For April 14th, I reflect on a humble milestone: the birthday of Anne Sullivan, noted by Patti Smith in her “Book of Days” as a beacon of resilience and transformation. The architect of miracles for the blind Helen Keller, Anne is memorialized not simply for her achievement of leading Helen “out of the darkness,” but also for her indefatigable generosity. She navigated the profound darkness, leading Helen into a world of luminous insight. It was Anne who bestowed upon Helen the keys to a narrative of overcoming the insurmountable.
In her book, Patti Smith proposes observing this day with gratitude for our teachers. We should recognize those who labor tirelessly at the looms of human potential. Our teachers—past, present, and future —, are the quiet custodians of tomorrow’s custodians. They’re tasked with an expedition similar to Sullivan’s, guiding today’s youth through the mists of uncertainty that cloud our uncertain age.
The world now, much like during the shivers of the Soviet-American Cold War, teeters on the brink of various precipices — environmental, political, and existential. The common enemy of yesteryears, marked by clear lines and tangible fears, has morphed into a more insidious form. There are so many more distractions, complications, and malicious forces in play in a post-pandemic world. The very ground beneath our feet seems to shift daily. Amidst these tides, the role of our educators has never been more pivotal.
Teachers today are called not just to instruct, but to inspire; not merely to teach, but to empower. With the same spirit of Anne Sullivan, they’re expected to cut through the cacophony of the digital age. They must warn of the seductions of the superficial, and teach their pupils to think critically about the chaos of competing truths. Good teachers must create a sanctuary of learning and growth. They must strive to be our modern-day Anne Sullivans, tasked with an ever-complicated mission, wielding tools of patience, wisdom, and unyielding optimism.
So, let April 14 be a day swathed in the deepest appreciation for those who educate. Let’s pledge support not with mere words, but through actionable commitment to their cause. In honoring them, we don’t just celebrate their sacrifices. We affirm the belief that, even in the darkest times, a guiding light can lead us forth, as Anne led Helen, from darkness into dawn.
April 14, 2024
