Teacher Appreciation Day

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day.

I have no doubt it is not an accident that it is in May. We have been giving our all since August and everyone knows summer is coming without having to look at a calendar. Because if it doesn't come, we may not make it. I used to get very upset when people would tell me I'm so lucky to have an entire summer off. Do they really have no clue what it is like? No Regan, they don't. And that's ok. Teaching is hard, and after 9 years of teaching I assumed it would be easy by now. It hasn't gotten easier, but it has gotten better.

My first year teaching, I had to quickly grab the teacher next door so that I could go cry in the teachers lounge during class. I have grown, that hasn't happened since! My third year teaching I developed eczema while stressing over state testing. My fifth year teaching was by far the hardest year I have had so far (multiple factors involved, see also My Story). My seventh year teaching left me frustrated. My eighth year teaching I had to work around the many Harvey stories with my students. Here I am in my ninth year wondering why it can't be easier.

But then I remember that God has called me to this. I remember that He has equipped me for this. I remember the letters students have written me. I remember that I have an opportunity unlike most. I get to speak life into teenagers on a regular basis and show them what it means to struggle, fail, and eventually succeed. I get to show them what success looks like. Not success for their friend, or the "other kid" who just always gets it, but success for them. I have the joy of reminding my students that their identity in Christ is the only thing that is eternal. This my friends, is not easy. But these kids are worth it. With the many messages they encounter every day, it is important that there are adults in their lives speaking truth and life into them, face to face. The hardest part, we often don't see the moment the kid gets it. We are so deep in it that it's hard to step back, look at the bigger picture, and know that what we are doing is making a difference. That's what I want Teacher Appreciation Day (or week :)) to be about. I want to believe that what I'm doing matters. I want to see a small piece of fruit if God would be so willing to show me. And if I don't, I will still press on. And yes, a free coffee or Route 44 from Sonic might help me! 

Shoutout to the many people that have helped me get where I am today in my career. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it most definitely takes a village to keep a teacher. There have been too many to name here but I remember you and, thank you. 

My encouragement to you on this Teacher's Appreciation Day is to speak life into a student in your life this week as well as a teacher friend.

This will help us all keep growing.