In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5th – May 9th, I share some of my thoughts on teachers:
Peace
Implementing positive reinforcement
encourages the good in each and every way.
Applying an “attention-rich diet” produces
affection through our teachers’ play.
In teaching, there’s no harsh punishment
like spanking or cruel yell.
When a teacher productively guides,
students learn quite well.
Encourage
Teachers say, “You are funny!”
We win a talent show.
Teachers say, “You are brave.”
We protect as we go.
Teachers say, “You are smart!”
We cure cancer.
Teachers say, “You are graceful.”
We become prima dancer.
Teachers say, “You are cool!”
We feel we’re unique.
Teachers say, “Change the world.”
We work to succeed.
Immortality
The power of time
lies in its urgent call.
The thought of its movement
is on-going, without stall.
Pervasive though it is,
we can slow its swift retire.
In caring for our nation’s youth,
our own is set on fire!
Income
If salary could be determined
by all that they provide,
Teachers would be ostentatious rich
rather than merely rich inside.
Care
Wanting a plant to be its best
requires provision of sun, air, water: rest.
It grows!
Wanting a marriage to be its best
requires provision of trust, love, time: zest.
It thrives!
Wanting a child to be its best
requires provision of fine heart in teacher’s chest.
It persists!
Equality
Teachers show students how to embrace the complex;
make sense of ways of living.
For every person, they teach compassion:
the significance of giving.
Living with honor as people with love,
exemplifying truth.
Teachers spend each day gently guiding:
an example wrought with couth.
Amid each dream, teachers encourage all:
a lesson to be bold:
regardless of their outward show,
students’ thoughts worth more than gold.
Thought
Our teachers’ influence continues
as expansive as the sea
shining on toward other shore:
ample thought for thee.
The vast skies we live under
affect all students taught.
The beauty that’s America
is liberating thought.
Teachers, enjoy this week and—especially—every week that passes without recognition, knowing that what you do is always honorable, sometimes tough, and beautifully curated by each of you to support our future. Thank you.
