Over the last few weeks I have presented to many educators in all corners of Alberta and also in B.C. I am always inspired by the enthusiasm of teachers at all stages of their careers. At the end of a session in Kamloops on Friday, I was given the book I Hope by Monique Gray Smith. At the end of this book, the author asks the reader, What are your hopes?
This question inspired me to freewrite with you in mind. I have shared a few of my thoughts below. (Why not read this beautiful book and engage in a freewrite with your students too?)
I hope educators see how valued they are even when appreciation from students or parents isn’t always articulated. I hope educators realize the impact they have on their students each and every day: in those moments they know they are being watched and in those moments when it might be less obvious. I hope they feel empowered to give their students the gift of literacy, to understand what works and what doesn’t, to be willing to adjust their practice, and ask for help when they are swamped. I hope educators dig deep to find patience when things are tough, when funding is short, and when class sizes are larger than practical. I also hope they can give themselves grace when they can’t do it all. I hope they see how amazing they are as they work day in and day out to meet the needs of their students, needs which go far beyond academics. Ultimately, I hope educators find time to regularly invest in themselves and their families: to find balance and rejuvenate when needed. I hope.
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Henry Brooks Adams
Thank you Karen!