Mrs. Millhouse. Mrs. Monteleone. Miss Haverstick. Mrs. Lefever. Mrs. Treasure. Miss Herr. Mr. Walton. These are the teachers I had from Kindergarten through sixth grade, until I moved up to Middle School and had too many teachers to remember all their names. I remember Mrs. Millhouse was easy to trick into helping me complete a workbook question if I asked her a question when she was busy. I remember Mrs. Monteleone was a raging Mets fan and tried hard to get us on board with her. Miss Haverstick was among my first crushes, and when she got married, I was a little mad. Mrs. Lefever was incredibly supportive of my reading and made the school librarian let me to check out books that were reserved for sixth graders. Mrs. Treasure was a saint who taught us about how to run a business by making cookies (Treasures Delights) and selling them in the school, keeping track of expenses and income. Miss Herr and I did not get along. The less said the better on that one. Mr. Walton was the teacher everyone wanted and also led our after-school Young Astronauts program. With one exception, I remember them all fondly, and each of them had a profound impact on me, good or ill.  

I have been thinking a lot about teachers this week as schools restart. I have heard teachers express their desire to get back in the classroom, while also acknowledging their fear about contracting this virus. I have seen the emotion and heard the quaver in the voice as a teacher explained that she just had to teach, despite the risks. Such commitment conveys the truth of teaching for so many in education: it is a selfless labor of love. Knowing how important teachers have been in my life, and how they have been important to my children, they rank among those in this world to whom I assign the highest esteem and appreciation. I have to admit that I’m worried for them, as schools open up in this community, due to the high rate of viral spread.  

This concern is why I have been so motivated to get masks into the hands of students, even before the mask mandate that was passed not long ago. I agree that it is important that we get our kids back into school as soon as we can do it, for a host of reasons. I know how many of the kids at Burrough Molette flounder without the structure, care, and sustenance they get from the school. I know how my own children yearn for the social interaction that is so vital to their emotional health. I know children who have specific needs that just can’t be met by a virtual lesson at the kitchen table. My girls will be in class on the first day of school and will continue to attend, until the schools move back to virtual learning or if the pandemic spikes again and we determine that they really can’t safely participate.  

The only reason they can go is because there are teachers, aides, administrators, custodial and culinary support folks, and all the others who are willing to show up. In the past, we’ve heard the narrative about the willingness of teachers to lay down their lives for their students when schools have been attacked. Such situations have been blessedly rare over the years, if also too common. This year’s back-to-school highlights just how much our teachers care. Beyond the long days and the struggle for what many of us consider a fair wage, there should be little doubt left about their commitment. I hope we can remember and celebrate it now, and also when this is all over and showing up to class becomes relatively safe once again.

I know; there is a minority that will say it’s no big deal and that this virus is overblown. But we know better. Ignore them. Instead, thank a teacher, a principal, a cafeteria worker, a janitor, the front desk folks, the bus drivers – anyone who makes it possible for our kids to be back in school. Don’t forget to thank those who are teaching virtually, too. In most schools, they’ll be in the classroom, even if they don’t have children in front of them, and they’re trying to do their work in an environment that is new and difficult and simply not as effective. But they are going to do their best, because that’s what educators do – at least all the ones I know. 

The world can’t stop because of this pandemic. There are so many people who are willing to do the work that needs done (of all kinds) despite increased risk. I wish we could turn that commitment into better pay and benefits for all of them, no matter what their education or base hourly rate is. From the grocery clerk, to the receptionist, to the teacher. We’re learning that so many people are worth more than we used to think they might be. It’s become harder to take each other for granted. I’d like to think we’re assigning greater value to our neighbors during this pandemic. Typically, we learn to evaluate and assess, to do the math, and to understand the ways of the world because someone formally teaches us from a young age.  Teachers are a gift, to say the least.  …And they are teaching us right now without words, without workbooks, or even through pop quizzes (thank the Lord!).  

Even though it’s not going to be on the test, I hope we’re paying attention.  

Thank you to all in our education system. May God bless you at the start of this year, and always.

Tom+

Most Gracious God, as you create us you give us gifts and call us into varied vocations that suit us, guiding some to become teachers and educators; today we pray for all those in our school systems, public and private, whose life is bound to the education of our young people, from the youngest preschooler to the college graduate. Every fall is a time of preparation, hopeful expectation, and sacrifice, and this year, begun in the midst of a pandemic, adds another layer of complexity and worry. Watch over our teachers and all those who labor so that our children can learn, in person or at home. Surround them with your love and care and watch over them; help keep them safe. Grant them patience and strength to meet the weeks and months ahead as they fulfill their vocation. Bless us all with grateful hearts to recognize their loving service for what it is. We ask this in the name of Him who taught us more than anyone else, your Son our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and for ever. Amen