Yesterday I heard some news that underscored the mental health aspects of this prolonged pandemic, shutdowns, and uncertainty. She was a woman I had never met nor heard of before yesterday. She was at a different school. In my city of almost 300,000 people, we only have one school district, so there are many teachers and staff I have never met.
Yesterday I heard of the social worker at another school. She took her own life leaving three children and a husband wondering why. She completed suicide. Though I never met her and it is not a loss personally for me, it hit home a bit that a fellow educator would complete suicide at this time.
Teachers and staff in schools are on the front lines of this pandemic. We may not be treating patients like doctors and nurses in the hospitals, but we are at risk of exposure more so than most other professions. We are faced with trying to provide education with what amounts to having one arm tied behind our backs. It is so hard to get substitutes right now. Some teachers are choosing to retire a little early. In the USA, the vibe is Thanksgiving Break can’t come soon enough.
So please be kind to teachers. We have no say in decisions made by those above us. If you disagree with your school’s policy, please remember your child’s teacher did not make the policy. They are just trying to make the best of it.
Pray for the teachers you know and the ones you don’t know.
Small acts of kindness can help make a teacher’s day.
Please be kind to the teachers.
If you are struggling at this time, please remember there are people who want to help. God wants to help you. Jesus loves you and wants to walk beside you through the dark times and good times.
It is better to ask for help and stay another day. Remember your story isn’t over yet.
In the USA you can call- 800-273-8255
In the UK you can call- 0800 689 5652
In Canada you can call 1.833.456.4566
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
Jesusluvsall's Blog 
A sad news. As a teacher here in the Philippines, I feel what you are saying. We are front liners and it is more difficult when we only follow what people above us are demanding from us. We feel like we are caught in between the system and what parents like. Yes, teachers need prayers.🙏🏻
Yes we need prayers. It is a challenging time for teachers.
It really is. 😥🙏
Teachers do so much and yet they are so underappreciated! Thanks for sharing!
Showing teachers appreciation even in little ways can help
You are so right when you say that teachers are not the ones making the school policies, they follow them and do the best they can given the circumstances. Extend kindness to them.
Thank you Manu. It is a challenging time to be a teacher
That’s such a generous message, thank you 🙂
Thank you little sister 🙂
How are you?
Am alright , thanks for asking 😇
May she rest in Peace.
I have always thought that teachers are the most stable mentally because of the nature of their job involving intense interaction everyday but yoh! Times are bad.
May we be our brothers and sisters keepers.
Times are bad!!
Blessings, Grace and prayers to her fam.
It is a challenging time for teachers. We need prayers.
This is sad news, Matt. Here was a person who dedicated their lives to helping and serving others, yet chose to end their own life. Prayers for your school district and community.
Thank you for prayers. It is a difficult time for teachers.
So sad, teachers need to be supported. Thanks for this
It is sad. Even little expressions of appreciation help
Sure
I don’t remember but I thought she had something incurable. Either way, Sad news.
So sorry for the loss of the family that loss their wife and mother. Depression and sadness is a silent killer of the mind.😪
My son loss two fellow workers due to suicide. Depression was the cause!
Thanks for reminding us to have compassion and empathy with our student’s teachers.
Depression is a struggle and those who have it need our compassion and understanding.
Amen!
How heartbreaking 💔
It is. she had three children
Oh my. I’ll be praying 🙏
Thank you for sharing this Matt, I’ll be praying for those impacted and praying for hope and support for teachers.❤️
Thank you for praying.
Please tell Paige I said hi
Wow I told her and she yelled “hi!!!” ..you could’ve probably heard her!;)
🙂
Wow. Sorry to hear this happened. I pray for comfort for her family. 🙏🏻
Hope you are good too, bro?
I am ok. How are your studies?
That’s great. 🙂🙌🏼
I’ve not started but hopeful it gets sorted out soon.
Happy Sunday, big bro.
Teachers are hero’s and need much support and encouragement. I miss working with the teachers ministry at my church in Florida. Thanks for all you do! 🙏🏿
Thank you little sister 🙂
Do you miss the alligators too?
You’re welcome. Thank God I never saw an alligator while I was there 🐊
Do you see bears in Virginia?
I think they are here somewhere, but I have not seen them.
Do you want to?
Nope
How about wolves?
😂
Well done Matt! Our educators have been on the front lines throughout these pandemic months. A neice of my wife taught several years, but the stress of the pandemic caused her to leave her profession at the end of last year.
So sorry she left her profession but I can understand. The stress is palpable at times
Hey bro you went mute without notice. Is everything ok?
I am ok. I post every day and read yours. I enjoy your posts.