In Rome, the Ides of March was a day to celebrate the full moon, as well as a festival dedicated to Mars, the god of war
In history, the Ides of March is March 15 in the Roman calendar, the day Julius Caesar was killed. Consequently, it was also the harbinger of a long civil war in Rome following the ruler's violent death.
In literature, well, in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar
(guess where that title came from), a seer tells Caesar to “beware the Ides of March” shortly before he is confronted by the rulers of the Roman Republic who kill him.
In modern times, the Ides of March is still March 15 (in our calendar), and for some people, this date still has the potential to bring bad news.
I'm talking about teachers.
In the US, March 15 is a day in which many states notify public school teachers whether they will continue teaching in the next year. Today is a “preliminary” date; the final layoff notifications come on May 15. Considering the current condition of the economy, many teachers are anticipating this date with anxiety and sadness—what more can they say; what more can they do? One letter, and some of these teachers, for whom teaching has been their entire livelihood for several decades, will be notified to find a different job for the sake of the economy, the country.
I'm at a loss for words when I think about this reality. I absolutely treasure and am totally grateful for all of my teachers, past, present, and I am sure, future as well. Within the short span of time that I've been able to sit in their classrooms, they've shared a bit of their knowledge and passion, they've taught me how to live a meaningful life, and they've ultimately helped me become the person I am today.
Teachers are requesting that we wear black today. Are you? I am.
Today, if you value your teachers, if you value your learning experience, and if you value your education, show a teacher that you care.
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