My students need my best me- everyday – all day.

It doesn’t matter if I’m having a bad day –

it doesn’t matter if my heart is heavy –

it doesn’t matter if I don’t feel well –

it doesn’t matter if I have needs of my own –

It doesn’t mean they don’t care – because they do.

It simply means they need the best I can give them –

for some I’m the only good they get –

for some I’m the safe place in a chaotic life –

for some I’m the only one who cares in their uncaring world –

for all –

it’s what they need –

my best me –

all day –

everyday.

So, I put on my game face, get in the room and

give those kids the respect, love, and caring they need,

I make them laugh and often diffuse their anger with humor –

only then can I begin to teach them.

They don’t always know what they need, but,

they are children –

I am an adult.