By Lonnie Hetterle – Denver, Colorado …We live in challenging and, in many ways, uncharted times. I thought the world was changing rapidly during my younger years, but that was nothing compared to the last two months. The changes that we’ve been forced to accept would have been considered “crazy speculation” even as we welcomed 2020. We have been blessed to have digital platforms like Zoom to enable us to continue on, even though we cannot meet in person or face to face. I’m not sure that we will ever go back completely to what we used to consider “normal.”
This paradigm shift has impacted our churches and the conference office, but perhaps the greatest area impacted is our schools, our children, and their teachers. With very little to no advance warning, we have asked our educators to continue molding young minds and imparting knowledge without the benefit of that personal, hands-on, classroom touch.
It is said that difficult times bring out the true character of individuals, and I have been so very impressed with the response of our dedicated and passionate Adventist educators who have embraced this challenge with an inspirational and devoted effort. They have gone above and beyond to creatively meet the needs of their students. They have become experts in Zoom and other instructional platforms. They have discovered new websites and on-line learning tools to enhance their teaching. They have, in a very short time, become experts in digital learning. They continue daily to explore new and creative ways to meet the needs of each one of their students.
This is Teacher Appreciation Week. I have always appreciated our wonderful teachers and have seen their hard work, shared in their passion for their students, and felt their struggles. I have always felt that Rocky Mountain Conference has among the very best teachers in the world and this has been affirmed as I have watched them handle this challenge. As I have observed the countless hours and steep learning-curves they have had to climb, I have seen their true core values come out so prominently. My appreciation for them has moved to an even deeper level of true admiration. There is no better place for our children than at the feet of these master teachers.
Here are a couple of comments that I have noted concerning the education in our Seventh-day Adventist schools:
“I want to say that you and the school are doing such an AMAZING job with the remote learning. Your desire to reach out to families for feedback and then actually implement that feedback is truly wonderful. It makes us feel so cared for. And with my oldest child attending a different school, I can tell you that your actions are above and beyond as compared to what other schools are doing. Another reason I adore this school and feel so blessed, you guys are leading our children!”
“Our family has been blessed by the teachers who have gone above and beyond to help our children successfully finish the year.”
“Even though it’s hard, and it may seem as if it’s endless and not worth it, you are all doing a “good job!” So proud of VRA and the staff and teachers!! Thank you for your time and efforts through this all!”
Speaking of “good job” there are so many people who often go unrecognized that are our heroes today, and this includes our teachers. As the new song by Alicia Keys says, they are doing a “Good Job”.
Please know that God is still in charge. Stay close to Him and let’s show our children and young people how important He is by our words and actions as we walk this path together.
Thank you, teachers!
—Lonnie Hetterle is RMC Education Superintendent; Photo by VRA Facebook page
