Dear Educators,
I have been wanting to write to you since this "new normal" has entered our lives, but I couldn't. Why? Because I was in the mix, trying to figure it all out along with you. Why? Because I honestly didn't know what to say. Why? You are in crisis and survival mode and nothing I could say could ease your burden. But I woke up this morning, compelled to write to you. I have been blessed through my professional role to be a part of a large team that is supporting educators, students and their families. It has been a marathon that seems to never end and a whirlwind that just keeps spinning. BUT the bright spot in all this is you. Why? Because you are doing it. Many of you are doing things that you never thought you would be doing. But you are doing it. Many of you are unsure and uncomfortable. But you are doing it. Many of you are struggling with the fact that you want to do more, but with the current situation, you can't. But you are doing it? Why? Because you are you. And you are an educator. This is what we do. We suit up and we do it. We arm ourselves with knowledge and understanding and are driven by compassion, empathy and love. But I ask only one thing of you my #eduwarriors. PLEASE treat yourself with that same compassion, empathy and love. 90% of those I have supported, begin our time together with the same sentiment. Some form of "I feel so dumb." And every time, it stabs me in the heart. Truly. They go on to apologize for "taking my time" and explain their reasoning, and it just hurts. I let them finish, take a deep breath and try my darnedest to put them at ease. Here is what is going though my mind: "YOU are so brave. You don't know me well, if you know me at all and you have reached out for support. For that fact alone, you are so strong. I know for many, taking that step to ask for help is not easy. So thank you for doing this for yourself, your students and your families." Here is what comes out of my mouth (or some version); "You are not dumb, you are learning. Please do not to apologize for taking my time, this is what we are here for- to support you. This is a lot of new for all of us and we are in this together. We've got you. How can I help?" And then we work together. My goal when I work with educators during this time consists of two things: 1) Bring comfort to their angst. 2) Build their confidence and capacity. Here is the thing about you all. You are doing it, there was never a question that you wouldn't.You have proven that you are willing and capable to put in the hard work to navigate this new world for your students and your families. I believe in your capacity to learn and grow during this time along side of them. I know that you are bringing your best self forward for them. And I trust you as the professional educator that you are. You do not need to be controlled. You do not need to be spoon fed. What you need is to know that we've got you, so that you've got your students. We are here to support you in this new journey and like you, we are learning and growing with you. So, thank you dear educators- for being you. You are doing it!
3 Comments
Rosalba
4/18/2020 09:53:36 am
Yes!! And yes!! These are challenging times and we want to do more for our community, kids and teachers.
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Kathy Pitchford
4/18/2020 10:38:55 am
Thank you. So lucky to get to work with you.
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Jen De Anda
4/22/2020 05:25:22 am
Thank you for being there for students, teachers, and families. To use your words...... PLEASE treat yourself with that same compassion, empathy and love.
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