There are hundreds, if not thousands, of buzzwords all connecting back to one simple word: education. And all of them give rise to big questions: What does it really mean to be 21st-century ready? What are the best practices? How do we teach teachers to be effective educators? In an ever-evolving practice where questions are raised, trends come and go, pendulums swing and debates ensue, I pause to think of the constants in this oh-so-dynamic profession. What is a core tenet of my teaching that is not debatable? What has been a concept that has never been challenged or questioned? My answer is this: connecting through compassion.
As I reflect on my last two decades of teaching and all the questions surrounding education, I think about what has endured, sustained and defined my practice. For me, teaching has centered around connecting to colleagues, families, and above all, children. This intangible concept stands the test of time.
Teaching at its best is humbling, exhausting and unbelievably rewarding. Yet it is connecting with kids that makes our profession so great. Every day brings something new—a story, a moment with a child, laughter so uncontrollable that you have tears streaming down your face because something you honestly believe couldn’t have happened just happened. Every day, we connect with children in a myriad of ways, in moments both light and profound.
Sitting around the lunch table last year, we asked a colleague how coaching was going. He shook his head and started to laugh as he retold the story of a game the day before, when the referee yelled to him: “Get the burrs off this kid!” Who knew burrs were considered a danger in the game of soccer? And there our colleague went, sprinting out to the field to pull burrs of the shirt of a 12-year-old boy who had, apparently, been rolling in a pricker bush.
For every lighthearted story, there are those that strike me deeply. I recall one such fervent moment walking the Blue Hills as part of a field trip. A young boy stayed by my side the whole time. We bantered lightly back and forth—then he told me his memory of the last time he saw his mother alive. We walked on in silence. His sharing that memory forged a connection between the two of us that is still alive today. Years have passed since this moment, and every time I see him on campus, there is an unstated recognition and acknowledgment on both of our parts. I have countless stories and fond memories of how each and every child has touched my life.
Your children have hopes and dreams, worries and fears that are real and relevant. Every day we form new connections with them. You put your trust in us not only to teach them, but to guide and care for them as well.
It truly is a privilege and honor to teach your children. Thank you for entrusting them to us.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Sonya