Counselor’s Corner - MLK 2023 Issue

Dear Teacher,

I have a distinct memory as a fifth or sixth grader, sitting on the front porch of my home with my maternal grandmother.  As a retired Christian elementary teacher herself, she noticed and asked about a book I was reading on Martin Luther King Jr. (check here for a list of 38 MLK books for kids of all ages).  As we rocked together on white farmhouse chairs, I told her all about the book -- what I was learning, which photos were fascinating, and why parts for the Civil Rights Movement pulled at my heartstrings.  As I finished, I will never forget her response.  With a look of disgust, she said, "I don't like to focus on those sad things."  

Now, in my adulthood, I can understand her reaction as being one out of actually having lived through a heartbreaking time in our country with first-hand knowledge of those events. However, in my 21st-century educator mentality, I am convicted to respond in the opposite way; A way that recognizes that these events and lessons must be shared in a compassionate, accurate, and historical context because our students DON'T have that firsthand knowledge base (please use these 9 tips for teachers to talk about racial injustice).

And you, teacher, there in your classroom, do it every day.  You hug the hurting, include the outcast, and see the overlooked.  You go out of your way to celebrate God's skin tone palette (gift your students a special MLK present) and share the in-person reflection that "all are precious in His sight."  You, educator, are God's embodiment of His call to

"Promote justice to all people and do what is right, because My salvation draws near." 
~Isaiah 56:1 [Expanded Bible]

Thank you for your inclusive classroom,
Mindy Salyers
Christian School Counselor