After two days' worth of group discussion on the impact of race in school settings, this morning I attended a presentation on how children and teens use internet and cell phone technology to bully others, a depressing societal trend known as cyber-bullying. Taken in succession, the topics feel like a one-two punch to the gut.
On the other hand, as I dusted myself off and returned to the work of being an educator, I couldn't help but look at every single child with an overwhelming desire to protect and uplift him or her with every loving fiber of my being. The social stresses on children of all ages is unprecedented, and so is the need for educators to invest the time and effort to build individual connections with them.
You're just the kind of person our schools need, especially as you transition from the classroom to administration. Anyone who seeks to become and remain an educator needs to have that desire "to protect and uplift...with every loving fiber."
ReplyDeleteMay you never lose it.