Those Who Can...

One of Little Sister’s former teachers wrote a post on Facebook lamenting the lack of respect that she and her colleagues receive as educators of the smallest of small pumpkins.  All I can say to whoever disrespected her profession is “a pox on your house!”  Unfortunately, early childhood educators often do not receive the respect that they deserve.  In fact, most educators are not given the respect that they are due.  Well, I am here to say THANK YOU!  After Little Sister was born, I was only able to take six weeks off.  I was not entitled to the job protections guaranteed by FMLA because I had been in my job less than one year (that’s another blog for another day - until then, read this).  So, after six incredibly short weeks of bonding with my baby, I had to hand her over to the care of complete strangers and trust that they would care for her as well as I would.  Those “strangers” are now my extended family.  The confidence they instilled in me regarding their ability to care for my child allowed me to return to work without fear and trepidation.  I was able to focus on a demanding job without constant concern or doubt about her well-being.  Now, two years later, it fills my heart with joy each morning when I drop her off and she gives her former and current teachers big hugs to start their day.  Without these ladies, Little Sister probably would have had better luck being raised by a pack of wolves.  As a new – and older – mom, I was totally at a loss about how to care for an infant.  These ladies have helped me out every step of the way.  From helping me transition Little Sister from milk to solids, to managing teething trials and tribulations, to helping her as an only child learn to share with others, to now helping with potty training, the impact that they’ve had on her life and mine is immeasurable.  Before I became a mom, I didn’t give much thought to preschool and other early childhood professionals, but now it’s something that I think about and am grateful for every single day.

Each day millions of kids, from infants to teens, are left in care of incredibly talented, passionate, creative, and dedicated teachers.  While most days the teachers and kids go about the same daily routine, when the need arises, these teachers without hesitation spring into action to protect OUR kids. I am reminded of the recent incident in Decatur, GA where Antoinette Tuff singlehandedly thwarted a mass school shooting by talking down a crazed gunman.  Or the daycare workers who protected their young charges during a deadly tornado.  These women demonstrated nerves of steel and Mama Grizzly instincts to protect the young. I think we all need to reflect on the importance of these educators in our lives, whether we have kids or not.  Each day they take on the incredible task of keeping our kids safe and sound, while also teaching them how to become model citizens.   Nelba Marquez-Greene, mother of Sandy Hook victim Ana Grace, expressed it perfectly in her poignant open letter to all teachers when she said, "It takes guts to be a teacher."  Their work is difficult, low paying and may sometimes seem thankless.  But, I am here today, and every day, to say THANK YOU!  You are loved and appreciated!

So, those who can… and do… TEACH!