AUSTIN — Teachers across the country and here in Central Texas are being honored and thanked for their work as a part of Teacher Appreciation Day and Teacher Appreciation Week.
"I do feel appreciated," said Kristy Hobart, a third grade teacher at Austin Independent School District's Overton Elementary School.
She has been teaching in East Austin for 18 years.
And her current third graders have only great things to say about her.
"She's a really creative teacher," said Kennedi Jefferies. "She really helps us."
"She teaches me so I can be smart," said Aaron Hunt.
"She taught me and she didn't have to," said Tysha Gordon.
Hobart said she had a desire to work with kids that may not have had all the benefits she did when she was growing up.
She was a legal assistant for about 15 years before teaching.
"I felt like it was something I needed to do," Hobart said. "Not necessarily just something that would be a way to spend my days and earn an income."
Income and benefits are at the forefront for many educators this Teacher Appreciation Day. Across the country, they are walking out for better pay.
According to the National Education Association, Texas teacher salaries are about $7,000 below the national average.
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Hobart admits teaching is difficult.
"I've learned that it's a really hard job," she said. "It takes hours and hours."
But despite the pay, Hobart said it is more than money.
"I felt like it was a calling -- a ministry of sorts," said Hobart.
And though it does not feel like she is making a difference every day, she said, "what I feel is my main goal now is just to kind of build relationships with the kids," said Hobart.