It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it. – Lou Holtz

As public educators we have a heavy load. From policy makers that seek a one-size-fits-all solution to cure poverty, to students who enter school with unimaginable challenges, we take on every challenge. We don’t have a choice – the students in our care are our responsibility. We accept the challenge – we face each day knowing that we make a difference in the future. Our work as public educators is the last hope for some students. We carry the load because others don’t.

How we carry the load is important. In order for us to be at our best, to give the most who need the most, we must work together. We must support each other, work together, and balance the load we carry. We must step-up in the face of the unrealistic, demanding parents. We must lead when leadership is required.

We can’t permit others to break us down. We must stand-up, accept the awesome responsibility of shaping the future, and be that light for those who need inspiration. We are the experts; we own it. We don’t only educate students; we educate parents and communities. We must step-up, carry the load as leaders, and lead.