Standing in the shadows of giants. My thoughts of speaking at the Lincoln Memorial.

[PJMcK]

7. Great good luck and absorb all of the amazing sensations you can!

This is one of those unique and tremendous moments in a life time and I'm certain you'll be an inspiration to your audience.

In my family, we have had quite a few teachers. My grandmother was a music teacher, my grandfather a dental instructor and my aunt was a special ed teacher early in the history of the acceptance of that particular need. My brother teaches high school English, my niece is a first grade teacher and I've taught a little in high schools and somewhat more at the collegiate level. Teachers are so important to the success of a society. Democracy fails if the voters don't have critical thinking skills. An ignorant populace is easily swayed by a charismatic leader, (sound familiar?). This is why the classic civilizations of Greece and Rome valued what we call a Liberal Arts curriculum. It provides the broadest perspective of the world and develops a curiosity of the mind.

Will your speech at the Lincoln Memorial be based on your essay? It's so powerful and honest that I'm certain you'll express yourself effectively and passionately. If I may offer a small suggestion, perhaps you could add a sentence or two about your students and your experiences teaching them. It's clear that you love your work, your students and their well-being and this small addition could punch up your commitment to them as having been the driving force behind your actions and principles.

Good luck and thank you for your story and fighting the good fight!