OK, I lied - this post is really about gratitude! But, hey - you're reading now, so let's continue...
It's that time of year, approaching Thanksgiving and the Holidays, when it's natural to reflect and take stock of the good things in life. This month I've noticed several Facebookers taking the "Daily Gratitude Challenge" and I think it's a worthy exercise.
I'd like to use this opportunity to thank the teachers in my life - those who have given me an education, both past and present, and the teachers I work with day in and day out. I've been fortunate to encounter many great teachers during my career and I am still often surprised at just how amazing these people are. I say people because I've noticed that great teachers are often simply great people who happen to love learning alongside their students and peers. Some of the best teachers I've known are constantly in pursuit of education - true life-long learners.
I'm thankful for teachers who are called to the profession. Those people who could only be teachers - it's not for everyone and it's not the most glamorous career path. I am thankful for those teachers who choose Woods Charter School because they care about our philosophy more than their paycheck. I see teachers who, after spending all day in the classroom, volunteer their free time to tutor a student in need. Those who abandon their husbands, wives, and children for several days and nights in order to lead incredible experiences off campus with their "other" kids. I see teachers every day go outside of their defined role to help a student in crisis - being there to give attention, to listen, to care.
I believe that education is the best free gift you'll ever receive - something that you appreciate much more in retrospect. So little is given for free in this world. It's almost like our Kindergarteners have landed a $100,000 education grant but they just don't know it. I hope that you take some time this season to think about the gift of education and those who dedicate their lives to make it a lasting and meaningful experience. In between Googling pictures of cats, that is.
It's that time of year, approaching Thanksgiving and the Holidays, when it's natural to reflect and take stock of the good things in life. This month I've noticed several Facebookers taking the "Daily Gratitude Challenge" and I think it's a worthy exercise.
I'd like to use this opportunity to thank the teachers in my life - those who have given me an education, both past and present, and the teachers I work with day in and day out. I've been fortunate to encounter many great teachers during my career and I am still often surprised at just how amazing these people are. I say people because I've noticed that great teachers are often simply great people who happen to love learning alongside their students and peers. Some of the best teachers I've known are constantly in pursuit of education - true life-long learners.
I'm thankful for teachers who are called to the profession. Those people who could only be teachers - it's not for everyone and it's not the most glamorous career path. I am thankful for those teachers who choose Woods Charter School because they care about our philosophy more than their paycheck. I see teachers who, after spending all day in the classroom, volunteer their free time to tutor a student in need. Those who abandon their husbands, wives, and children for several days and nights in order to lead incredible experiences off campus with their "other" kids. I see teachers every day go outside of their defined role to help a student in crisis - being there to give attention, to listen, to care.
I believe that education is the best free gift you'll ever receive - something that you appreciate much more in retrospect. So little is given for free in this world. It's almost like our Kindergarteners have landed a $100,000 education grant but they just don't know it. I hope that you take some time this season to think about the gift of education and those who dedicate their lives to make it a lasting and meaningful experience. In between Googling pictures of cats, that is.