 An open letter to teachers. Dear teachers. Recently my daughter started kindergarten. She came in knowing some letters, but that was about it. And now she's putting together entire words. She views language as a playground, and reading as a chance to explore another world. I don't completely understand the science of phonics and blending and sight words, but you do. And miraculously, millions of kids learn to read every day. So, thank you. Thank you for loving students who are too scared to go to school, or who feel too shy, or alone. Thank you for not believing the lie that there are good kids and bad kids. Thank you for seeing each child as a person, and not a number. For all the small battles you fight against the testing culture, I see your bravery, and I admire it. Look, I've seen the radio interviews and TV segments, social media posts and magazine articles that blame teachers for everything from crime to economic collapse. But every time I walk into school early in the morning, I see teachers tutoring kids. I see teachers staying up late to give feedback on student work. I know that you spend hundreds of your own dollars on classroom supplies. I know that you have wept over the tragic stories of the kids you have grown to love. You are changing lives even when you can't see it. Thank you for finding ways to help kids fall in love with learning. Thank you for inspiring creativity and pushing critical thinking. I often ask people, who is someone who changed your life for the better? And nine times out of ten, the answer is a teacher. You are making a difference. Every day. Sincerely, John.