Dear teacher,
You are incredible.
In the last few days your world has turned totally upside down. You went from ordinary school days of planning, teaching and interacting with students to reminding kids to wash their hands to finding out your school will be closed. You watched as students trickled out of your classrooms heading home to stay safe from a pandemic none of us could’ve imagined. You calmly continued to teach the students who remained in your classroom, while also working to prepare meaningful learning activities for your students to take home during the closure.
You are thoughtful.
You have thought of so many things in the last few days to try to help students and families. You’ve made arrangements to communicate with students and families. You considered access to technology and internet and learning supplies to develop a home learning plan that will best support the learners in your classroom. You’ve done your best to ensure students have access to food, devices, learning, love, support – whatever they might need.
You are adaptable.
You’ve adjusted to working from home even if you don’t have a home office or a reliable internet connection. You might be juggling teaching responsibilities with caring for children of your own at home who need your attention. You’re embracing technology tools to stay in touch and provide support. You’re hosting video calls to touch base with the kids who need to ask you questions, who need help with their learning or who just need to see you and connect with you to make things a little more normal. You’re finding creative ways to connect with students and families, even if they don’t have access to technology. And you’re also keeping in mind students’ social emotional needs and supporting them through this difficult time.
You are collaborative
You’re sharing meaningful learning activities. You are providing support and encouragement to other educators. You’re sharing resources. You’re inspiring those around you. You are connecting with colleagues that you normally see every day or that you’ve just met online. You’re learning to work together in ways that you never thought possible.
Teachers, you don’t often get the shout out. So, let me shout it for you: you are amazing!
I am so proud to be part of this profession. I’m in awe of how teachers are coming together to support, encourage, and inspire one another. You give me hope that we will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Your colleague and friend Leah
If you know an amazing educator, please send this letter their way!