My Name is Teacher

My name is Teacher.

I'm referred to as Mrs. Pratt, 

and my first name is Honor, 

but those aren't the names I get called eight hours of the day. 

My name is Teacher.

 At least, that's what they call me. 

That's what those children call me...Teacher. 

Little ones who ask, "Teacher?"

Because that math problem just doesn't make sense.

Sweet little faces who excitedly shout, "Teacher, Teacher!"

Because finally they get it; 

because finally they know how to spell a word,

or finally they got a perfect score on a paper,

or finally they can read the page of a new book.

Tiny humans who cry, "Teacher...Teacher..."

Because they are being evicted and have nowhere to go.

Pixies who whisper, "Teacher."

Because they need a hug;

Because they have to leave mom or dad since home is no longer safe.

Because they are going back to foster care,

Again

and again

and again.

Students who furrow their brows and say my name..."Teacher."

Tiny hands grabbing at me, "Teacher, Teacher!"

Because they need someone to lean on.

Ripped sweaters, and holey shoes and jeans two sizes too big, staring at me and saying, 

"Teacher. Teacher."

The smell of old cigarettes and tired eyes that breathe, "Teacher, Teacher."

Because Teacher, is secure and stable.

Dirty skin, stained t-shirts and greasy hair, yelling, "Teacher, Teacher!"

Teacher, love me.

Teacher, see me.

Teacher, value me.

Teacher, fight for me.

Teacher, see me as something greater than how I see myself.

Tear stained faces and red-rimmed eyes screaming, "TEACHER! TEACHER!"

Because they have seen too much;

Because my worst nightmare is their reality;

Because all of these emotions are heavy, heavy, heavy.

Mouths with missing teeth, and eyes full of love, smiling up at me, "Teacher."

My name is Teacher.

My name is Teacher because teacher means so much more than just teacher.

My name is Teacher, 

Because Teacher is who they need.

My name is Teacher, 

Because language barriers and painful backgrounds

don't apply here.

My name is still Teacher.

My name is still Teacher,

When I want to cry at night because I can't save them.

My name is still Teacher,

When they use words to hurt me.

My name is still Teacher,

When my heart is breaking because the time I have with them is up.

My name is still Teacher,

When I have tried to teach them a concept a dozen times,

and they still don't understand it.

My name is still Teacher,

day in and day out.

My name is still Teacher, 

When I leave exhausted after a day full of tantrums and tears.

It's 8:30 in the morning.

"Teacher? " They ask as soon as they see me.

And just like every morning, 

I reply, 

"Yes?"