Here in Michigan it's the Day Before School. For many of you, it's an already-welcome mini-break.
Let's remember a couple of things together.
1. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Both "teacher" and "principal" used to be significantly less well-compensated than they are now. There was a time in the '70s and '80s when our predecessors braved retribution to take action and increase the status of our profession. Much of what we enjoy, they fought for on the picket line and at the negotiating table.
2. A lot of people work for a company they wouldn't care a bit about, were it not their employer. We, on the other hand, have the great privilege of being engaged in a high calling: increasing knowledge and ability, combating ignorance and mean-ness, and helping to create contributing, collaborative citizens.
Enjoy the day and remember your mission is hard but important -- quite a gift considering the alternative, isn't it?
