Part II – Back to School; An open letter to teachers

Dear teachers,

The shift from the carefree days of summer to the structured rhythm of a new school year always brings a mix of emotions. For teachers, this transition can be both exciting and stressful. After weeks of relaxation, late mornings, and the freedom to move at your own pace, the school year demands a return to routines, bells, lesson plans, grading, and responsibilities that stretch far beyond the classroom walls. The energy of a new year can be invigorating, but the weight of what lies ahead can feel heavy.

Teaching has always been one of the most rewarding professions, but it is also one of the most demanding. The frustrations are real. Many educators walk back into buildings with peeling paint, outdated textbooks, technology that lags far behind the needs of today’s learners, and classes so overcrowded that giving each child attention feels nearly impossible. These challenges can wear on even the most dedicated professional. Yet, teachers continue to rise, often carrying not just the academic, but also the emotional and social needs of their students.

It’s important to remember, especially at the start of a new year, that for many children, school is more than a place of learning. For some, it is their safe space, the one steady, predictable refuge they can rely on. The walls of your classroom may shelter students who face chaos at home, uncertainty in their neighborhoods, or struggles they cannot control. You may never know the full scope of what your students carry into your classroom each morning, but you can be certain that: your presence, your consistency, and your belief in them can mean more than you realize.

The renowned educator Rita Pierson once reminded us, “Kids don’t learn from teachers they don’t like.” That statement rings true year after year. Relationships form the foundation of learning. Connections matter. Students thrive when they feel: seen, respected, and valued. Pierson also said, “Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them.” As teachers, you have the chance to be that champion every single day, and, as we know, often it’s the little things that make a big difference.

That requires stepping beyond the lesson plan. Get to know your students not just as learners, but as people. Ask about their lives outside of school. Go to a basketball game, watch them play, or cheer them on in a recital. Small gestures matter. They need to see their teachers as whole people, someone who not only teaches but also cares deeply. Just as important, let them see the real you. Share your interests, your passions, and yes, even your struggles. When students realize that teachers are not flawless figures, but real human beings, the connection grows stronger.

I’ve often said to colleagues: “You may be the best thing to happen to any student on any given day.” That’s the power you hold. It might be something as simple as a kind word, a smile, or an encouraging note scribbled on an assignment. To a student who feels invisible, those small acts may carry immeasurable weight.

As a former educator of thirty years, I understand the demands, the frustrations, and the heartaches of teaching. I have heard the cynics say, “You can’t save them all.” I remember answering, “I don’t believe that.” Every child deserves the effort. While it may be true that we cannot solve every problem in a student’s life, we can create an environment where they feel: capable, supported, and believed in. Sometimes, that is enough to change the trajectory of a life.

So, as you step into this new school year, with its challenges and its possibilities, carry with you the knowledge that what you do matters profoundly. Beyond the curriculum, beyond the test scores, it is your humanity, your compassion, and your determination that leave lasting imprints on your students. Teaching is not just about subjects and standards, it is about connection, belief, and hope.

This year, may you find renewed purpose in the work ahead. May you be reminded daily of the incredible role you play in shaping lives. And may your students always find in you, their champion.