I just attended a conference filled with early childhood educators. With the current lack of available funding, the teachers still came on their own initiative to learn more effective ways of teaching the young children in their care. They attended workshops that taught everything from early academic readiness skills, language and social/emotional development skills, effective classroom strategies, to leadership skills.
Even in the uncertain economic times we are facing, our teachers are still out there learning new ways to be better teachers for their children. I am always amazed at their enthusiasm and love for working with our young children. When I think of the challenges of working with two to six year old children on a daily basis, I become tired even thinking about it.
What would we do without these wonderful dedicated teachers? I know that we all have our unique gifts and talents but I am in awe of the patience and love that our teachers have for our children all day, every day of the week. It doesn’t seem to matter that we cannot fund their classrooms as we would like, they seem to seek out ways of teaching our children anyway.
Teachers are some of the most creative individuals in our society. Go into any classroom and you will find colorful teaching tools that are made from recycled cardboard rolls, straws, plastic tubing and pipes, to anything you can imagine. The heart of a teacher shines through no matter what the circumstances and will find a way to pass the knowledge onto our children.
The resilience of teachers to persevere in tough times is amazing and I am so grateful to know that our children are being well cared for and taught with such high integrity and compassion. Thank you teachers everywhere, I sincerely appreciate all that you do.