When someone asks why anyone would ever become a teacher, remind them why it’s worth it. Every job has its ups and downs, but not every job can change a life.
Unknown
Once an educator, always an educator. As a recently retired public school teacher of twenty years, I am a huge advocate for public education and for the many wonderful people who grace the hallways and classrooms of schools all over this country.
Now that I am out of the classroom, I have the advantage of hindsight and perspective. You see, when you’re in the trenches, it’s sometimes difficult to see the big picture. This is dedicated to all of the sometimes overwhelmed, overworked, exhausted and frustrated educators and a reminder of why it’s all worth it!
Dear Teacher,
As you embark upon another year of teaching, these are remarkable times in which we live. In normal circumstances, this time of year is both exciting and overwhelming, but these are not normal times.
In addition to the usual nervous butterflies and mild anxiety that can accompany the beginning of a new school year, this year brings to varying degrees all new levels of uncertainty, fear and anxiety. If I were still in the trenches with you, I would most definitely be feeling anxious and more than just a little bit out of my comfort zone. The uncertainty, constant changes in plans, and inconsistent messaging from those in authority can be so difficult to process and to navigate. As if this weren’t enough, the tendency for some in the general public to misunderstand your frustration and mistake it for a lack of caring or dedication must be so very frustrating.
Now let me remind you why you are so important and why the profession that you chose is the absolute GREATEST of them all! While it may sound cliche, it’s true. You have the ability to touch the future, not just for your students but also for all of those who come after them. You have the opportunity to model kindness, empathy, acceptance, gratitude, and foster a love of learning on a daily basis. This world needs kindness more than ever before, and you are on the front lines to bring about positive change through your daily interactions with children.
We are sadly living in a time of deep division and intolerance within our society. You can do your part to break that cycle by encouraging young people to be critical thinkers. In addition, you possess the power to build future leaders! Model for students the importance of listening to other viewpoints, disagreeing respectfully, and finding common ground. I know many adults who could use a few lessons in basic social skills. Your task of creating responsible, fair minded citizens is crucial!
As only those who have taught are aware, you are never just a teacher. You fill so many important roles that it’s impossible to account for them all. In the lives of many of your students, you will serve as a surrogate parent, counselor, confidant, cheerleader, and role model. Sadly, as I know all too well, you will even occasionally be the only “light” in a child’s life, their lifeline in difficult times and their reminder that good does exist in this world.
When I was teaching and times were tough, I would always remember that I was placed there for a reason. I always knew that God had called me to do the job that I was doing. The truth is that teaching really isn’t even a job at all. It’s not! It is truly a calling. I found it to be helpful to remember this when times were tough.
One of my favorite children’s books is Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. I read that wonderful book to many children over the years. While the message in the story is wonderful, I have to admit that I read it mostly for myself. I somehow internalized the main lesson from the story and it guided my teaching career for twenty years. You can hear the entire book HERE. The quote from the book that stuck with me is a simple one, but I would like to share it with you.
Teaching for me was exactly that. It was my way of making the world more beautiful. It sounds so simple, but for those who answer the calling to teach, that’s really all it is. You are making the world a more beautiful place.
That doesn’t mean that it will be easy. Rarely is something that’s truly worth doing easy, but it is most definitely worth it. Young people are worth it. Making a difference is worth it. Changing the world one child at a time is worth it!
Have a great year! Embrace the chaos. Remember to laugh a little bit along the way, and know that you are amazing!
While this particular post is dedicated specifically to teachers, I would be remiss if I didn’t also acknowledge the various support staff who are absolutely vital to the functioning of our schools. The numerous paraprofessionals, cafeteria, custodial, and office staff, librarians, and nurses are oftentimes underappreciated. They are sometimes grossly underpaid and most are highly effective in their jobs. Some of the most hard working, dedicated, loving, and self sacrificing people that I have ever met were among their ranks. I salute you, as well!
I also wrote another blog post in celebration of teachers right after I retired, you can find it by clicking HERE!
Jill, Everytime you write, you write so beautifully and from your heart. I always look forward to your posts. I feel for all of the educators still doing the work that we once did. I also loved the book, Miss Rumphious! I think your new calling is writing.❤️
Micki- You are an encourager as most teachers are. I have to be honest and say that I’ve really been at a loss for words to write about lately. I find that I can only write week about things that I’m passionate about. I’ll always feel strongly about children and teaching. I appreciate your kindness so very much. It’s a shame that we never see each other. I think we’d have so much to discuss… 💕💕😊😊
I just read your letter to teachers & I thought it was wonderful! I am also a retired teacher after being in the classroom for almost 30 years. I enjoy your posts on Instagram and wish you the best!