It is not excessive, given the unusual circumstances of the educational year just concluded, to repeat a statement of thanks to all of the teachers of all our students.
The following statement was written last week by one of the pre-eminent educator-scholars of our time, Dr. Erica Brown, Director, Mayberg Center for Jewish Education and Leadership, Graduate School of Education and Human Development, The George Washington University.
“As we put an end to one of the strangest school years on record, we at the Mayberg Center want to acknowledge the remarkable energy and commitment of teachers – from pre-K through rabbinic school and beyond – who had to become instant online educators for many months. Our teachers had to re-think the content and format of lessons and sustain student engagement on a flat screen, often while managing families of their own in the same space. This was difficult, creative and strenuous work. Many have described it as the hardest work they’ve ever done. Maimonides writes that the world endures because of the fervent study of school children in the classrooms of their teachers (Laws of Torah Study, Mishneh Torah 2:1).”
Dr. Brown directs her readers to a brief video that “honors the dedication of our teachers in upholding the precious value of education”. She asks that we “share it with a teacher who has made a difference in your life.”
THANK YOU TEACHERS.
•••
Be safe. Stay safe. Be well. Stay well. Be strong. Stay strong.
Shabbat shalom
GAJE
