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A Day We'll Never Forget
Posted by Diane Hale on 9/11/2016
Like most Americans today I can't help but reflect on how the world was changed forever fifteen years ago. Of course, when you spend your day with people under the age of twelve it offers a different perspective. None of our students were alive on that fateful day fifteen years ago, but the events of September 11, 2001 changed how educators view their jobs and it should give you pause to remember what it means to be a teacher in America.
First Responders - When you hear the term "First Responder" you are supposed to think about our police, fire and other emergency personnel who are the first to respond in times of crisis. They are the heroes dressing the wounds and rushing into burning buildings to save lives. But now I also think about teachers who are often the first to respond when a child asks, "why?" or wonders, "am I safe here at school?" I know I am not the only educator who remembers putting on a brave face that day and telling my class of third graders, "we're going to be okay." When, I wasn't really sure if we were. We walk a fine line of what to share and what not to share. What is the job of the parent, and what needs immediate attention from a caring teacher? Educators are the ultimate surrogate parents for children when the unexpected occurs.
Heroes - Since that day, it is a normal occurrence at schools to practice lock-down drills and take measures to be vigilant protectors of our students. Teachers are taught to count heads, hide under desks, and report "all safe" in case of emergencies. Educators have to remain calm so as not to worry frightened children when it's just a drill, but also instill in them the importance of safety and order in case of the unthinkable. Even though these drills are just part of what we do now, it is still an incredible event to watch. With a simple signal, teachers are able to stop the cognitive load of academic instruction and go into survival mode. They can direct twenty five young people to stop, drop, and act in seconds for their own safety. Children are able to act accordingly in silence and with respect and order because their teacher has taught them how. She probably taught them this sometime between math and reading, but nonetheless, they were taught. The teacher keeps a smile on her face even though she might be thinking about the interruption of her lesson, the reason behind why we have to have drills, or her own family's safety. She knows that her students look to her face for reassurance and calm.
Patriots - Not only since that day, but especially since that day, we as educators know what it means to be American and feel the responsibility to pass that on to our students. They weren't there that day or the days following September 11 to see our country rally together, which makes the importance of teaching the pride, honor and respect for our country alive and well. In public school we say the Pledge of Allegiance every day. In music class children learn the patriotic songs, and in history class they learn about the amazing sacrifices those who have come before us have made for our freedoms. On special days (Like the week of September 11) we assemble the whole school together, wear red, white and blue and sing patriotic songs together. We do it because it makes us feel like good Americans, but also because we want to instill that sense of pride in a new generation.
So, today, as you reflect and remember where you were that day, you might stop and give thanks to our first responders, our war heroes and our patriots. I would ask that when you count your blessings, don't forget teachers. They are our children's first responders, heroes, and patriots.
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