We had our cupcakes, vegetables, fruit, hummus, and cheese platters, but more importantly is the joy that comes from supervision, mentorship, guidance, and student relationships of several schools in southern Connecticut. This is true for special educators, English educators, science educators, and teachers in elementary education. The amount of curriculum, guidance, love, passion, and hard work they've had to give to get a license in Connecticut is immeasurable (and impressive). The impact they will have for generations and generations of young people is simply beautiful, too.
It was 1996 when I chose not to attend my own commencement, but finished a teaching certification, is coupled with my choice to stay behind for two more years and to completed a second Masters degree. I was fortunate to start at the top of a Kentucky pay scale. I said to the student teachers last night, that they, too, will balance next steps, new directions, and greater opportunities in the choices they make.
We do this for kids. We want the best. We hope for a better world. Teaching is a life choice and a super power.
We empty the ocean with a fork as fast as we can, with or without the institutional bureaucracies that aid us or hinder what we're able to do.
At the heart of what we do it absolute heart.
If I could stand on a platform that anyone would pay attention to, it would be to advocate for better schools and the best teachers that choose this profession. We don't have or live a glamorous life, but we all deserve better respect, support, and resources to help us achieve.
It's National Teachers Week and my new motto is, "I deserve better. We deserve better."
It might be my 2024-2025 t-shirt. But for now, onward.
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