I Support The Public Schools

 

In case you didn’t know: I support the public schools.

 

I support the right to a free and appropriate education for students of all races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, socio-economic levels, genders, and levels of family support.  

 

I support teachers who, during 180 days of contact with their students, have the unparalleled opportunity to be Love to their students--to embrace them, support them, show them discipline and grace, and give them the tools that they need to become the best individuals and team players that they can be. 

 

In my estimation, teachers are the hands and feet of Love--those who, day in and day out, feed the hungry, provide water for the thirsty, welcome the outcast, clothe the naked, take care of the sick, and visit those in prison (see Matthew 25).

So teachers: Thank You. Thank you for what you have done and/or are doing to impact this world with love. The way I see it, there are few jobs more worthwhile than yours--even when the hours are long, the paperwork endless, the testing/assessments/legalities overwhelming, the colleague and parent relationships stressful, and the immediate returns not seen.  You are making a lasting impact on entire generations of students, and I believe that you will be remembered for your selfless acts of love and grace. I respect you immensely. And I love you.

And non-teachers: Consider becoming involved with the public schools. Pray for your local schools, their students and teachers, and be open to ways that you can be involved. When all Covid restriction are lifted and schools are opened back up, volunteer. Read. Tutor. Cut paper. Chaperone. Adopt a teacher. Provide her/him with supplies that slashed budgets eliminate. Provide food for students who will go home without food for the night or weekend. Provide shoes and clothes for students whose parents cannot--or will not--provide for them. Host a teacher appreciation event for a local school. Attend local school plays and concerts. As I said on Sunday, contact your legislators and speak on behalf of teachers and teacher pay. The possibilities are endless.  Please, just consider something.

Our society is only as strong as the educational system on which it stands. Our public schools are that system. May we support our public schools today.