08/23/2022
A challenge for the new year!
I noticed something on back-to-school orientation day that I can’t stop thinking about.
As excited students and parents milled around the high school halls, I chatted with a teacher that our family knows quite well.
Worriedly, she described a few of the new challenges she faced this year, on top of the usual ones. There was no denying what I saw when I looked into her eyes…
Her shine had been dulled.
I quickly motioned for my teenage daughter, who was across the hall talking to a friend, to join us.
“This teacher is going to need extra moral support this year,” I said to Avery with unexpected urgency in my voice.
My daughter nodded solemnly. As a highly observant human being, she saw it; she got it.
I’ve been attending back-to-school orientation, as a parent and as a teacher, for several decades of my life. Never once have I said those words to my children or my students…but that is where we are now.
I promise you, whether you know it or not, there is an educator in a building near you whose shine has dulled to the point of impending crisis.
The reasons are complex, and there are experts far more qualified than me to explain how we got to this dire situation—but one thing I know for sure is how desperately teachers need our support right now.
On the second day of school, I got a message from the teacher.
“Her timing is always perfect!” she wrote, referring to my daughter dropping by her room to brighten her day.
On Day 3, another message came: “This girl is such a breath of fresh air.”
When my daughter got home, I thanked her for checking on the teacher.
“What do you do that’s so special?” I asked.
Avery shrugged. “I just talk to her, ask how she’s doing, see if can help… you know, treat her like a person.”
In other words, she humanizes her teacher.
As in…
‘You are not a commodity
a door mat
an unlimited resource
You are not expendable
a warm body filling a position
a DJ taking requests
You are a human being; and you are worthy of being known, valued, respected, and safe.’
“I’m gonna try to visit her room every day for at least 15 minutes and see what I can do to help,” Avery added.
My friends, the difficult situation many of our educators are currently in is complex and overwhelming, but I think my daughter has revealed something we can all do:
Humanize teachers.
See them.
Value them.
Stand up for them.
Support them.
And encourage your kids to do the same.
It’s going to be another long, hard year ahead; let’s fiercely protect what little light is left.
© Rachel Macy Stafford 2022
Dear educators & school personnel of this online community, the comment section is open to you. We are listening. And if you only have energy for an emoji, please use that. Be seen & be affirmed by this community today. Our hand in yours.
