I will teach your children. . . .

For whoever out there needs to see this tonight... especially my educator friends.

I will teach your children…

I will wear a mask
And while I can’t hug them when they cry
Or high five them when they succeed,
I will reach them
My eyes will show concern or sparkle
My voice will soothe or uplift

I will teach your children

I will keep my distance
But they will know that I care.
I send them notes… electronically
And “the teacher look” will be one of understanding.
A gesture
A look
A signal
will mean more than it ever has

I will teach your children

I will design opportunities for
them to “talk” with their classmates
n break-out rooms on Zoom
in-person with a mask on
from 3 or 6 feet

They will share
how they feel
What they’re reading
What they’re writing
What they’re thinking

I will teach your children

I will maneuver through the changes
that are bound to come
I will help them know how to deal with
the unknown

I know they are flexible,
much more so than I
They roll with the punches
strike a new path
They will be alright
most of the time

I will teach your children

But I can’t do it alone…
I need you, to support your children
and show them, like you believe it, even if don’t
that school will be different
but that’s OK

I will teach your children.

I know you are concerned, scared, frustrated,
maybe even irritated or depressed.
Know that I and all educators feel that way too.
But I need you to support me, us
Especially if I have to teach them
while they stay home.

I will teach your children.
I will care for them
I will protect them
I will love them
I will be their teacher… Pandemic or not
Not just because that’s my job,
But it’s my passion...

I will teach your children

Renee R Muckerman