When I wrote this poem back in spring 2021, it was certainly during a time when the world was going through a difficult time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, I was starting out as a substitute teacher. As months and years went on, as an educator myself, these words do not only resonate educators at a specific school or district, but to all educators. This poem is dedicated to all the educators, regardless in their position. You are essential.
Every day,
from September to June,
its all about early mornings
just to make it before students arrive.
It takes so much effort and motivation
especially when days are tough.
Somedays,
you have to force yourself
to keep the grind going
but it is all worth it.
This year is no different,
yet it is with many daily changes
of the cloud of a pandemic.
You think everything that you do
is not making sense
is not engaging enough
and is challenging to understand.
You might even
put your heart and soul
into the theater performance
after weeks of prepping
and yet it may not go well.
However,
a student or two
may come up to you
and tell you
“Thank you, I definitely
learned something new—
all because of you,”
your heart begins to melt
in gooey softness like cookies.
It’s the little things
that keep us going
and to know that our hard work
has paid off.
And the beautiful thing
is soon it goes noticed:
you start to receive letters and cards,
snacks, gift cards, and the gift of words
not just by students,
but others around you
because after all,
they all taught you
that tough times don’t last
yet tough people do
and that’s an essential educator.