DEVOTED TEACHER SPEND LAST LIVING HOURS IN HOSPITAL FINALIZING STUDENT GRADES
Over 30% of teachers take work home every day, and according to a 2023 survey, American teachers put in 53 hours a week, which is seven hours longer than the typical schedule of other working persons. Teachers frequently put their kids before themselves, especially during their most vulnerable moments, even though this shows how committed they are to their students. Alejandro Navarro, a Texas teacher who worked relentlessly until his last hours and sadly died, was one example of this.
In a since-deleted Facebook post, Sandra A. Venegas, Navarro's daughter, detailed his predicament as a teacher at Del Rio Middle School in Texas. The teacher, who was born in Mexico, had dedicated his career to helping pupils who were learning English as a second language. Because of this, Navarro's family believes he recognised himself in the students he taught.
Long-term kidney disease and heart problems plagued Navarro, who died in 2020. He was sent to the hospital right before Christmas break as his condition deteriorated. He packed his laptop and charger so he could continue working while in the emergency room because he was still worried about completing grades for progress reports.
As a former elementary school teacher, Venegas recalled her father's perseverance. She stated, "Doctors were coming in to see him." As they conducted testing, they advised him to choose between going quietly or receiving CPR and intubation if his heart stopped. He would respond to their inquiries and provide grades on his resume.
According to the teacher's daughter, who spoke to KENS5, Navarro loved his students and always gave them his best effort. Venegas stated, "He simply loved what he did and never wanted the attention to be on him." "He always did it from the bottom of his heart with such enthusiasm." Nevertheless, she wished she had done something when he was working all day, recalling the last time she had seen him at home. Venegas remarked, "I wish I had shut off his laptop and relished our time together." "Teachers work a lot of overtime, which many people are unaware of."
Although nothing can replace her father, she hopes that this loss will highlight the work that educators do. She wrote, "Thank you to your teachers." Help your spouse establish limits, and if you are their daughter or son, don't let them work after they get home. Treat your teachers with kindness. "Teachers, let's not normalise working beyond hours, let's not normalise remaining at work late," Venegas added in her parting message to her peers. At work, you are interchangeable. At home, you cannot be replaced.