September 5, 2020 Linda Markley

Tribute to Teachers on Labor Day

communication, creating community, i am enough, Maslow before Blooms, Spirit of teaching, Spirit practices, Teacher Appreciation

Labor Day is an annual celebration of workers and their achievements. It originated during the late 1800’s in America during the Industrial Revolution when working conditions were atrocious, requiring people to work excessive hours, seven days a week and for very low wages.

According to history.com, “people of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.”

Hmmmm, that sounds familiar for teachers, especially in this current pandemic! However, we cannot allow teachers to believe that they must suffer these labor injustices in order to be effective, worthy teachers!!!

Teaching is a labor of love … unconditional love! 
And this Labor Day, I would like to 
recognize, honor and celebrate what teachers do 
unconditionally every day!

Labor Day did not become an official holiday until almost the turn of the century when President Grover Cleveland signed it into law. During the time leading up to this, there were many labor strikes, rallies, protests and events that took place to raise awareness to the atrocious labor conditions.

Limitations, boundaries, clear expectations and best labor practices were set. 
Maybe teachers need to set some "conditions" like these as well!

So, this Labor Day, I hope that ALL TEACHERS set forth some of these best labor practices:

STRIKE a balance between work and home life. Practice self-care. Set clear boundaries with students, parents and admin. You are enough. You do enough. Enough is enough! Set time limits and listen to the strike of your inner clock bells tolling “STOP”. Strike up a kind and caring conversation with others at school in order to build those heartfelt, supportive relationships that can help you get through anything!

RALLY around your heart and what is most important to you and your students in each moment. Many demands are made, but you have a choice which ones are most important to do. Don’t labor too long and hard, neither mentally nor physically, because that is not good for the well-being of anyone! Rally together all the support and resources (people, places and things) that lift you up and keep you going.

PROTEST against anyone and anything that is toxic, negative and draining your energy and passion. Protest is from Latin and means “pledge”. Make a pledge to put your needs and well-being FIRST. Remember the metaphor of putting your oxygen mask on first before helping others when the plane is “going down”.? You are no good to yourself or anyone if you “crash and burn”. Pledge to display a big red heart on your chest and not a red scarlet letter of A+ martyrdom of perfection. That does not make a good, effective, healthy teacher or classroom!

So, this Labor Day, celebrate and honor the teachers who make such a big difference in the world and in the lives of children through their labor of love (and not that assembly line production of data, checklists and tests that are the current working conditions of education today!)

Teachers:  we love you, we thank you, we appreciate you, we honor you and we see you!

 

Learn more about the history of Labor Day here.

Inspirational song:  To Sir With Love (Glee)