Overheard at . . . Curriculum Night

"It's been a lo-o-ng day. I've had to watch the Presidential Debate with my students six times over the course of the day."

And you thought your work was difficult. Can you even imagine having to 'bring it' on the most recent Presidential Debate six times in a row in the same day? Ouch! I couldn't even barely watch it the first time around. It was painful.... like watching an episode of The Office.

I learned at an early age that the job of teacher is a tough one. I remember watching my mom grade tests and papers almost every evening. And we would spend hours over the summer helping her decorate and set up her classroom. So my respect for this challenging career choice is significant.

And yet, I have new reason to hold these heroes, and I specifically am referring to public school teachers here, in high regard. My daughter started 7th grade at a new school this year. Middle School- need I say more? Would any of us want to go back to that time in our lives? Her new school, though, has shown me what it looks like to put students first. From our very first encounters with the school where the Assistant Principal listened supportively to the struggles with anxiety our daughter has faced, to the most recent Curriculum Night where each and every teacher knew who she was, how she was doing, and in a very chaotic schedule, made time to hand out little presents she had prepared for her dad whose birthday fell on the same day. They did this graciously, with a smile and a comment on how much they were enjoying teaching her so far.

I'm not saying it is easy to be a surgeon.... or a pilot (or an Amazon employee for that matter)... all very stressful jobs. But holding the identity of our children in their hands, especially in Middle School, and recognizing this is both a huge responsibility as well as an honor, well, that is seriously worth calling out. Especially when it is held in counterpoint to the reality show that is our election this year.

The rest of the quote from the teacher was about being ready to get home and have his "grape juice." I just bet. And I'm guessing it wasn't the kids that had driven him to drink- I'd take even odds on it being either the parents, or the election on that particular day.