Every summer, the same feelings resurface. After more than two months of playing, resting, and just enjoying our time together, the start of the school year sneaks up on us, bringing with it a wave of anxiety.
I find myself worrying about whether my children will have the right teacher, whether they will face a tough year dreading school, or if they will struggle to make new friends. I fret about the possibility of old friendships fading, or worse, enduring teasing instead of kindness. My mind races with thoughts of bullying, their emotional well-being, their future, and even how well they are staying hydrated. I think about their activities in P.E. later today, the arrangement of their desks, whether they’ll find a friendly spot at lunch, and the politics of the playground.
It’s a lot to carry when your kids are in someone else’s care for seven hours a day.
So, dear teacher, I kindly ask you to look after my boys.
I know I’m not alone in this. In recent weeks, millions of parents have sent their children off to school, holding back tears as they watched their little ones board buses or walk down sidewalks, hugging them tight as they reached classroom doors. Each child departs in their own way, but all parents share that same lump in their throats and watery eyes.
Our children will interact with their peers, tackle math worksheets, and unleash their creativity in art class—each moment brimming with novelty, excitement, and wonder, until it fades. It’s during those times of adjustment that they will need your support the most.
I understand that teaching is no easy task. The demands are immense, the hours long, and the number of students can be overwhelming. I can relate, as I navigate life with six children, striving to be the best version of myself for them every day.
I recognize the pressure that rests on your shoulders, with parents relying on you to educate and nurture their children in ways that mirror the values they instill at home. Teaching is indeed a profound responsibility, so I implore you to take care of our children. They are delicate beings, and they often remember how they were treated. They need someone who reassures them, even in their most challenging moments, that they are loved, they matter, and they are worthy. A child who feels unworthy may not put forth their best effort.
I hope you keep in mind that a moment of misbehavior or a burst of sass does not define the entirety of a student’s character. Many children come to you with hidden wounds, and you have the opportunity to help them heal—what a remarkable privilege that is.
When a child is acting out, overwhelmed by emotions that they struggle to express, I hope you see beyond their behavior to understand their needs. Their actions do not reflect who they truly are—far from it.
I have a child like that. He could read complex stories before he was five but didn’t learn to manage his emotions until he was eight. Thankfully, he had a teacher who made a significant difference in his life.
As for me, I was once a girl without a father, longing for my dad, feeling lost and unworthy because someone significant had left. It felt personal at the age of ten, just before entering adolescence.
But I had teachers who believed in me. They whispered encouragement, helping me see who I could become, even when I struggled to believe it myself. Sometimes, a teacher’s faith is all it takes to uplift a child and guide them through challenges. They recognized the potential within me and helped me embrace it.
There’s something truly beautiful about a teacher who cares, believes in their students, and shares their honest observations and high expectations. It inspires students to strive for greatness.
You have the chance to inspire your students too, even those who may be labeled as “difficult” or “problematic.” Every child needs a teacher who believes in them. Could you be that person?
I sincerely hope so, because many students come from backgrounds we can hardly imagine. They need to know that someone outside their family believes in them and sees their potential.
As they step into the often intimidating world of school, they will look to you to help navigate through the complexities they face. Please nurture our kids and cherish their hearts. With your guidance, help them rise higher after they stumble. When they make mistakes, remind them that imperfection is part of being human. When they feel lost, be their guiding compass.
I will strive to do the same at home, and together, we can watch them soar.