Do you hear that?

That’s the sound of teachers – our family, friends, and neighbors – preparing for the first day of school. As I keep one eye on Alix as she works out entirely new approaches for the first day, I can’t help but think of all our teachers a little more this time around.

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As schools and businesses closed last March, teachers found new ways to teach their hundreds of students from a distance. They had virtual classrooms, zoom calls, email exchanges, online assignments and more. Some created TikTok accounts to connect and other social media accounts to keep students engaged during the unprecedented times. They did this all while trying to manage their own personal fears and frustrations. 

Teachers are a unique breed. As we ask them to do more, they listen. They’re not just educators, they’re advisors. They’re life coaches, protectors, and in some cases parents to their students. If children are the future, then teachers are on the hook to inspire our next generation. Today and this year, it’s no longer just about a creative welcome strategy, it’s now whether or not they have enough hand sanitizer, masks, and other equipment to make for the safest classroom environment. And this year, we’re not asking a little bit more of them, we are asking A LOT of them.  It’s not that teachers are being asked to be better, we just want them to be fearless. 

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Every year we try to offer some encouragement for a for those in a profession for whom we have the greatest respect. This year, there is little doubt that stress and anxiety levels have reached new highs.  As teachers head back to school in some form, we should all do our best to support them. The challenges this year are unthinkable – so tomorrow, next week, and for the entire school year, think before you question the tactics being used by teachers. 

To the teachers, just try your best. Our household is behind you every step of the way and we’ll be cheering you on through these challenging times. We hear you because we know the dedication and time you’re putting into the upcoming year and all those around you. 

We’ll be rooting for you every step of the way.