I have a bad habit of always watching the same programs on TV. We do not have cable, so we watch local stations with our antenna or stream programming from Netflix or Amazon Prime. My “go-to shows” are The Office, The Middle, and Parks and Recreation.
But my all time favorite show to watch and re-watch is The Andy Griffith Show. As a native North Carolinian, I know almost every episode by heart, but I could sit for more time that I’d like to admit and watch episode after episode of Andy, Barney, Opie, Aunt Bea and Otis. Watching The Andy Griffith Show is a comfort to me in a culture that seems to be too often crass and cruel.
I recently watched the episode in which Andy tells Opie that he really doesn’t need the material he is learning in history class, and that Ms. Crump, his teacher, is unreasonable in her expectations of her students. Opie and his buddies do not complete their homework, and the next day in class inform “Old Lady Crump” that Andy has given them permission to not complete their assignments. Ms. Crump marches into the sheriff’s office boldly telling Andy that he has made her job very hard, that he has undermined what she was trying to accomplish with her students. Andy sees the error of his ways, and he works to amend the damage he has caused.
It is an important reminder of the vital role between parents and school faculty in student’s lives and learning.
School has resumed for our students and teachers. The task of educating the students in our community is immense. It is a group effort of teachers, bus drivers, teacher’s assistants, school board members, principals, superintendent, county office workers, janitors, resource officers, and coaches. And each one of these deserve our gratitude and appreciation for the work they are doing. They deserve to be encouraged and built up.
This year I have decided to pray daily for teachers, administrators, school board members, and all school staff. I often pray for them in worship at May Memorial Church, and this will continue. In a world in which it is far too easy to tear down and attack schools and staff and teachers, I believe that it is more important than ever that principals, teachers, and school staff receive the trust, support, and prayers that we are called to give.
If (actually, when) any of my children have had an issue at school Beverley or I have showed up. I’m an advocate for my children, and we have always found in Powhatan that faculty, staff, and administrators have been advocates for my children as well. I’m grateful for Powhatan Schools, for my children’s teachers and principals. We could not ask for better.
I love the Quaker singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer, and her song I Believe is a beautiful list of the many things she believes. She sings that she believes “there are some debts that we can never repay,” and she believes that “there are some words that you can never unsay.” She believes that “there is healing in the sound of a voice, and that a summer tomato is a cause to rejoice.” Early in this song she proclaims that she believes “there’s a place in heaven for those who teach in public school.” This I believe too.
I’m grateful for those who teach our children, they serve us well.