Educating with thanks

BY DEXTER MCCREE, Feature writer

Tis the season to be thankful and give thanks.  For educators, many are thankful to take a weeklong break from preparing lesson plans, attending staff meetings, hearing bells ringing while students run through the halls trying to get to class. They are thankful for an opportunity to sleep an hour later than usual and a break from the early morning rush, unless it’s Black Friday, of course.

In everything we are to give thanks. Educators love what they do and are grateful to do it. For this special group of people, the Thanksgiving season is year round, although varied in its content.

There’s the student who was in the class five years ago who many doubted would ever graduate from high school, let alone from college, who remembers that one teacher who tolerated all of his or her immature behaviors. When that former student makes a return visit while in town on a business venture to say thanks to their favorite teacher and ensure them that their labor was not in vain, that is a moment for thanksgiving.

In growing up, educators taught us to recognize certain points related to Thanksgiving. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of Thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

Today’s lesson carries a far greater impact for those who have endured years of educational challenges and brings lasting lessons to be thankful. A student’s return to say thanks makes it all worthwhile.

DonQuan Ware

“Thanksgiving means spending time with family, friends and being thankful for good health.”

Darrell Roseman

“I’m thankful for my wonderful family, friends and the resurgence of the horror genre.”

Grace Mosely

“Thanksgiving  is a time for family connecting and loving one another. Blessings for all. Food, love and peace. Thankfulness!”

Geri Thomas

“Family, love, peace and friends are most important during Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful.”

Sharon Joe

“I’m thankful that I can give thanks. It’s a blessing that the anointing of God is sustaining me to do His will.”

Michael Butler

“Thanksgiving means giving thanks and spending time with family and friends. It’s enjoying our celebrations our all our blessings for the year.”

Tena Fajardo

“Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and friends and remember everything we have to be thankful for, even in times of uncertainty and turmoil. We need to remember!”

Mike Sandy

“During the Thanksgiving season, it means to enjoy spending time with your family and friends. It’s also a time to be thankful for having food to eat.”

Brittany Malone

“Thanksgiving means spending time with family and being thankful for everything that we have been given.”