Counselor’s Corner - Issue 42

Dear Steadies in the unsteady,

I was shocked when I walked into the 7th grade science classroom where I provide part-time school counseling support.  There sat six rowdy boys in an empty classroom.  No supervision.  No aide on duty.  No just-running-late teacher hurrying in.  There was no adult presence whatsoever.

Upon further investigation, the problem became clear.  There wasn't a teacher present because there was no longer a teacher.  The national teacher shortage was staring me straight in the face and I couldn't believe it.  Even this highly affluent community in a well-funded public school with strong leadership couldn't attract and keep educators!  And to add insult to injury, the limited substitute teacher pool meant that these 13-year olds were left to read a door sign redirecting them elsewhere for third period.  It felt like a real-life Miss Nelson disappearing act.
 

And you're likely feeling it there in your school, whether it be the lack of substitutes or a mid-year resignation by a team member. Although the reasons vary, we're all aware of why so many teachers are leaving this year. Edutopia recognizes that this is a result of teachers being neck-deep in supporting students during uncertain times and helping students reacclimate to being with others during the day, But you're hanging in there, and for that, l want to say "THANK YOU!"

Thank you for being present when you want to be invisible.
Thank you for showing up when you want to peace out.
Thank you for being faithful when your faith is waining.
Thank you for pouring into students despite your emptiness.

Because January is National Thank You month, I challenge you to use this Value Sheet to thank another educator for what they're doing this year. Whether it's coming from you, a student, or a parent, it will be a way of expressing gratitude to a teacher who is staying steady in unsteady times.

Appreciatively,
Mindy