Acts of kindness done over and over by teachers is type of lesson we all can learn

I am truly blessed. My problems are First World problems such as choosing outlet covers for my freshly painted bedroom. I don’t have grumblings in my belly or a leaky roof over my head. I could probably use a good purging in my closet, and I certainly have a secure, good-paying job. I’m active and healthy, and my family is kind to each other.

Yes, I have First World problems alright. So, when I hear about some of the struggles our students and teachers face, my heart breaks. I especially wish I could bring a bunch of students home and love them, clothe them, feed them, and tuck them in at night. Most of us wish we could that. And the fact that we can’t make all of their struggles disappear makes things that much more sad.

The reality is, however, there are cases all across our great district where schools are working hard to take care of their own. It matters not which side of town they are located, either, because need and hurt know no boundaries. Want is prevalent in every one of our school buildings, and one of the things you’ll learn very quickly in this profession is that teachers are some of the most giving, nurturing, thoughtful people gracing this world with their presence.

From a sticky note on a desk saying, “Great job, today!” to get-well cards made for a classmate home sick with the flu, the words of kindness in our schools can be simple, yet powerful. High fives after a correct answer or a fist pump nudge to try again, simple gestures don’t go unnoticed and can make all the difference. Simplicity in word and deed make our schools some of the most enjoyable places to visit in the city

But then there are the more profound moments of compassion that make our schools islands of refuge in the sea of turmoil this world presents:

Like a teacher who gets wind of a student sleeping on the floor. She rushes to Walmart to buy a blow up mattress and sheets as a temporary sleeping spot until she can muster up the money to buy a real bed with a real mattress.

Or a teacher-leader who hears of a single mom teaching down the hall who is desperately trying to stay afloat financially. She takes up a quiet collection and offers the young teacher an envelope that will feed her child for a month.

Like the educators in a local elementary who band together to step in for two of their honor roll students. Mom was shuffling them from hotel to hotel every night just to escape living on the streets. They joined forces and found the small family a stable apartment.

Or the group of ladies teaching sixth grade who took a young girl aside and taught her how to take care of her hair. With a basket full of hair products to offer, they showed her important hygiene tips that will last a lifetime.

And the time when cancer struck a coworker. Not just one or two fellow teachers offered a helping hand, but an entire school building stood in the gap, covering classes, creating lesson plans, grading papers, fixing meals, making visits.

Unless you’ve been in one of our schools, you may not grasp the kind of camaraderie that exists when like-minded people walk the same journey, when kindred spirits accept the same mission and answer a similar calling. Because despite the hustle and bustle of this demanding job, there will always be those glimmers of hope that keep us going and help us maintain our strength to wake up and give of ourselves.

So, to our teachers who love persistently, give sacrificially, and care unequivocally, thank you for what you do…every…single…day.

Sheryl Green is a secondary educator in Columbus, Georgia. To correspond with her, email her at sherylgreen14@yahoo.com.