The Learn Forward book has this dedication, “To all the courageous parents and educators I’ve met over the years who have doubted their sacred work and wondered whether they are doing a good job. This is for you.”

The vision of Learn Forward is to nourish the sacred work of teachers and parents, ultimately helping children thrive.  

Teaching is sacred work

What is the nature of sacred work? How is it woven together?

When I consider what is sacred, I think about the Biblical texts that have permeated my life. I am not a Bible teacher, but the word “sacred” is rooted in my deeply held spiritual beliefs.

The priestly garments come to mind: the coverings of humans, mere mortals, whose vocation is something sacred. We make it sacred.

“Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honour.” Exodus 28:2

I am even reminded of the cloaks Jesus wore…

“People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.” Matthew 14:35b-36

Teachers wear their sacred work. It has the healing salve of safety and is honourable.  Teachers weave sacred work through daily practice and it dignifies us. It is work of the heart.

I have a friend in California who lived with us when the big kids were small and she was studying, now she is a teacher.

I know she is a kind and capable public educator. Her sense of responsibility for her students has a lustre that makes a sunset pale. I know her classroom receives and holds the most vulnerable students, like hands holding a small bird. You know, the children whose disabilities make their learning journey uphill, the ones who have the claw marks of trauma on their lives, or the ones whose hearts beat faster than most. She receives those students. She faithfully serves those students. I know it is difficult.

While my friend holds a special place in my heart, she is doing what all teachers do: sacred work. Teachers are my heroes.

And, what I believe about teachers is that they wear this sacred work. It envelops them. They create sacred spaces.  They plan, manage, and lead with the discernment and wisdom of the ages.

This week I had the pleasure of sitting with teachers. They shared their passion for the profession. It was inspiring to listen to them speak about their students. On a daily basis, they are dedicated to simplifying in the complex environment called a ‘classroom.’

Teaching is pure artistry – a work of the heart

Parker Palmer calls it a profession for “reasons of the heart” and the invitation is to take heart! He says it this way in The Courage to Teach,

“Every profession that attracts people for “reasons of the heart” is a profession in which people and the work they do suffer from losing heart. Like teachers, these people are asking, “How can we take heart again so that we can give heart to others,” which is why they undertook their work in the first place.”

In my work as a School Administrator and the Founder of Learn Forward, I simply want to support teachers in their sacred work.  Take heart again…

The purpose of the Table of Learning is to nourish the sacred work of students, teachers, and parents.

I want teachers to believe in themselves rather than compare themselves because there is great reverence for muddy boots, dull pencils, and rosy cheeks. So, let’s journey towards Monday with the creativity and the holiness of all that is dear. Maybe one of the secrets of taking heart is to reflect on the sacred nature of our work?

What is the nature of the sacred in your life? Where do you find the simplicity of the sacred?How do you nourish what is sacred?

If you have a treasured teacher in your life, please share this post today. #teachersaremyheroes

For the sake of the children,

Karine