A Teacher Looks Ahead

This poem below is dedicated to all the teachers with which I work.  As we head into budget times, please remember:  You do make a difference!


The teacher looked ahead with misgivings, but with hope. Would the way be smooth or rough? Would it end in success or failure? And she stood and looked and wondered. And a voice said, answering: "There will be no end." 
And the teacher smiled and said: "I know it will end. I may teach one year, two years, Or possibly many years, But this I know: Someday it will end." And the teacher went forward to teach. 
And many gathered around her, And they all had need to learn. And the teacher looked into their eyes and desired to fill their needs And she taught them with mind and heart and voice --
A mind filled with knowledge, A voice speaking wisdom, And a heart overflowing with love.
Then life changed, and the teacher taught no more. No more did eager students gather around her. 
"It has ended," said the teacher, continuing on the road of life. "This is the end of my teaching." And she believed this until... 
A doctor stood and said: "I am here because this teacher taught me." 
A lawyer stood and said: "I am here because this teacher taught me." 
An astronaut stood and said, "I am here because this teacher taught me." 
An engineer stood and said, "I am here because this teacher taught me." 
A teacher stood and said, "I am here because this teacher taught me." 
And many in good positions stood and said, " I am here because this teacher taught me." 
And the teacher looked ahead of those who had been taught and saw the continued steps of progress, work, and success before each one. And joy filled the teacher's heart, and she said, "This is not the end. 
There is no end to my teachings."

~ Author Unknown ~