In light of the debate raging in Wisconsin and across the nation about collective bargaining and the pay and benefits of public workers, I took a moment today to remember one group of workers for whom I feel pretty strongly. After some consideration I have decided to post here the personal piece I drafted for my Rotary Club – not to inflame the debate, but to reflect about the people who serve.
Once in a while the Rotary Club of Des Moines takes a questionable risk and asks me to give the invocation before our meeting. Our speaker today was Sarah Brown Wessling, the 2010 National Teacher of the Year winner. My prayer for teachers follows:
Today, let us pray for a group of people who make a difference every day, teachers.
As a teacher stands in the quiet hall unlocking her classroom door, may she find reassurance that her efforts this day will make a difference. As she turns on the lights and straightens the desks, may she find the strength needed to face the exuberant and willful young people who look to her for guidance.
As their school buildings come to life with the rambunctious grace of children, may teachers find the courage needed to continue the daily struggle of unlocking the minds of those who are our greatest hope.
When a teacher stands feeling lost and alone in his overcrowded classroom, may he be reminded that learning brings people together and he has a talent, the noble gift to teach. As a teacher does one of what seem to be a thousand tasks outside of his duties as an educator – nurturing, feeding, social work – may he know he is capable, trusted and vital.
After the teachers have left the schoolhouses, graded papers, planned the next day’s lessons and rested before they repeat all of these activities tomorrow, may we remember to pause and give thanks for the teachers. Without them, the door to the future can never be unlocked.
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Graham Gillette can be reached at grahamgillette@gmail.com
This entry was first published as a Des Moines Register blog entry.
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