To My Child’s Teacher:
2013 is here and soon my little girl will be back in your care almost daily. The monster who murdered the 20 little ones and the fine educators of Sandy Hook Elementary hoped that all parents would feel fear as we send our children into classrooms. He showed us that the security camera and locked doors of our school would not stop someone intent on carrying out evil.
But thanks to you, he has failed to instill fear of school for us parents. Oh, we are all still mourning those innocents slaughtered. We are also hugging our children tighter, taking more pictures, creating more memories. We understand what our little children have always known: Monsters ARE real, and they can get you anywhere.
Luckily though, monsters are rare. They are the Mega Millions Winning Ticket of Evil, and they make a big impact when they strike a win. More common are all the millions of us who never win a bid to inflict pain, or who never even play the lottery of wishing to hurt another.
I want you to know as you return to the classroom, I send my child to you to be yours for those hours. I know you already have lost sleep wondering what you would do if the monster came into your class to devour your students. I am sorry that we have all had to internalize those terrors. But I do not expect you to learn defensive arts, or to come to school armed. I expect you only to be what those wonderful educators were: People who love children and teach them the importance of loving others.
When the kids in class argue, or bully, or disagree, I know you will be there teaching them the most important lessons of all. The ones that humans scorned lose their humanity and can become monsters. You will reinforce that every single one of your students needs love and caring and acceptance. You are to be exalted for this, dear Teacher. Thank you for caring for my child, but also thank you for caring for every child who comes to be one of yours.