Good Men and True
I just returned from a retirement party for three staff members at the school at which I used to work. It was a great event. The room was not huge, but warm, with a low ceiling, and some quiet moments early on were broken by some of us begining to call out in the familiar heckling way we used to do at staff meetings. Soon it was like a staff meeting again; people gathered for a common mission, and enjoying each others quirks and company.
The three of them represent 90 years in education and I felt very strongly that my own work in education must either begin to match theirs in dedication, or it must end. They seem to have a love and energy that I wish for, but do not, at this moment, posses.
I was brought back so strongly tonight to the love I have for this school, but the way it was is ending. New management (I will not call it leadership, for it is nothing like leadership) has taken the life out of the collaborative environment that was so rewarding. All of us who were there tonight mourn that loss. This was a last great moment for that era, as one of these men was the last of the original staff members to leave. The staff that remain are top class. Though they are not supported as they used to be, the students never know. They continue to give excellent education to their students, in spite of trying circumstances, and thus demonstrate their kindness, professionalism and focus on the true job at hand, one that these three men always remembered: It is about the kids.
I was so glad to see my old friends tonight, and to have it brought home to me what it really means to be a teacher, and consider if that path is mine.
At one point the three retirees and the two former principals stood together for a picture. Everyone applauded and I thought: These are good men. Good men and true. Giants of their age.
One of them recited the following Dylan song at the end of his speech. I think under the right circumstances with the right people, one could feel forever young.
The three of them represent 90 years in education and I felt very strongly that my own work in education must either begin to match theirs in dedication, or it must end. They seem to have a love and energy that I wish for, but do not, at this moment, posses.
I was brought back so strongly tonight to the love I have for this school, but the way it was is ending. New management (I will not call it leadership, for it is nothing like leadership) has taken the life out of the collaborative environment that was so rewarding. All of us who were there tonight mourn that loss. This was a last great moment for that era, as one of these men was the last of the original staff members to leave. The staff that remain are top class. Though they are not supported as they used to be, the students never know. They continue to give excellent education to their students, in spite of trying circumstances, and thus demonstrate their kindness, professionalism and focus on the true job at hand, one that these three men always remembered: It is about the kids.
I was so glad to see my old friends tonight, and to have it brought home to me what it really means to be a teacher, and consider if that path is mine.
At one point the three retirees and the two former principals stood together for a picture. Everyone applauded and I thought: These are good men. Good men and true. Giants of their age.
One of them recited the following Dylan song at the end of his speech. I think under the right circumstances with the right people, one could feel forever young.
May God bless and keep you always, May your wishes all come true, May you always do for others, And let others do for you. May you build a ladder to the stars, And climb on every rung, May you stay forever young, Forever young, forever young, May you stay forever young.
May you grow up to be righteous, May you grow up to be true, May you always know the truth, And see the lights surrounding you. May you always be courageous, Stand upright and be strong, May you stay forever young, Forever young, forever young, May you stay forever young.
May your hands always be busy, May your feet always be swift, May you have a strong foundation, When the winds of changes shift. May your heart always be joyful, May your song always be sung, May you stay forever young, Forever young, forever young, May you stay forever young.
posted by Violet Beauregarde | 10:21 PM
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