If you are an adult, think back to the first grade. Who was your teacher? I guarantee you remember his or her name. If you are a high school student, who is helping you with countless scholarship applications? I'm sure he or she is a teacher. Collegians, who was your first mentor? Who inspires you today? If you are a parent, who does your child continuously talk about and make reference to? I'm confident that this question yields the same answer as the previous. These individuals make handprints on our hearts and reside in a special place in our memory for a very special reason: they answered the call to be educators.
Dear teachers,
You may not be aware of this, but, to some, you are safety.
You are the head of a safe environment. Your control of the classroom and fairness makes for a great place to learn and a place to relax. A student has two jobs in your presence: behave and do their best. No arguments, no housework, no chasing down the little sibling, no listening to yelling, no "adult" jobs. Just those first two. To some students, your safe haven is a luxury.
To others, you are an inspiration.
The example you set speaks louder than any words. All of your students look up to you, whether they are well-behaved or not. They are watching even when you don't realize it. At the end of the day, it is very obvious that you do what you do for the love of education and the betterment of your students. It's not for the money, it's not for the status, it's for the cause. A brilliant, beautiful cause at that. One who works to give to the world instead of take from it is inspiring.
To those who truly need it, you are consistent.
Stability is a need. Far too often, this need is not met. You, however, meet this need daily for some. When life at home is a challenge, or the future is uncertain, you are satisfyingly predictable. Just by showing up, you serve as a stable part of the lives of many, and that in itself is greatly appreciated.
In the grand scheme of life, you are a firm representation of love.
Teachers radiate love. Love for one's vocation, love for students, love for the community, love for education... the list could continue endlessly. In everything you do, you are showing love. The amazing thing is, your students notice. Even on the days you feel like your efforts are for nothing, when you keep going and pushing to educate, you are showing this love. The same love that pushed you to become a teacher.
Thank you for answering the call to enlighten minds and change lives.
