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Dearest Teacher...You are sure great.



(If I could be with you face to face, I would grab you by the shoulders and speak these words.)


Dearest Teacher............

You are sure great.

The work you are doing is valuable and immeasurably good.

When the questions came and the doubts were cast,

You kept going. 

With a mask or without a mask,

You have showed up for your students.

Online or in person,

You were prepared and poured out excitement for learning 

Whether you felt it or not.


Years have passed.

So many days, so many challenges.

Criticism and encouragement,

And you are exhausted.

Covering more classes and dodging sickness.

Encouraging words, I know 

fall short.

More self care or a hot bath,

Is not the solution nor will sustain you to keep going.

Even the "just do it for the kids" feels like a another pour

From an empty cup.


Do you wonder if your cup has a bottom

Or are you drowning in the positivity you hear.

You are sure great.


Just words.

But I'm going to keep speaking their truth--

You are sure great.

I tell everyone I know.

These teachers are sure great

And irreplaceable should they leave.

But their load is sure great.

So heavy to bear.


All I have is words, 

No power and authority to change--

And actions speak louder than words

Actions can keep us going.

So I will let my words be loud.

Words, I pray, cause a domino of actions.


Dearest Teacher--

You are sure great.

The world needs you.

May change be coming.



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