Last Thanksgiving, I could never have imagined what this past year would be like. 2020 has been filled with “unprecedented” events and divisive rhetoric. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. I am tired of wearing a mask. I am tired of sanitizing everything every time I come home. I am tired of so many events, both momentous and mundane, being altered or cancelled. I am tired of hearing untruths from both sides of every argument.
But even though I am tired of so many things, I am also grateful. Grateful that my family remains healthy. Grateful that our jobs remain. Grateful that I have friends who encourage and support one another during hard times.
I am grateful for you.
I am grateful that you get up every morning and address your teaching challenges, whether they are in person or virtual, or a combination of both. You know that your ELs and their families still need your calming influence, supportive words, and insightful instruction. You have found incredibly creative ways to teach using technology, sometimes in spite of it. You have followed up on students who don’t log in or seem to be having difficulties that go beyond your content area. And you have done all of this while balancing the rest of your life during a pandemic.
Just in case no one has told you lately – Thank you!
What you do matters, and you are doing it well. Your students and their families will long remember the way you interacted with them during this time. It will make a difference in their lives for years to come.
So, spend some time relaxing this week. Enjoy your family, even if it has to be over the phone or on a Zoom call. Do something you enjoy, just because.
And while you’re doing that, think about all the things you’re grateful for, too. Even during the craziness of 2020.
