Towards Liberation
The idea that young people need love feels as familiar and comforting as a sweatshirt. It’s a mindset I put on every day as I head to work. The letter says, 'If you be love, as a teacher; then what you model is the belief—through the everyday things you do.' Each day, I witness how students require gentleness and care, and how often their emotional needs for safety and belonging are not being met. As adults, acknowledging that creating an environment where students feel love 'demands conflict, tears, and hurt' is powerful. It can be challenging because many of us realize we never received authentic love and care in an educational setting ourselves. This can trigger feelings that are difficult to grasp, understand, or implement due to a lack of experience in that area. At the same time, striving to create educational spaces where students feel genuinely loved and valued opens the door to liberation. These spaces allow young people to be authentically themselves—free to f...