Honouring the Educators Who Shape Us
Teaching is one of the most quietly powerful professions in the world. It happens in fluorescent-lit classrooms and school gymnasiums, in hallways before the bell rings and in parking lots long after dismissal. It happens in the margins of marked assignments and in the careful wording of a comment designed to encourage rather than diminish. It is a profession defined not by a single dramatic moment, but by thousands of small, deliberate acts of care.
As the school year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to honour that.
A Letter from Aba
As I put on my other hat as a teacher, I often find myself reflecting on what that role truly means.
The truth is, it can be hard to separate the personal from the professional. Over the years, I have often joked that I have hundreds of children that I am looking out for. But there is truth in that sentiment.
Teaching is built on connection.
It is checking in with a student because they mentioned something in passing that has stayed on your mind.
It is noticing who hasn't seemed quite themselves lately.
It is reading the room and bringing a little lightness and laughter when it is needed alongside the work.
It is the snacks and treats shared to lift spirits during stressful times.
It is the supplies you purchase out of your own pocket to support learning initiatives and help make spaces feel welcoming, equitable, and inviting for all students.
It is arriving early in the morning and staying late into the afternoon. It is the evenings and weekends spent preparing lessons, answering emails, grading assignments, and thinking about how to help each student succeed.
It is the quiet, unnoticed work.
The work that rarely makes headlines.
The countless small moments that accumulate over a school year and shape how young people see themselves, their abilities, and the possibilities ahead of them.
Teachers don't simply teach subjects. They encourage. They advocate. They nurture curiosity. They provide consistency. They celebrate victories both big and small. They offer grace on difficult days and believe in students, sometimes before students believe in themselves.
To all the educators, educational assistants, early childhood educators, administrators, support staff, and everyone who contributes to creating spaces where students can learn and grow:
Thank you.
Thank you for showing up.
Thank you for caring.
Thank you for the unseen work that often goes unnoticed but never goes unfelt.
Why Wellness Belongs in This Conversation
There is something important we do not talk about enough when it comes to educators: the toll that constant caregiving takes on the body and the spirit. When you spend your days holding space for thirty-plus people at a time — managing their emotions, their learning needs, their social dynamics, and their wellbeing — your own needs can quietly move to the bottom of the list.
Research consistently points to high rates of burnout, chronic stress, and physical exhaustion among educators. The shoulders that carry so much tension. The sleep that gets interrupted by lesson planning or worry. The voices that are strained by the end of June in ways they were not in September.
Rest is not a luxury for people in caregiving roles. It is a necessity.
This is something we feel deeply at Cher-Mère. Our approach to wellness has always been rooted in the belief that the people who give the most deserve to be cared for just as thoughtfully. Whether it is a restorative facial, a quiet moment with a body butter that melts the tension from tired hands, or a full afternoon set aside for yourself — these are not indulgences. They are acts of self-preservation.
Our spa services in Kingston, Ontario are designed with exactly this in mind: a calm, inclusive space where you can arrive as you are and leave feeling genuinely restored.
The Gift of Rest
As the school year comes to a close, perhaps there is a teacher, coach, mentor, or educator in your life who has made a difference for your child, your family, or even for you.
If you're looking for a meaningful way to say "thank you," we invite you to give the gift of rest and care.
From June 15–25, enjoy 20% off Cher-Mère gift cards, a small gesture of appreciation to help the teachers and educators in our lives take a moment for themselves.
Because those who spend so much of their time caring for others deserve moments of relaxation, renewal, and care, too.
A Cher-Mère gift card lets the recipient choose exactly what speaks to them — whether that's a spa service, a favourite product from our natural skincare line, or something from our body care collection to bring the ritual home. It is thoughtful without being prescriptive, and meaningful without requiring you to know exactly what someone needs.
We shared a little more about this appreciation on our social channels — have a look if you'd like to see how our community is showing up for educators this season.
Who This Is For
We know "educator" looks different depending on the community you are part of. This acknowledgement is for:
The classroom teacher who knows every student's name and more about their lives than their report card will ever reflect.
The educational assistant who provides one-on-one support, adapts materials on the fly, and advocates behind the scenes for students who need it most.
The early childhood educator who is building the very foundation of a child's relationship with learning — in some of the most underfunded, undervalued conditions in the sector.
The school administrator who carries the weight of the whole building: the staff morale, the parent communications, the unexpected crises, and the vision for what the school can be.
The support staff — the office administrators, custodians, lunchroom supervisors, and librarians — who hold the daily rhythm of school life together.
You are all seen here.
A Note on Inclusive Wellness
Cher-Mère was built on the principle that everyone deserves access to quality care, regardless of age, skin tone, hair type, background, or identity. That same principle extends to how we think about this community.
We are proud to be a Rainbow Registered inclusive spa in Kingston, Ontario — a designation that reflects our genuine commitment to being a welcoming, affirming space for everyone, including 2SLGBTQIA+ educators, staff, and families.
If you have been looking for a natural spa in Kingston Ontario where you can relax without having to explain yourself or navigate uncomfortable spaces — we are that place. Our team is trained, our environment is intentional, and our door is open.
From One Teacher to Another
From one teacher to another, thank you for all that you do.
With gratitude,
Aba and the Cher-Mère Team
Ready to say thank you in a meaningful way? Shop Cher-Mère gift cards now and take 20% off June 15–25.