I See You

Posted: Feb 18, 2022

Ever had a conversation with an old friend that you haven’t seen in a while and somehow, you pick up right where you left off?

That’s where we are today.

I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I’ve been keeping up with you on Social Media, and just wanted to let you know that…

 

I see you.

 

I see you showing up for your students every day, even though you’re exhausted.

I see you wondering if there was a class that you missed because nothing prepared you for the last two years.

I see you on Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn searching for jobs because the one we have presently seems to be more than we bargained for.

I see you surviving meetings that could have been emails.

I see you falling asleep as soon as you slow down because 8 am - 3pm is taking a bigger toll on you than you even realized.

I see you counseling students that are in your care and then going to your personal therapist after school.

I see you managing moments that people outside of education cannot even imagine.

I see you doing all other duties as assigned, and then some.

Not only do I see you, I appreciate and celebrate you every chance I get.

I can see you so clearly because I am you.

I know these past two years have been enough to make many leave and not look back, and God knows I understand why.

I know things are challenging, but…

Remember that this is the only profession that makes all other professions possible.

Remember that you are changing the world one student at a time.

Remember that you are a safe place for some of your students.

Remember that what you do is essential.

Remember that you are important.

Remember that you are essential.

Remember that you are loved.

Remember why you started.

Remember your why.

Remember why.

Remember.

Signed,

A Kindergarten Teacher who Understands and still #LoveTeaching 💕

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Juanita I. Harris is a kindergarten core subject teacher at Harmony Leadership Academy in Texarkana, the owner of Teachers Support Teachers, a 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Finalist and a 2021-2022 Teach Plus Arkansas Policy Fellow.

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