Giving Away Pencils

I saw this picture on Facebook and was struck deeply by it.  But then I realized: this is it. Right here. This is why I (and every teacher I know) have given kids hundreds of pencils that would never be returned. This is why I (and every teacher I know) have given kids countless notebooks that would never be returned. And snacks. And loose leaf paper. And lunch. And index cards. And on and on.

I can't do everything, but I can do something.

Every teacher I know does the same thing. As the school year starts, if there were one thing I wish non-educators knew, it would be this: the issues facing education in America are enormous. This poem from this student is the tip of the iceberg.

But teachers become teachers so they can *do something*. Not for pensions or pay raises or summers off or glory.

My own children have pencils and notebooks and index cards, but many don't. And those who don't are still important. They will be our neighbors and fellow citizens.

They matter.
Their lives matter.
Their poverty matters.
Their education matters.

And that is worth the cost of a case of pencils.