Counselor’s Corner - May 23, 2023 Issue

Dear Teacher,

I recently gave mini-accolade signs to the teachers in my girls' school.  Perched atop their desks, they announced to their classrooms "Teaching is my Superpower!"  And it's true.  The teachers at my daughters' school ARE Super.  They ARE Powerful Life-Changers!  They DO have an amazing skillset of instruction!  They absolutely possess big-sized hearts that love students of all kinds!  But they AREN'T superheroes.  

And you, Teacher, there in your classroom are, too.  You ARE Super!  You ARE Powerful Life-Changers!  You DO have an amazing skillset of instruction!  You absolutely possess big-sized hearts that love students of all kinds!  Buy you AREN'T superheroes.

I love how educator Jen Refferty puts it:  

"Teachers are not superheroes!  Now, I know that this is an unpopular opinion, but just hear me out.  Teacher are heroes, definitely, but they are not superheroes.  Superheroes have no regard for their own well being.  You never hear Superman saying, 'Hey guys, I know the world is on fire and everything, but I really need to take some me-time for today.'  And when we make the comparison to these immortal, indestructible superheroes, we forget that teachers are people.  People who have incredibly big hearts, but human nonetheless, who actually need to take care of themselves.  So what if we flip the script about selflessness and change the story?  What if, instead, we embraced and embodied the idea that the most generous thing you can do for your students is take care of yourself?  Your students need you now more than ever.  Take care of yourself so you can hold space for them."

So do it, Super-human.  Get going!  The summer awaits.

Watching your students fly with your "cape" behind them,  
Mindy Salyers
Christian School Counselor