This holiday season started with heavy hearts as we all mourned for the victims at Sandy Hook Elementary. As teachers, I think that tragic event struck close to our hearts as we looked into the faces of our students in the following days. The pictures of the students leaving the school make my heart hurt for the survivors. They have a long road ahead and I’d like to add my prayers to the families and community. 

What has been amazing since that event is the outpouring of love and support and kindness. A lot of that love has been dedicated to teachers. Those teachers shielded their students and some ultimately gave their lives to protect them. As we have contemplated these events, I’m sure all of us have realized that, even on our grumpiest days, we would do the same. These children come to us daily to learn, but we are there to protect and love them. Children learn best in a safe environment. We can’t foresee every problem that comes along, but we can only be as prepared as possible.