Back in September, during the first month of school, my hand drew what my heart was feeling.

As an employee of various school systems since the age of 22 with ever-changing roles from classroom teacher, to Reading Coach, to ESOL Coordinator, I always had to lead. My role or title didn’t guarantee others would follow but I chose to show up anyway. The one line that I always opened my presentations, morning messages, parent conferences, and emails sounds something like, “I want everyone to be in the know, and once I learn something, I will share it with you so we can all be on the same page.” On a consistent, daily, sometimes hourly basis, I witnessed confusion, miscommunication, lack of understanding, judgement, blame, and worst of all shame. It didn’t matter if I was speaking to 5-year-olds in a kindergarten classroom, 50-year-old parents, or 25-year-old staff members in an afternoon meeting- the reactions across the  groups were the same. When a mistake was made judgement and blame spread through like a blazing fire. When directions or new routines were presented confusion and lack of understanding grew like weeds in a veggie garden. Yet, over and over the common theme was miscommunication. It didn’t matter if it was due to lack of time and energy, messages lost in translation, or merely being distracted- the results and reactions were the same. It didn’t make sense to me that in the very environment where education and teaching took place, there lived and breathed confusion, miscommunication, lack of understanding, judgement, blame, and shame.

Yes, “school” itself is a system. It doesn’t matter if the system is public, private, virtual, or at home. The system is led by people. Based on my own experience of working in each of these environments, I know we “grownups” can lead the young people and each other with grace, compassion, curiosity, joy, inspiration, and playfulness. Humans can change, become aware, heal, and connect much easier than expecting the system to do this for us. Early on in my career I wanted to change the system I worked in, yet I quickly realized it was on me to grow, learn, heal, and change. In turn, I found my changes can create a ripple effect. Finding a problem is far easier than finding a solution but I simply refuse to give up. My heart won’t let me.

The one thing I know for certain is that the system won’t get mended by teachers alone nor by parents alone. It probably won’t be repaired by the ones who created the system or those that govern it. Only when teachers, parents (caregivers) and children UNITE to understand, honor, connect, and support each other can we truly change the system.

-Blog #2

My truth is that I’m a teacher who sees Teacher Appreciation week differently. I’ve observed and researched how this entire week is displayed and advertised. The wording, the labeling, the suggestions, and the perception of what this week should really be about seems so far off. It feels filled with ego and shame, desperate for connection, authenticity, and value.

Let me begin by saying that teachers DESERVE to be appreciated. They also NEED to feel appreciated, not just for one week but throughout the year! So often, I hear colleagues and even onlookers say teaching is a thankless job. When I hear that, all I can think is- who in the world ever wants to work without being thanked or appreciated? Add in some criticism and public scrutiny, and you have a recipe for why Teacher Appreciation week has become so popular. Before I go on, I want to make it clear that I support teachers (I am one) and school staff but I put students first, in every single situation. That means I consider the student’s point of view, their feelings and honor their needs.

I want to share about a call I got from a parent regarding Teacher Appreciation week. This parent was in major distress. She was feeling frustrated, angry, and helpless. She is out of work and barely getting by. She said she wants to participate and have her child participate in Teacher Appreciation week but felt that no matter what she did it would not be enough. I gently reminded her, that teachers don’t expect anything, and a homemade drawing or note brings them so much joy and love. In one aspect, I think teachers need to stand up because they deserve more- but stand up to the district, the state, the country- not the parents and students whom they serve but that will be a topic for a whole other post. I asked her why she was feeling this way because it would not cost much to make a drawing or a note. I also informed her that from what I understand, the school or the PTO usually organize Teacher Appreciation week.

She then sent me the weekly suggested ideas that was sent to her by her daughter’s school and the teacher.

Monday: Bring your teacher their favorite candy or treats

Tuesday: Buy office supplies that you know they are running low on

Wednesday: Dress like your teacher and be their mini me

Thursday: Buy a gift card or bring a gift to let them know you care

Friday: Bring your teacher flowers

This list explained it all. I immediately felt exactly what she was feeling. Nothing else had to be said. I told her I see her, I support her, and I am here for them. She said she felt better just sharing and asking for feedback. We both understood each other, nothing else had to be said. However, when I hear, read, or witness things like this going on in the schools my heart can’t keep quiet. This post isn’t to blame or judge, but rather to recognize and honor those places where there is still darkness. As Leonard Cohen sang, “There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”

For the parents and guardians who are struggling in this pandemic;

I honor you.

For the students who may not feel worthy or included because they can’t afford to participate;

I honor you.

For the one whose teacher may not be someone they wish to celebrate but they are forced to participate anyway;

I honor you.

For the teachers who deserve way more than a breakfast or week of treats;

I honor you.

For school staff who may not be “called” teachers but literally make the schools function;

I honor you.

For those of you who may not agree with me;

I honor you.