An Open Letter to Maine Teachers

First of all, thank you. Thank you for your tireless efforts to keep our children top of mind both in and out of the classroom.

As we face some of the most unprecedented times we've ever seen, you have been standing there in the background, continuing to be our children's biggest cheerleaders. As you have been faced with having to say 'goodbye' to your students months earlier than you ever anticipated, you have taken it in stride, and you've adjusted.

Instead of just accepting that there isn't much that can be done and working on plans for the next school year in September, you have tirelessly worked to put together custom learning packets for each child every single week.

You get on the bus and help make the rounds to deliver food each week to children that may not have enough nourishment at home. Why do you do it? Because you're selfless.

As many of us have all of sudden become teachers in our own homes, we have all started to really understand just what a teacher goes through on a daily basis. We only have to attempt to educate a couple of kids- you all have classrooms full.

As the weeks have gone by and uncertainty about what's next has begun to set it, you remain steadfast in your commitment to our children. You're more than just an educator. You are their role model, their example of great character and leadership, their friend, and most importantly, their consistent sense of normalcy and routine- especially when they need it most.

So I say to you Maine teachers, thank you.

It's abundantly clear that you don't become child educators for the money, the glory, the accolades or because you feel like you have to. No. On the contrary, really. You do it because you love our children, you love to teach and you love help shape the young minds of the future. You do it because you love our kids.

I could go on all day about what it means to us as parents to have your constant check-ins, your emails and texts all asking how we and our children are doing, though I don't need to. We already know, and for it we are eternally grateful.

I'll end on this note. As parents, we often compartmentalize our lives. We take for granted the daily 'routines' that we all go through. We get up, we go to work, the kids go to school, and we all regroup in the evening to prepare to do it again tomorrow.

But those 7 hours a day when our kids are away at 'school' is so much more. They are with the friends and educators that love them almost as much we as parents do. And now, more than ever, is a time to acknowledge that, embrace it and say thank you.

We could never replace your roll in our children's lives. You're one of a kind, you're selfless, you're compassionate and you're amazing.

Thank you and we love you <3

Sincerely, literally everyone.