Once a teacher, always a teacher. A true educator has an innate desire to make this world a better place by teaching our children, who will be our future. I believe this mission takes a toll with never-ending responsibilities, increasing academic demands, managing behavioral and psychological challenges facing most children, and trying to appease parents, administrators and politicians alike. Yet, teachers preserve. Their purposeful work is a compass, guiding them to bring knowledge, curiosity, compassion and empathy to a younger generation. However, this is hard! Teachers are human, fallible, and exhausted. How can we help recharge their enthusiasm, rediscover their passion, and further their commitment?

Sweet Jesus, is it June Yet? by Amy J. Cattapan, helps educators find solace, motivation and inspiration through a higher purpose. Her own experience with teacher burnout is real and she honestly shares how she found peace and wisdom through the Bible. “Sometimes I think that I can only be successful if there are no thorns in my side. If the path is totally clear and I have no cause to stumble, then all will be well. However, that’s not true. Thorns grow. Stumbling blocks appear. Doors are slammed in my face. The good news is that we need not worry. God’s grace is enough to get us through it. In fact, the Lord told St. Paul that ‘power is made perfect in weakness.’ So the next time you feel discouraged because your teaching isn’t going as smoothly as you’d like, remember that God’s grace will be enough to get you through it” (106).

For my fellow teachers, please remind yourself of the gift you have and the talents are you giving your students.

You are a servant leader.

Remember your purpose.

Don’t be hard on yourself.

We all make mistakes.

Take 1 day at a time.

Learn from your students.

Ask for help.

Build friendships within your school walls.

Be a voice for change.

Stay positive.

Make time for yourself!

Connect with your students.

Plant seeds that may grow in the years to come.

Trust in God.

It’s not surprising that most educators start counting down the end of the school year months before it arrives! “I wanted to endure whatever trials might come my way as an educator with a humility based on kindness and compassion, and a strength that comes from knowing who you are” (135). This will be one of the toughest jobs we’ll ever have but one of the most rewarding. And while in unison we pray, “Sweet Jesus, is it June Yet?” we’ll garner the strength, patience, wisdom and grace to continue opening new cartons of crayons, organizing bookshelves, and color-coding literacy centers, with our faith guiding the way.