The 12 Gifts for Educators

Of the twelve most treasured gifts, my students gave to me,

Twelve "aha moments,"
Eleven thought connections,
Ten innovations,
Nine assistance offers,
Eight creative outbursts,
Seven collaborations,
Six acts of kindness,
Five pleas to learn!
Four affirmations,
Three new beginnings,
Two joyful high-fives,
...
And truth that real learning looks like this list!

*****

As the holiday season unfolds, let us all remember that amid the pushing and pulling of policy makers, the changing targets established by state and federal regulations, and the countless other stresses rampant in the field of education, our focus must remain on the growth of each child and the celebration of the joy that accompanies that growth. May this be every educator's harmonic rendition of our love for this profession.