The Stump Speech
Students need extra help, time before or after school
Parents call or email; they need that response now!!!!!!!!!!
Here, you say, Swing from my branches, eat my apples & sleep in the shade
Your child has on the same clothes all week; they smell
Students have no supplies; they sleep during most classes
Here, you say,Take my apples to the city and sell them. Have some money & be happy
The principal emails and asks for more of your time. More is added to your full plate...should have grabbed two plates at the start of this buffet line
Your students struggle at home. This school is the safest, cleanest place they have
Here, you say, Cut my branches and build yourself a home. Take what I have for your comfort and shelter
Grades are due, emails are piling up, students hands are raised, and the bell is about to ring.
Assignments need regraded, assessments are around the corner, stop all learning kids...it’s ISTEP time
Here, you say, Take my trunk. Take my heart and soul so you can build a boat and sail. Sail away to reach your hopes and dreams
Awards are written and signed. Programs are dedicated to children. You have positively and professionally promoted all that you can for students and colleagues.
You have shared, cried, bled, collaborated, and sacrificed.
You are a forest of trees. You are shelter, safety and sources for all who enter. You are the GIVERS of all time. You are stumps.
I stand here and look out at a forest of stumps. It is time for you to rest, replenish and grow again. As life-long learners it is time for you to grow so you can provide again. For to be an educator, is to be a provider of shelter when there are no branches left, a provider of knowledge when all fruits of labor have been plucked, an enabler for dreamers to sail when know materials are left...You are GIVERS, when there’s nothing left to give.
Rest, replenish & grow. Thank you teachers
