Teachers–you are the difference.
You are some of the first adults that our children trust, and as our little ones grow into teenagers, you are some of the first adults they will confide in.
When you decided to become a teacher, I wonder if you realized you’d make such a difference every day–and I don’t only mean with academics. Of course, the subject content matters, but with our children, from pre-school to high school, it’s about so much more than reading, science, and math.
You make a difference in their self-confidence and their ability to believe in themselves.
You make a difference in their eagerness to learn.
You make a difference in how they treat others.
You make a difference in who they aspire to be when they grow up.
And sometimes, you make the most important difference of all: You determine whether they will make it home at the end of the day.
I’m not sure how this became part of the job description. I doubt it was in the contract, or even in the fine print. You didn’t ask to be given such a responsibility, but you’ve accepted it, regardless. You continue to hear stories and see news alerts about tragedies happening in schools all over the country, but you keep going to that classroom…
…every single day.
From the excitement of the first day of school to the hugs of the last.
This world is a crazy place and none of us have a crystal ball. So, just in case something happens today or tomorrow or next year, and you’re the one hiding our kids in a closet, or insisting they crouch under your desk–thank you. We will never be able to express how in saving their lives, you saved ours, as well.
Thank you for your selflessness. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for protecting our children before protecting yourself.
