We Are Doing Our Jobs

Abby Straube

This week I received this thank-you note from a senior. It was just the little piece of encouragement that I needed. It breaks my heart to see education in the hot seat right now, but this reminds me we are doing our jobs.

It’s all about grace. Every day is a new day. We are tired, but we won’t give up on our students.

• We spend hours after school to help a student who is struggling or avoiding going elsewhere.
• We fill our rooms with snacks for kids who don’t have access to enough food at home.
• We spend our prep time and lunch periods with students while they cry about how their worlds are falling apart. Then we go home heartbroken, wishing we could make their world better.
• We give high fives and hugs to the kids who stop by on their way home because we are one of their safe people.
• We cheer in the stands at concerts, plays, and sporting events, and then on graduation day.

We have our students for only a short time, but they are in our hearts forever. This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. I want to thank all the educators—teachers, para-educators, study hall supervisors, counselors, secretaries, nurses, bus drivers, custodians, and administrators—I had as a student and those I get to work with on a daily basis. It’s been a privilege to know all of you. I promise your work does not go unseen!

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