Here we are again.
Teachers return next week. They’ve
got just five days to get their rooms ready and their plans in place for the
first day of school. There will be
faculty meetings and training programs on new technology or new classroom
materials. And of course they’ll need
time to catch up with each other. Did
you do anything special this summer?
Having summer off has always been viewed with some jealously
by those not teaching. “Must be nice”,
they say. Heck, there are some who seem
to think that everyone in the school district goes home for the summer. I’ve been asked twice in the last month by
individuals who knew I was school superintendent, if I was enjoying my summer
off. Really?
To those who are jealous and would like to have a big chunk
of summer to do what you like, I invite you to try it. Try teaching for a year or so. See how much you think about teaching in your
summer weeks off without pay. You’ll see
how when you take your own kids to the local pool or on vacation, you’ll likely
be bringing a book or some school work with you. See how much time and energy and money you
spend on taking classes or developing materials for your classroom. See how much of your own money you spend on
books or classroom materials while you’re off in the summer. Or perhaps you will see that you need to get
a summer job to supplement the family income.
Each teacher does summer differently, but the good ones don’t forget
about teaching. Not even a little bit.
For me it’s always an exciting time of year to welcome the
teachers back. There is a buzz and
energy in the community that other businesses don’t experience. It is very unique to schools and I love it.
Welcome back. Let’s
get to work. These kids aren’t going to
learn to read without you. These kids aren’t going to become great problem
solvers and team members by playing video games at home. These kids are not going to gain admission
into the college of their choice without your encouragement and support. These kids need you. They will remember you. You touch the future.
