Halfway Between #2

The cusp, the in between, the outer rim- the edge. It is where as educators we sit- this last day for many. The ethereal plane separating the classroom and home. It is both exhilarating, the reunification with student, and out of sorts- for we are leaving the security of vacation and family. For me I have four more days- but the misty boundary is dissipating and the realization of final grades and make-up exams, lesson planning and new rosters looms. It is whispering from the verge.

I have read many messages on social media of reluctance and retirement. But, just as many of excitement and revelry. As educators we always sit on this periphery of emotion- anxious about the unexpected and uncertain- and yet we still commute and arrive. We are ready to engage and build relationships. All the while we worry for our health, the health of our families and students- fellow educators. And, we continue to shuttle and prepare- to lead and inspire.

I say to every educator out there- on every continent, in every country, in every state, district and school- thank you. Because without you this profession would not be what it is today. We can focus on the better- how we are improving, progressing, becoming more aware and cognizant of what needs to change. We can also accept the bad- the lack of supplies, WiFi and computers for distance learning and the exodus of those who need to leave. Plus the immense and enormous other issues facing the field of education today.

We need to face and accept them both.

We chose this profession. We at times are frustrated, exhausted and derailed by it - but we love it. And we commute, shuttle and arrive. We give our hearts to it. Halfway between home and classroom we linger, especially after the holidays and after summer break- we linger a bit. But we always dive back into the pool in the deep end- because we love the quiet of the depth, the allure of the light as it penetrates the darkness, and the force of our will as we swim to the surface.

Welcome back educators. I hope you have a towel on hand and maybe a raft and some pool toys- cause this winter is going to be unique- I can feel it. Stay safe and have fun- and remember we chose this because we love it.