International Teacher's Day 2021

I was a teacher once, many years ago, but turned those skills toward parenting my own kids, and somehow never got back to the classroom. I have the deepest respect for teachers, especially in these build-the-plane-as-you-fly-it days of covid. Teachers are miracle workers who deserve our undying appreciation as they inspire and guide our young people to be whole, and hopefully, happy and healthy members of our society. It's a tall, tall order to do what they do!

A first year teacher (me)
and some of her students

So here's an exercise to mark World Teacher's Day, which was established in 1994 to commemorate the signing of an important Recommendation Concerning the Status of  Teachers by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the UN International Labour Organization -- fifty-five years ago today.

The exercise is simple but challenging. Name the significant teachers in your life, people who have taught you, people who have taught important people in your life (I've included some of my colleagues and my kids' teachers, too). I'm sure I've missed quite a few, and it was definitely challenging to remember some of their first names, but here are the ones I am thinking of today:

Lillian Howrish, Alida Janzen, Violet Hansen, Florence Carson, Aline Collins, Gloria Vilbrunt, Robert Motut, Julian Usyk, Rick Lemieux, Ken Donnelly, Collin Collister, Bob Chorney, Diane Washuta, Heather Bedford-Clooney, Palma Covelli, Lorraine Gallant, Karen Douziech, Fr. Fee Otterson, Gary Kozens, Lee Vilbrunt, George Stepney, George Fortier, Gina Charbonneau, Glen Kirkland, David Leigh, Dr. Eileen Conway, Fr. David Louch, Dr. Walter Moser, Fr. Tim Scott, Dr. Olenka Bilash, Dr. Barbara DeLuna, Ingrid Zukiwsky, Dr. Bob Ware, Dr. Ron Stephens, Arthur Szynkowski, Pat Dusyk, Kathy Dekker, Michael Marien, Shirley Marien, Pat Turner, Monique Gratrix, Maria Lentz, Sr. Teresita Kambeitz, Shirleyan Threndal, Fr. Dave Norman, Lucille Lewans-Rezac, Fr. Ron Rolheiser, Louise Potvin, Fr. Don MacDonald, Fr. Paul Fachet, Bishop Gerry Wiesner, Ruthie Wasylenko, Gilles Denis, Michelle Widynowski, Priscille Jong, Janice Barton, Margaret Bujold, Richard Beaudoin, Michelle Dupuis, Karen Koester, Moira Hecker, Dr. Tracy Bear, and last but definitely not least, Jeanine, my dear sister.

How many can you name from your life?

Heartfelt gratitude to all teachers today! They deserve it, now more than ever. 

If you are able to express your appreciation to a teacher in person or online, go for it!