Teaching is not an easy job. It’s a great one, but certainly not an easy one.

Each day of teaching is a mix of incredibly awesome moments — joy, discovery, laughter, learning, negotiating, helping others, finding problems, brainstorming possible solutions, experimenting, exploring, being inspired – as well as frustratingly annoying and energy sapping moments.

In each moment it’s possible for us to be our best selves. Possible, but not simple or easily done.

I’ve been experiencing some of those difficult moments lately. Painful, frustrating, make me want to quit kind of moments. And then — thankfully — I got an unexpected, and lovely reminder that I shouldn’t quit.

One of my girls ran back into the classroom after being dismissed, and handed this to me. “Here. This is for you.”

I love you too, my sweet, strong, and courageous girl.

This is why I work as hard as I do. This is why I am constantly learning, and why I always work to improve my practice. This is why I endure the angst and frustration.

I do it because I love these young humans. I do it so I am always prepared to help them – every time.

Thankfully, my mighty wee ones reach out and help me as well – every time.