It’s May (really??? already???), a month of spring and rebirth, but it’s also one of wrapping up important chapters in life. It is the kick off to graduation season and soon a close to the academic year — the second one in the age of Covid. For students and scholars of any age, the past year plus has been a period laden with disruption and adjustment. Classrooms became a political battleground in the debate over proper safety measures — whether to open or close, operate in-person, virtually, or hybrid, and how to accommodate the digital divide. Throughout all this, educators have been in the trenches, navigating a shifting landscape with a heroic level of fortitude and grace.
This week marks Teacher Appreciation Week. It is only a handful of days for a profession that deserves a daily dose of praise.
Teachers provide so much more than a curriculum. Teachers can be a mentor, cheerleader, resource, refuge, advisor, even a literal life saver. They come in early, stay late, and prepare in all hours in between —often for not enough pay, with not enough resources, and for not enough appreciation. But teachers are an indelible part of our communities and our society. To borrow a phrase, if “children are the future” then teachers are the bridge connecting the present moment to that eventuality. Educators are a type of magic makers who turn potential into reality.
So the midweek question today is, who? Who are the teachers, educators, administrators that made a difference in your life? How did they see you and help you? What positive memories do you return to? And for all you teachers out there, current and retired, first a big thank you! And how and why did you dedicate your lives to this noble profession? We would love to hear your stories.
Thanks as always for adding your voice and engaging with the Steady community.
Some ground rules for these Wednesday chats (and also the comments sections on other posts):
I want a space where people feel safe to express their views, as long as they are offered in good faith.
I want a space where ideas can be challenged, especially my own.
I want debate. But I want it to be civil.
I want people to come here with open minds, and open hearts.
I want this to be fun as well as serious.
We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable.
Did a Teacher Change Your Life?
Did a Teacher Change Your Life?
Did a Teacher Change Your Life?
It’s May (really??? already???), a month of spring and rebirth, but it’s also one of wrapping up important chapters in life. It is the kick off to graduation season and soon a close to the academic year — the second one in the age of Covid. For students and scholars of any age, the past year plus has been a period laden with disruption and adjustment. Classrooms became a political battleground in the debate over proper safety measures — whether to open or close, operate in-person, virtually, or hybrid, and how to accommodate the digital divide. Throughout all this, educators have been in the trenches, navigating a shifting landscape with a heroic level of fortitude and grace.
This week marks Teacher Appreciation Week. It is only a handful of days for a profession that deserves a daily dose of praise.
A few days back, I wrote about some of my thoughts on teaching and shared stories from my own experience. (The essay was originally released for paying subscribers, and I am now opening it up to the entire Steady community.) I was moved by the comments section, where people shared their experiences as teachers, and of favorite teachers.
Teachers provide so much more than a curriculum. Teachers can be a mentor, cheerleader, resource, refuge, advisor, even a literal life saver. They come in early, stay late, and prepare in all hours in between —often for not enough pay, with not enough resources, and for not enough appreciation. But teachers are an indelible part of our communities and our society. To borrow a phrase, if “children are the future” then teachers are the bridge connecting the present moment to that eventuality. Educators are a type of magic makers who turn potential into reality.
So the midweek question today is, who? Who are the teachers, educators, administrators that made a difference in your life? How did they see you and help you? What positive memories do you return to? And for all you teachers out there, current and retired, first a big thank you! And how and why did you dedicate your lives to this noble profession? We would love to hear your stories.
Thanks as always for adding your voice and engaging with the Steady community.
Leave a comment
Share