Fanning the flames...

The end of the school year is rapidly approaching. The blissful snow days of the Winter have turned into blazing hot days of Spring. The E hall, where my classroom is, is extremely hot and I mean temperature wise! Currently in the mornings, when I arrive, it is almost 80 degrees and often by the end of the day it is above 85 (today it was 87 degrees at the end of the day).  It's a rough way to teach.

Spring, as a school teacher, is no picnic, especially at a school that serves a large population of low income and refugee students. We are fighting battles on all sides. For many of my students, the end of the year and the beginning of summer doesn't bring excitement and joy, but rather it brings concern and fear. The regular schedule of school brings stability for many, regardless of their desire to actually be in class. Socialization and regular food, as well as interaction with guiding adults, provides stability.

Being a teacher is so much more than just planning lessons and delivering them, it is about making deep and relevant connections with the young people we interact with. Each of these young people, soon to be adults, will be sent out into the world to make an impact. This is a very important job, teaching. We have the ability to mold our future. Educating and encouraging lays the foundation for future generations. We must continue fanning the flames.