| Dear Colleagues, They say that teaching is one of the greatest acts of optimism. As Teacher Appreciation Week approaches, this is a time when we remember to recognize what we’ve known all year: that without the belief and caring of the teachers that lead our classrooms, our students would often find it difficult to believe in themselves. And who among us, as adults, doesn’t remember at least one teacher that helped us envision a bright future, and enabled us to make that future real? We recently asked a number of teachers what they were most concerned about in the coming year. We’ve asked that question before, during the height of the pandemic, and I’ll bet you can guess what the overwhelming answer was. Then, as now, your first concern was your students. Will you be allowed to help all students feel welcome, to teach the truth, to support students to think on their own and find their voices? Will your students be safe? In the midst of uncertainty, there is a thing that I am sure of. I’m sure that if we look to the teachers, you will be there beside your students, helping and supporting them on their journeys, with a solid foundation of belief in their potential. Every one of them. I appreciate your commitment to our work, ideals and values, and I wish you a happy Teacher Appreciation Week. Let’s keep the appreciation going all year. Sincerely, Todd |
