The last stanza of the classic hymn, Come Labor On reads:
Come Labor on. No time for rest, till glows the western sky,
Till the long shadows oe’r our pathway lie, and a glad sound comes
With the setting sun, “Servants, Well Done.”
The most effective teachers are the ones who view their teaching as service toward the growth of others. This quality is distinguished from the appeal of teaching as a means for the teacher to delve more deeply into a subject matter that is personally engaging. Certainly, this is a critically important component of being a successful teacher, as it is an important and necessary catalyst toward professional growth and a commitment to being a life-long learner. This important quality, unless it is done for a purpose of helping others to grow, becomes a strength in search of a subject. Teaching, in other words, is an act of service. In a pandemic, this act of service also becomes an act of courage and perseverance, for which I am most grateful.
As teachers, we have indeed been “laboring on” since August! I want to extend my gratitude to my colleagues for their hard work and dedication to the boys whom they have taught and coached throughout the Fall Term. In the life of a school, any Fall Term can be extremely demanding on time and energy. When the added demands of the pandemic are factored into the equation, their hard work and dedication are only magnified.
My colleagues have sacrificed time with family and friends to complete the demands of their many responsibilities. Those with their own children have had to balance these demands against the increased demands of their profession during this larger health crisis. This hard work is greatly appreciated and meaningful to our students and families. Personally, I am grateful to my colleagues and give thanks for their significant work at Trinity-Pawling on behalf of our students.
Each setting sun affords us the opportunity to reflect on the meaning and significance of the work of educators. There is tremendous value in the work that they do. Though the days and weeks can be long, the difference that they are making in the lives of young people and this community is a true gift. Please join me in recognizing their hard work and extending gratitude for the impact that they make each day.
Well Done!
by William W. Taylor