September 2025

Dear Teacher, 

It’s the start of another school year - another fresh, open door to opportunities of learning and growth. Perhaps this is your first year in the classroom. If so - congratulations! You are stepping into a profession like none other. Enjoy every time you hear, “Miss _____” or “Mr. _____” (insert your name); you are a teacher and you will make an unimaginable difference on the world.

If you are well into your career in education, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here again this year. Thank you for being the core - the foundation - on which your colleagues and students rely. You are practical. You are wise. You have learned to be flexible and go with the flow, all the while seeing through the “noise” to remain focused on what’s truly best for students. 

If this is your last year in the classroom, I pray these next months are filled with the deepest, most meaningful moments. Whether you’ve taught for four years or forty, leaving the classroom is complex. The lives you have impacted during your time as an educator will never be the same. You will likely never hear all of the stories, the outcomes, and the unspoken gratitude, but please know that out in the world, there are young people who believe in themselves a little bit more and are kinder to others because you were an influential part of their story. You have left an incredible legacy. 

To all educators, leaders, and lifelong learners, thank you for coming alongside our young people for another school year. You are here, you are strong, and you are invaluable. You are also not alone. Thank you for inviting me along on your journey this year.