Fathers, Teachers

In honor of Father’s Day this weekend, I want to express my gratitude for three amazing father figures in my life: my maternal grandfather, my father, and my husband. I realize not everyone is fortunate enough to have this many fathering role models. I realize how critical it is for our selves, our families, and our communities to have men like these who exemplify marital partnership and paternal presence. I am so fortunate.

I especially want to recognize my husband on this day — one of the new generation of fathers who do not think twice about giving their full time and attention to family first, and diving into poopy diapers like pros. At the same time, my DH gives of himself to dozens of students every day as a middle school math teacher. He is a role model to so many boys and girls, in a community where unfortunately many children have no paternal role models at home.

I’m so proud that he makes a difference to so many of us. And that he was honored this year as “Teacher of the Year” for his school district. While simultaneously building a relationship with our daughter that is close and filled with humor and love and respect — the same with his relationship with me.

In his honor — and my dad’s honor, as a professor; and my grandfather’s honor, as a teacher by degree and in everyday life — I’m making my next monthly quote/affirmation (we won’t say for what month — who’s counting, right?!) about teaching. Because a good teacher, like a good father, is a gem that makes a true difference in the world.

Happy Father’s Day.

A good teacher is a master of simplification and an enemy of simplism.
– Louis A. Berman

To recognize all I have to learn — and always will have to learn — is part of being an evolving person. To analyze the complexities of our world with clarity, respect, passion, and often wonder — to students, children, peers — is part of my contribution. To honor those who teach me shows that I understand gratitude, and what is most important in this life.

REPEAT: I honor my learning, and I honor my teaching. To continue this cycle: that is enough.