Happy Friday,

The one I remember most clearly took the time one afternoon when I was in the sixth grade to pull me aside in the library and ask how I was feeling about the prospect of attending a different school. He knew that next year I was going to be going to a different school than my friends. He had noticed I was being distant. He has seen the decline in my work. That afternoon I left school feeling better about everything because of our talk – because an adult I trusted and respected had taken the time to speak seriously with me about a struggle I was experiencing.

Teachers play an essential role in our development. They see us each day as we are among our friends. They watch as we grow from year to year. They provide feedback so we can get better. They recognize our talents and help us build confidence. They step in when we fall short or when we seem stuck. They write us letters of recommendation. They smile broadly when we return to campus after graduation or see us out in the community.

Being able to partner with our teachers is one of the most important things we can learn in school. We want to encourage each student to reach out to their teachers, to ask for help, to let them know how things are going, to know their teachers want to hear from them. Teachers go into education because we care about young people and believe they can make a positive difference in the world by getting the education they need to realize their potential.

I hope this weekend everyone has time to share a “favorite teacher who made a difference in my life” story, and talk about reaching out to teachers to ask for help, to share a perspective, and to form a partnership based on the belief that we each have something unique to contribute.

Peace,

Chris