Even though the calendar says summer, fall has arrived for teachers and students. Across the area, teachers have returned to our classrooms and have started to prepare for our new students. Maybe I should rephrase that — teachers have returned to the schools so we can attend lots of meetings. There are all kinds of meetings scheduled every day as we try to find time to get ready for the students.
We have a new leadership team at my school and they have hit the ground running. With it comes new procedures and a new vision. In our opening faculty meeting we heard about the plans for our school year. They set a positive tone filled with high expectations. Now we endeavor to fulfill these goals.
I am beginning my 34th year of teaching and I feel that little spark of excitement beginning to stir. Here comes a new opportunity to reach out and touch young lives in a positive way. There will be challenges, good days, successes, and some days that I will wish I could do over. In the end, I hope to bring some fun, laughter, and the sharing of a little wisdom to these young minds that will soon be entering my room.
I love being a teacher…most days. Every day brings new opportunities to help young people learn about life: it’s not perfect. Some lessons I will enjoy, while others will challenge me as I strive to help these young students become young adults. Some of my students will leave indelible marks on my life and I hope to help point them in a positive direction. Some will cause a few more of these hairs on my head turn white…a small price to pay if I can help them learn to soar.
While I was cleaning out closets this summer, I came across some notes I’ve received from students through the years. There were apologies for misbehavior, words of thanks for taking time to listen, notes of appreciation, and drawings of eagles, among other things.
One that made me laugh was a piece of paper I took out of a student’s notebook which read: “Number of times you told us the same story” followed by about 50 hash marks.
Two things struck me this week as I was at school. The first was getting to shake a former student’s hand and welcome him back as a staff member. “Yes,” I told him, “I am still in the same place, teaching the same lessons.” We laughed.
The second was a retired teacher coming back to help out until one can be found to take the open position. I could see in her eyes the joy of teaching. She loved her job and is excited to have the opportunity to do something that she is passionate about once again.
I’m telling you this because I’m asking you to pray for us — pray for everyone involved in education. Obviously, teachers and students, also many other people involved in raising the next generation. Every school’s administration and counselors are there to help direct or re-direct students in a positive way. Pray for the bus drivers. Pray for the cafeteria workers. Pray for the school resource officers. Pray for all the maintenance and janitorial staff. Pray for the librarians and technology staff.
I encourage you to be an important part of raising up the next generation through prayer. Our country is dependent upon people who pray. I believe in the power of prayer. There are so many unbelievable things that happen in our schools, that’s why I am appealing to you: I want your prayers so we can have a good school year and create great memories for our students…your children and your grandchildren.
Thank you in advance for having a positive impact through your prayers.

Contact Doug at doug@dougcreamer.com