomatic with parents is half the job...

"Often parents don't believe teachers when there is an issue with their child. I got spat at, and sworn at once... the Mum said  'No he wouldn't do that, you're lying'... You have to deal with that sort of stuff".

NB - they probably WILL NOT teach your kids to make meth. via GIPHY.

They're our kids' life coaches: influencers that hold the ability to make our kids better people.

They make meals and solve debates and heal wounds. They advise on everything from diet to sex. And everything in between: moderate debates; dictate consequences; and help kids make one of the hardest decisions they'll ever have to (whose turn it is to seek and whose to hide).

They change our kids lives in ways that - for the most part - we aren't even aware of.

And they don't get the credit they deserve.

So, let us take a moment to say thank you to all the teachers out there. You do an amazing job.