To you, the teacher, who is doing life’s most important work.

To you, the teacher, who is tired and broke.

To you, the teacher, who shapes the future of our country and world.

To you, the teacher, who is never thanked enough. 

To you, the teacher, who sleeps in a tiny apartment, or in the home of a family member or friend.

To you, the teacher, who may be sent home today if the child ratio is low.

To you, the teacher, who makes minimum wage or pennies above.

To you, the teacher, who can not afford to fix your teeth or your eyes.

To you, the teacher, who has to go to work sick.

To you, the teacher, who loves children, but feels frustrated and overwhelmed at times.

To you, the teacher, who wants to go to school but does not know how.

To you, the teacher, who tried going to school, but didn’t make it.

To you, the teacher, who is a mother and a teacher, to so many children.

To you, the director, who teaches teachers.

To you, the director, who makes just over minimum wage.

To you, the director, who does both paper work and diapers.

To you, the director, who never, ever, stops!

To you, the owner, who takes out a second mortgage to pay your employees.

To you, the owner, who wonders if this dream business will be able to continue.

To you, the owner, a teacher and manager, both “boss” and friend! 

And most of all, to you the child:

To you, the child who comes to school hungry.

To you, the child whose parents read to you each night.

To you, the child, whose mother works two jobs and is so tired at night.

To you, the child whose mind is still rapidly forming.

To you, the child with special needs.

To you, the child who asks why, why, why . . .

To you, the child who needs a big hug.

To you, the child who will shape the future of our planet.

To all of you who do so much for so little, 

Let us unite together and with many voices

Let us all tell the rest of the world who we are.