A Brave, New World

Our family is fortunate to be filled with teachers. Having educators scattered among our family tree is a blessing. These classroom veterans are special and have been known to reflect about life in the classroom whenever we get together. They often share stories that are as lively as they are amazing.

For my relatives not in the field of education, there is a tendency to downplay the hardships associated with modern institutions of learning. With summers away from the classroom and two-week vacations at Christmas time, many of my 9-5 relations have politely rolled their eyes when the conversations turned to challenges of school. After all, how hard can it really be?

But then the global pandemic hit, and parents and communities found out the hard way about teaching.

“Wait,” people said. “You mean I have to supervise my student’s work, like all day long?”

“But what if my child is struggling to stay on task or even,

dare I say it, bored?”

“And what if my darling might not be always be, well

darling, you know all day long, hour after hour. Can’t I call someone?”

Many folks have quickly realized that this school thing is hard work. Teachers deserve a deep level of esteem. 2020 is a year of wonders.

Next week, many of my beloved family members are headed back to the classroom. They face an uncertain year that is sure to be full of huge challenges.

It takes a courageous mind, body, and soul to instruct students on a daily basis. Teachers tackle a brave, new world every time they meet the needs of their pupils. Maybe now the eye rolling can stop, and the applause can start.