Those Who Can't...

You plaster on a smile for greeting a challenging class,

Reminding yourself, this year too, shall pass.

You promise you will love equally all in your care,

But you feel for the ones whose clothes are threadbare,

And you know those who are constantly acting out

(The ones who may be responsible for your eminent burnout)

May just need an extra smile, a fist bump, or a hug,

And invariably give your aching heart an extra tug.

Students don't care what you know until they know you care.

Still, some will give you the rolling eyes and death glare stare.

You're convinced that no student is beyond reach,

Knowing those with heart were born to teach.

****

George Bernard Shaw coined the phrase, "He who can, does; he who cannot, teaches." I'd like to resurrect him and force him to attempt to survive one day of teaching in the modern age. He would not.

I'm celebrating the bittersweet 40th and last year of my teaching career. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more honorable group of professionals. They We put time, effort, tears and money into making meaningful, memorable learning moments for their our students.

It is my honor to call myself an educator.