By Christy S. Martin, Ed.D.
The start of a new school year always feels like a renewal. As a retired educator, I still recall the sense of freshness each fall brought: returning to classrooms to see students who had grown and changed over the summer, beginning new lessons and routines, and setting goals for doing things differently or better. This year, more than ever, our schools and teachers need that fresh start—and they need our support.
Last year was the first full school year after the pandemic and it was uneven. Even in districts that kept schools open through the crisis, every day carried the possibility of disruption. Staffing shortages were widespread, and educators and students alike wore exhaustion on their faces. Although test scores showed gains in many places, the emotional and logistical challenges remained. Teachers have been addressing students and families in crisis, working to accelerate learning that fell behind, and supporting stressed parents, coworkers, and administrators. Some educators chose to leave the profession. Those departures, together with ongoing staffing difficulties, mean new challenges ahead.
Teachers are also working under intense political pressure as debates over curriculum and school policy play out in school boards and communities. Despite the noise—censorship efforts, heated meetings, and growing distrust—most teachers continue to focus on what they do best: caring for students and helping them learn. They strive to keep classrooms centered on learning, safety, and growth, even when controversy swirls around them.
Still, a new school year brings hope. With new beginnings come opportunities for more learning, stronger relationships, and renewed commitment. Schools will face real challenges, including increased needs among families. Without the same level of federal emergency support that helped schools during the pandemic, some districts will confront tighter budgets. The phase-out of funds such as ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) means districts will need to make difficult choices; the remaining ESSER funds must be obligated by September 30. Even so, public schools and the educators who devote their lives to children will continue to find creative ways to meet students’ needs—providing instruction, meals, clothing, and emotional support.
Education remains a forward-looking profession. Teachers invest in futures they will only see unfold years from now, and that commitment is the backbone of every community. Public schools help sustain freedom and opportunity by educating the next generation. We rely on them, and they rely on our support.
This year I’ve set a personal goal: to adopt a local school and support it in practical ways—financially when appropriate, through volunteering when I can, and by offering encouragement and advocacy. Many districts welcome volunteers to read with children or mentor students. Schools also benefit when community members speak up constructively during budget discussions or follow local tax and funding measures that affect education. Sometimes a simple smile or a sincere “thank you for all you do” can lift a teacher’s spirits and make a difference.
I plan to stay out of political battles and focus on what matters most: helping students and supporting the professionals who teach them. There are many ways each of us can help, from donating time and resources to offering words of appreciation. Our schools need community partners now more than ever—nearly as much as we need them.
About the author
Christy Martin recently retired after more than 35 years in K–12 and post-secondary education, and she also spent several years coordinating programs for youth aging out of foster care. She writes from long experience in education and social services. Christy welcomes comments on her writing; you can email her at [email protected]. She can also be found on social media: Christy Martin on Facebook, Christy S. Martin on Twitter, and Christy Martin, Ed.D. on LinkedIn.
This article was originally published by The Learning Counsel, a research institute and news media hub focused on the shift in education to digital curriculum.