A Letter to Teachers - You're Not Alone

Teaching is difficult.

Teaching in a pandemic? That's taken the degree of difficulty to a whole new level.

The teachers and support staff at my school have been serving our students in a purely virtual model since March. They've been crushing it, but they're tired. Really tired.

This past week, I wrote a letter to my staff in an attempt to provide some encouragement. Today while having lunch with my dad and talking about each other's work, I mentioned the letter I had sent. After reading to him what I had written, he urged me to share my message online. He reminded me that the need for the words I wrote is larger than my staff. He told me that, like those in my building, there are other educators out there who need some encouragement.

So that's what I'm doing. Below is the message I sent to my staff. Please know this is not about me. I'm just a principal who is trying to support his teachers. There are hundreds of leaders across the country far better than me doing the same thing, and probably doing it better. But if you're a teacher and are struggling, these words are for you. If you're tired, these words are for you. I pray you will be encouraged and reminded of this -- you're not alone.

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Dear Team,

I miss you.

I miss the students. 

I miss seeing everyone on campus and hearing talking and laughter in the staff lounge during breaks.

I miss "normal."

Heck, I even miss having to talk to students who've made inappropriate behavioral decisions, because that would mean I'd be...talking to an in-the-flesh young person, face to face. And right now, I'd take that.

When people ask how I'm doing, I typically respond by saying, "I'm hanging in there." Not "I'm great!" or "Super!" because right now, I'm not great or super. I'm hanging in there. I'm stressed and exhausted, because what we're all going through right now is tough. Really tough.

If you're feeling this way too (and I know you are), know that you're not alone. Your principal is right there with you. Your assistant principal is right there with you. And we will get through this. Together.

If the negative thoughts start to creep in and convince you you're not doing enough, know this -- those are lies. You are enough, and what you are doing for your students each and every day is blowing my mind. If you need to, think back to last March when we first closed. No live instruction. Just individual work packets having to be sent home by the district. Next to no live interaction. 

Now fast forward to today. Look at what you're doing now! Look. At. What. You're. Doing. Now! You are providing amazing learning opportunities for your students -- from your living rooms, dining room tables, and home offices! What you are doing is blowing-my-mind awesome, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise, including that little voice in your head.

Yesterday during collaboration, Tanya said something I just loved. She said we can't be doing it wrong, because no one has ever done this before. Ladies and gentlemen, let that sink in. Are there ways each of us can improve? Sure. But what you are doing for your students right now is amazing. What you are doing for your students right now has never been done before. What you are giving to your students is your heart and soul, your 100% commitment to them. And that is awesome! That is to be celebrated. I see you. I celebrate you.

In closing, I want to remind you that you can't fill from an empty vessel. Don't forget to close the laptop and take a break. Even if it's only for five minutes, walk away from the computer and do something you love, something that recharges your battery. Take a walk around the block. Play a game with your kids. Call your kids if they don't live at home. Watch a rerun of Seinfeld or The Office. Escape to the bathroom and lock the door for a few minutes.

It's hard right now. It's OK to be struggling right now. We all are. But we will get through this. Together.

If there is anything I can do to support you, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I know Cassie feels the same way. We are here for you, so don't be shy. Thank you for everything you do. You are appreciated more than you know, and I am proud to work alongside you...even though that means at least six feet of distance between us right now. 🙂

- Brent