(classroomclipart.com)

It’s hard to imagine that the Two Voices have been writing this blog for almost a year! We made that conclusion when we looked at the calendar, and realized that it’s the time in some areas when school buses are running again, new clothes and backpacks are ready, and students are heading off for a new year of school. We thought it best to update our post from last year to once again encourage our teachers to realize how important their role is, was, and always will be. There are many quotes, plaques, and coffee mugs that state the obvious: teachers impact lives in so many ways, but it can never be mentioned too much. We salute you, have been you, and continue to pray for you. So here’s our updated post, just for you:

Another school year is beginning. Teachers, you never know who is sitting in your classroom. Some of my former middle school students are doing amazingly well. Many now have classrooms of their own, are managing their own businesses, enjoying nursing careers, at least one holds a professorship at a major university, several are world travelers, one actually made and played in the NBA (does the name Iverson ring a bell?), and my most consistent overachiever may soon be interpreting at the United Nations! Your profession is an honorable one that affects everyone who enters your personal domain – your room. God has placed each student – even the ones that challenge you the most – with you for a reason. Isn’t that an awesome thought! All your momentary victories, frustrating experiences, and headache-causing situations are fitting into the plan from Above. Make good memories this school year and try to enjoy each moment.

Sue – Voice II

When I reflect on the new school year, I remember Principal McGee from the movie “GREASE.” She dramatically plays the xylophone as she reminds the students how they can perhaps be the next Eleanor Roosevelt, President Eisenhower, or Joe DiMaggio. As she calls out the prominent names, the different characters who portray the high school students lift up their chins, poke out their chests, or display wide grins as they think on the possibility of being someone great.Today, we remind students how they can possibly be the next Condoleezza Rice,  Colin Powell, or Dr. Ben Carson. Either way, the bottom line is that all students really are already great within because of their Creator. They just need our help to discover it.

Question: How does the teacher or parent in you help bring out the possibility of greatness in each student or child you will directly impact in this new year?

Answer: We must remember to “look-up” and ask God to show us the heart of that child as He sees it. We must be mindful that each person has been given unique gifts, skills, and talents in order to perform or complete a specific assignment in this life. Parents and educators alike are given the privilege to help a child discover his or her reason for being. As God begins to show us things, our compassionate eyes become more aware and are opened to see new levels. This better insight enables us to love and mold the ones we least like and to discipline and challenge the ones who are so easy to love. All  of these actions can be done within such a balanced intricate realm that the best in each child is forced to surface beyond what we initially thought was ever possible.

Remember, you have the power to help every student you teach this year reach his or her next level of growth.  Please don’t waste it.

Deidre Hester, Voice I