National Education Week

National Education Week celebrates its 90th birthday this year. Many people may not even realize that there is a National Education Week. I think we take for granted that which was not possible for many people 90 years ago…the opportunity to become educated. We send our children off to school without really thinking about it; it has become a natural part of our society, and in many ways that is a remarkable thing. However, what we now take for granted is made possible by many caring and committed professionals…the teachers, the aides, the administrators, the custodial staff, the bus drivers, the school nurses, the cafeteria workers, the secretarial staff, the Home Schooling Associations, the parents…all working together to care for and educate our children. Sometimes they have to do this task under very challenging circumstances. They not only need to provide the lessons or other services, but they are also charged with looking at children as more than just a student for whom they are responsible for eight hours a day. In many cases they become that child’s mentor, role-model, guide, and trusted adult. They are trained to look for signs of abuse, thoughts of suicide, dating violence, bullying, etc. Those who work in schools are there because of their commitment to children…the whole child.

So, this week we honor those who educate in one form or another, and in fact I would like to paraphrase a famous quote: If you can read this blog, thank a teacher!