A Thank You to Educators As They Start a New School Year

As we reach mid August, schools across Iowa and the country are coming back to life. Classrooms are being set up and teachers are gathering for professional development before the first day of school. For many educators, this time of year is a mix of excitement and nerves, anticipation and responsibility. As a retired teacher and instructional coach, I miss the beginning of the school year-seeing all of my colleagues, preparing for the year, welcoming students, and hoping to make a positive impact on lives. I don’t miss the stress of putting everything together for the year and I do enjoy continuing my “summer” with casual clothes and setting my schedule. However, as I reflect on the start of a school year, what I see is clear: educators-who I consider anyone working for a school-continue to be under appreciated as the heartbeat of our schools and the biggest influences of our students’ futures.

We all know that the teaching profession today carries challenges that are real and heavy. From navigating curriculum changes, to the pressures of testing, to the constant balancing act of meeting every student’s unique needs—teachers often carry more than anyone on the outside can truly see. On top of that, educators are working in a world that seems to change daily, requiring flexibility, patience, and resilience at every turn.

Here in Iowa, those challenges are magnified by systemic issues that weigh on teachers’ hearts and minds. The loss of collective bargaining rights has limited educators’ voices in key decisions about their profession. The possible addition of merit pay would introduce pressures that don’t always reflect the whole story of what great teaching looks like. School vouchers are shifting resources away from public education, creating uncertainty for districts and classrooms. And looming in the background are concerns about the possible reduction of IPERS, a retirement system that so many teachers (like myself) have counted on for decades. These realities add stress to an already demanding job, making it even more important that teachers feel supported and valued for the work they do.

As educators head into a new year, valuing everything they do and helping them hold onto that “why” becomes more important than ever. The curriculum, lesson plans, technology, and routines matter—but what matters most is the difference made in the hearts and minds of students. What really matters is relationships… connecting with kids and everyone you work with will make the other areas succeed. It just starts with how you connect with others. I think for the most part, educators understand their why-they just need support from administrators, their school board, other staff, and families. Hence, the need for connecting with all stakeholders through consistent communication and a positive mindset.

The year ahead will hold plenty of ups and downs, challenges and successes. I challenge all educators to focus on where your feet are and controlling what you can control. But never forget that what you do matters—far more than you may ever realize. Your influence is long lasting, and your “why” is hopefully changing the world one student at a time and creating great educational experiences for all of your students..

As the school year begins, may all educators everywhere feel supported, appreciated, and reminded of the profound importance of what they do. Teaching is one of the world’s most important professions because of the impact on future generations and is to teach lessons of growth, kindness, and knowledge that will continue long after the school year ends. To every educator reading this—or to those supporting one—know your work is valued, your role is essential, and your “why” makes all the difference. You got this educators-thanks for all you do and have an amazing 2025-26 school year! Have a great week!

Coach K