Please see the follow-up to this letter at http://lisamyers.org/2012/12/31/a-follow-up-to-dear-america-from-a-teacher/.
Dear America,
It feels strange to hear your voice praising teachers for their selflessness, dedication, and love for their students. We’re listening to what you’re saying, but we must admit that we are listening with tilted head and quizzical eye. Why? Because we’ve become accustomed to hearing a very different voice from you.
I haven't addressed any of the events that occurred last week. To be honest, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. As a parent and also as the daughter and friend to many teachers (a good portion of which are elementary school teachers). Teachers always refer to their charges, not as their students but as their kids. They do not keep them at arms length, they embrace them with their heart since they are no longer allowed to embrace them with their arms. They love, nurture and most importantly teach them,
In the instance of Sandy Hook, many of them also shielded them and some gave their life for their kids. I have always had respect for my teachers, I hope that I raise my children to also respect them and to get as much as they can from them.
Being a teacher, especially in today's climate, to me is more noble than being in the military, and in some cases more heroic.
Think about the six teachers/administrators who sacrificed it all at the next PTA meeting, or the next school board meeting. When it comes time to raise money for books and computers for the classrooms. Think about it come April when you pay your taxes and complain about how they've gone up.
And if you have kids in school, thank you teachers.
