These days, I’m drawn to people who speak about how we can bring our best selves to our work and lives. I seek out sites that provide refuge, places where I can revive my spirit and energy. Parker J. Palmer’s Facebook page is one of my “go-to” sites. If you’re looking for words of wisdom, insights into democracy and teaching, reflections on poetry and a honest look at life with a laugh or two along the way – check it out, you’ll be glad you did.
In 2014, Parker Palmer wrote the post below on how “We the People” need to turn the tide toward gratitude [for teachers] in every way we can…” It was true then, I believe it’s even more important now.
To that end, we created the Thank You, Teachers project, where we all can join together to create a wave of gratitude, one thank you letter at a time. To post your letter of thanks to a special teacher in your life, all you have to do is fill out the form – we’ll do the rest.
If you’d like to send something extra for the holiday season, we include an option for sending an autographed copy of Teaching with Heart.
lovely post.
Parker J. Palmer:
My friend and colleague Carrie Newcomer has a wonderful song called “I Believe,” that includes these lines: “I believe in socks and gloves knit out of soft grey wool/And that there’s a place in heaven for those who teach in public school…” I’ve heard Carrie perform the song many times, and that second line never fails to elicit mid-song cheers and applause from the audience!I always join in the applause, even when I’m onstage with Carrie. Public school teachers are among my culture heroes, the true first responders in our society. Every day they support kids who’ve been wounded by social problems that we grown-ups lack either the wit or the will to solve. And every day they are criticized by politicians who know only one thing about public education—they can score political points by doing a number on teachers. “We the People” need to turn the tide toward gratitude in every way we can…
During the holidays, do you want a way to say “THANK YOU!” to a teacher who’s been important to you, your children or grandchildren? Click on the image below and consider giving him or her a copy of “Teaching with Heart.” Written by teachers, for teachers, the book is a collection of great poems that teachers have found inspirational—and each poem comes with a commentary written by the teacher who chose it for inclusion in the book. It’s a great read!
I had the privilege of writing the Foreword to ”
Teaching with Heart,” which was edited by my friends and colleagues, Sam Intrator and Megan Scribner, and helped along by the Center for Courage & Renewal, a nonprofit I founded. A portion of the royalties go to the Center to help them provide more face-to-face programs for teachers. Check it out, and help turn the tide!
P.S. Give yourself a gift by seeing Carrie perform “I Believe,” accompanied by the equally great Gary Walters! And if you’d like to learn more about the Center, please visit their website.
Leave a Comment