When I consider all the things for which

I am thankful: my life, my family, my health, friends

The freedom to be an American, and the beauty of

The world in which I live, I know also

That I am deeply grateful for my profession.

I have the most important job in the world!

I am a teacher.

I am sometimes awestruck by the responsibility

Placed within my hands

To teach the future citizens of the world.

Before me in my classroom sit

Future scholars, philosophers, poets and architects,

Writers, doctors, craftsmen,

Future parents,

Waiting and trusting that I will help

To guide them, and give them the skills needed

To live in the future world.

Some days I am discouraged, frustrated, overworked

Or angry because of all the demands placed upon me.

It only takes a quiet time of reflection, though

For me to remember how deeply proud and grateful

I am to be a teacher.

Many years from now

When I’m no longer here

It is my hope that men and women

Will be thankful for their lives,

Their health and friends

The freedom to be an American

And the beauty of the world

In which they live,

And perhaps will live a bit

Better and with greater joy because

I was their teacher.

 

~Marlene Zahn Chaney, 1990