Talk to the Teachers
Though I am currently doing 1 and ¼ jobs, I am not complaining. Do I feel overwhelmed? Yes, a little; but it is NOTHING compared to what our teachers go through.
My other quarter of a job is our CAST Liaison for PC West’s feeder pattern. We are still looking for the best person to take over this position, so here’s the link to share with your people.
January was a tough month in education and that was reflected in the reduced number of YES! Grant and CAST requests. We brainstormed how we could help teachers and determined we would go to them. So, in my ¼ job, I am visiting all the schools in the PC West feeder pattern and it has been a true delight.
We bring love and snacks, a kind word, some school supplies. The appreciation our teachers give us is all out of proportion to what we are providing, but that shows me how desperate they are for some positive reinforcement.
I’ve had some great conversations, heard some good kid stories, and answered questions about the PC Foundation’s programs. But more poignantly, I got to be witness to some of the frustrations teachers are feeling. Just today I spoke with an EL teacher who hasn’t been doing her actual job of providing support to English Language Learners, but has been covering classes. She was not bitter about it at all, but feels the pressure of not getting to support her charges.
I tell them I’m sorry January was so tough (in more colorful language, befitting my normal mode of speech) and that we can’t give them what they really need (more caring adults in the building, fewer illnesses), but here’s a granola bar and a cutie to brighten your day.
Would you like to show support for the teachers by providing snacks? Reach out to us and we’ll make sure they know this community loves them.
February 10, 2022
