Dear Oklahoma Teachers

#95

Dear Oklahoma Teachers,

It’s 2024, and here you go again. Most of us have never re-entered a classroom since we graduated, but not you. You chose to go back into those locker-filled hallways, those chaotic cafeterias, and those funky-smelling locker rooms. And those places give you life because you know that teaching can not only be life-giving for you, but for that 7-year-old who needs someone to believe in them, or that 11-year-old with crazy hair and a big heart, or that 17-year-old who looks tough but is actually scared to death.

Thank you for caring, serving, and loving our children.

We know that teaching this year will not be easy.

• You are incentivized to teach to the test, not to the student.

• Parents lack grace and compassion leaving you no room to be human or there to be a misunderstanding.

• A hostile political climate with loud voices in our State continually waiting for you to do something so that they can pounce to score political points at your expense.

• The constant change in staff as many of your friends have left education.

In a world where you are constantly under-encouraged, I want you to know that I and many others are cheering and praying for you.

We are praying that you will:

• Remember your “why” for getting into education and experiencing that thrill as students walk in.

• Connect regularly with friends to celebrate the great days and commiserate with the tough ones.

• Know you are not alone and that others, like me, are grateful.

Love,

Aaron

P.S. I write these letters a couple of times a week, and I’d love to email them directly to you. Subscribe below.