Agood rule of thumb has always been to get a good night’s rest before the first day of school.  I agree with that rule. But that never happens to me. I usually toss and turn all night before the first day of class. My mind constantly races with thoughts of my students and all that I desire for them. I think about their wins and losses, and what they will and won’t learn. I also think about their friendships and loneliness. I love it when they have plenty and dread when they lack anything. With all of that in mind, each year, my objective remains unchanged. My goal is to get my students to believe that the time and effort they put into being the best version of themselves and devote to school will pay off.

            I begin every school day and end every school year the same way. What way? By sharing a truth that has stood the test of time. Each day, when the students are at their desks, I say, “Good morning, Class, our mission is simple. YOU WORK! YOU WIN!” Some will buy into that truth, and others won’t. However, that does not deter me from saying it daily.

There is a war that occurs each school year. I am determined that my students will win it. The win is not for me, it is for them. For they deserve to experience all the great things that this life offers. Therefore, I am prepared to fight for and with them each day. They have my allegiance; however, I need their alliance to aid us in the fight. I have an alliance with one group, but the other two require negotiations.

            The first group is known as the “Non-Believers.” The only thing that they believe is that school is not for them. So, I feel that I am fighting a losing battle every day. However, not to worry. Things are not always as they appear. With the “Non-Believers,” I continue to fight the good fight of faith, knowing that if I reach at least one, that is a victory. I must put in a lot of work to win their trust.

The next group is known as the “Flickering Lights.” They struggle with school and the desire to do and be better. However, there is a flickering light of hope in their eyes when they experience something of interest or receive positive acknowledgement. The light is dim, but it has not been extinguished. I also have to work to win their trust. However, they require less work than the “Non-Believers.”

The final group is known as the “All-Ins.” They are gung-ho for anything and everything. They strive to do and be their best every day. They love school, learning, and everybody. They are my greatest ally.

            Well, it is now 500am. My alarm has buzzed, and once again sleep has evaded me the night before the first day of school. I must get prepared to go to war for our children. I must remain steadfast each day. I must prepare to carry weapons (tools for victory) and burdens. I must be quick to listen and slow to speak. I must be a cheerleader. I must be an adviser, advocate, and confidant. Most of all, I must be a teacher, supporter, protector, and friend.

            When I arrive at school, I am greeted with the sounds, looks, and emotions of being young. Students are smiling, frowning, laughing, crying, looking lonely, looking confused, looking like “don’t touch or talk to me,” and the ever-priceless look of “stop looking at me.” Although positive emotions are wonderful, the negative ones will not deter me from my goal.

            I walk into my classroom which serves as a sanctuary and a battlefield, I put my things down, and greet each student. Once every student is seated and quiet, I say one of the greatest truths known to man, “Good morning, Class, our mission is simple. YOU WORK! YOU WIN!