To my child’s teacher, your child’s teacher, and every teacher

I blinked and it is June.

This year went by quickly and when we look back ten years from now, there will be lots of pictures in masks and lots of missing milestones, dances, ceremonies and events that just never happened. If they did happen, they were on a computer screen, the other end of a phone call or outside with no spectators allowed.

Although we all survived, I wonder if our little ones will remember this time. I wonder if our older children will forget this time. What emotions will this time bring up many years from now?

All of that aside, a thank you is in order. A big, grateful, sincere, one million times over message of gratitude is what you deserve. I taught for many years before I became a mom myself. I taught when you got 20 hugs every morning, parents were in and out of the classroom all the time, and the world was, well, normal. In the past 2 years, I was on the other side of the equation, as a parent to school aged children who were virtual, hybrid, in person and lots of variations of this, more than once or twice. To put it plainly, it was the opposite of normal.

What I witnessed during this time, was inspiring. I saw teachers working even harder, to creatively ensure our children felt seen and heard, were safe, and had the opportunity to just be kids. I saw dancing in the drop off- line, fist bumps at pick-up and a genuine reminder that you were happy to see my children. There were extra mask breaks and time outside to play soccer and football, with the teachers and staff very often joining in. You came to our children’s sporting events after school and you drove by on your way home, just to beep and wave. You made my kids so happy, through each of these efforts.

Teachers, you have persevered though some of the most trying times and challenging circumstances imaginable. You kept the doors of communication open and were sympathetic to the struggles that were largely out of your control. This year you served as counselors, helpers, coaches, and friends.

Thank you, for being anchors in the storm. Thank you for doing way more than you signed up for. Thank you for your passion, tenacity, innovation and commitment to your students.

May your summer be a front row ticket to the World Series, a trip to Disney World and finding buried treasure. You deserve all of that, and more.

Signed, Every Mom