We Are Lucky

By. Meredith Biesinger

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, there’s a lot of emphasis on all things green, and good luck!

There’s a lot of negativity to focus on right now in education, and rightfully so. However, I still feel that teachers are lucky in many ways! Yes, there are long hours, and the demands can be emotionally, mentally, and physically draining. Throw in a pandemic, plus learning gaps, state standardized tests, and some unsupportive parents or students with issues at home…and it might feel like our four-leaf clovers are all dried up.

If you’re looking for the pot of gold right now, here’s a few reminders as to why educators are lucky:

Every day when you walk into your classroom, you get to be on the front lines of helping children learn and feel safe and respected. Educators have an incredible opportunity to build relationships with unique students and speak words of life to them as they learn and grow.

Teachers mentor my students as readers, writers, and mathematicians. You get to feed each child’s curiosity through research or investigations. Sometimes it’s the simplicity of paper, boxes, tape, and markers that lead to the most innovative discoveries. It is a privilege to witness these moments of discovery and accomplishment. It’s an extraordinary thing to help a student (or another teacher) realize that they have the power to accomplish their goals.

Treasure the positive relationships you have built with students and parents; obviously, this isn’t always the case, but when you’re able to work in a partnership with parents, help their children become the best they can be—it’s amazing. 

Being a part of a student’s chapter in their lives and watching them academically grow and personally grow makes us lucky.

Of course, it’s not always rainbows and pots of gold, but there are moments comparable to finding that four-leaf clover that makes all of the effort worth it. “Let’s remember this: At the end of each day, despite the stuff that challenges us, we’re still the ones lucky enough to work with young people.”  ~Jen Schwanke