As we approach the end of the academic school year, I find myself thinking about the educators and teachers that have warmed my daughter’s life as well as the lives of many other children. This time of year is bitter sweet. All the fuss over the report cards, cleaning out those lockers and book bags and preparing for summer vacations. But what about those teachers who have come to know our children circa five days a week for the better part of nine months?
Can you remember the special teacher, the coach, the principal that believed in you before you believed in yourself? The mentor that pushed you to do better and be better?
Texas educators are a force to be reckoned with. Wearing many hats, they are our eyes and ears, governing and chaperoning our children during the school day when we are not around. There are a few that would not disappoint us if they opted for an early retirement package. And of course, some we adorn more than others. But either way, they are an intricate part of educating our youngsters. Many are cheerleaders, standing on the sidelines with encouraging words, chants and pompoms. Some were hard-nosed, in-your-face coaches, that never laid off. Others insisted that we do things the hard way, even when they know there were a few corners that could be cut.
Whoever they are (or were) and however they inspired us, we all can generally recall at least one, as an integral part of morphing us into the efficacious scholars and adult professionals we have become. And when we wanted to quit, when we wanted to blame someone else for our mistakes, when we wanted to stop dreaming, when we wanted to settle for less than our best, they were there to remind us that getting to the finish line was the only option.
So as this school year comes to an end (and every school year), I implore you to pour some Texas sugar and gratitude on an educator. Words of encouragement can go a long way. “Tag a Teacher” current or past, college or grade school, and let them know the phenomenal impact they are having on our children, our schools, and our communities.
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” William Arthur Ward.
Nichole Deal