Whether it’s the end of the school year, the beginning, or somewhere in between, every day is the right day to celebrate the work of educators. So, for every educator committed to keep making our schools better places for kids, this one’s for you.
Today, I celebrate educators.
I celebrate those who nurture the playfulness of childhood rather than try to extinguish it.
I celebrate those who believe our children are the best road map to decision-making in the classroom.
I celebrate those who recognize that every child is ready, just not for the same thing at the same time.
I celebrate the persistence of those who commit to making student-centered choices rather than taking the easier, more adult-centered path.
I celebrate the faith of those who dare to exist in that clumsy space of innovation, fighting the urge to run back too quickly to the comfort of “how we’ve always done it”.
I celebrate the humility of those who dare to admit they simply do not know what to do at times.
I celebrate the generosity those who reach out in response to a colleague in need with a kind word, a sense of humor, a tip from hard-earned experience, or a simple listening ear.
I celebrate the patience and grace it requires to believe in each other despite all of our differences and imperfections.
I celebrate brand new teachers who keep reaching out, learning, and taking the next step through those tumultuous early years.
I celebrate veteran teachers who maintain a reflective practice and a growth mindset, throughout their careers.
I celebrate those that find the courage for honest conversations, the kind that can be awkward and uncomfortable, but that ultimately help us better understand and support each other.
I celebrate the power of collaboration to make every one of us a reflection of the greater community we exist in. We are truly doing this work together.
I celebrate those who embrace this interconnected 21st century life, creating networks for professional learning across the globe.
I celebrate those who have adopted a ritual of gratitude in their practice, acknowledging both effort and success along the way.
I celebrate those who are strong enough to stand up to negativity, sabotage, and unproductive complaining within our systems.
I celebrate those who sprinkle our lives with a sense of humor and fun.
I celebrate those who dare to keep standing tall for what really matters in education.
I celebrate the sense of urgency that envelopes the work we have undertaken.
I believe this is the most important work in the world.
And I celebrate the ways my life has been made more wonderful by being part of it.
Today, I celebrate educators.
