thedewsperspective

As we return to the classroom for the 2026–2027 school year, I want you to think about the impact you intend to make on the young lives that have been entrusted to you.  Before you walk into your classroom, envision the difference you plan to make in your students’ lives.

Teaching is much more than being content-driven.

Teaching is truly an act of service that encompasses educating the whole child.

To have the greatest impact on your students’ lives inside the classroom, you must reach them beyond the classroom.

Whether it’s your first year or your twentieth, your role as an educator is more significant today than it has ever been.

I implore you to create a classroom environment that is inclusive of all learners—a safe space that nurtures every aspect of a student’s life: academically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Commit to being the best teacher in the building that all of the children love.

Not because you’re the “fun” teacher.

But because you’re the caring teacher who is committed to helping your students reach their maximum potential both inside and outside the classroom while holding them accountable.

I also want to challenge every educator reading this letter to intentionally invest in the first ten days of school.

Spend those days learning your students before expecting them to learn from you.  Remember, our children don’t “care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

So build relationships first and foremost.

Learn their names.

Learn their interests.

Learn their strengths.

Learn their stories.

The investment you make during those first ten days may very well determine the success of the next one hundred and seventy-five.

And remember to take care of yourself while you take care of others.

You can’t pour from an empty cup.

So, fellow educators, approach this school year with the intentionality of making it your best school year yet.

Don’t get discouraged when your students misdirect their anger toward you.

Because it’s going to happen.

Don’t take it personally.

Instead, remind them of your purpose in their lives.

Let them know that you’re going to remain committed to their excellence—even when they can’t yet see it or project it in themselves.

Go home and vent about it.

Then let it go.

Return to school the next day ready to serve.

After refilling your cup, of course.

This school year is going to be the best one yet.

I pray that our students grow in every aspect of their lives—the true, measurable parts that help determine what their futures will become.

Remember that we’re influencing the trajectory of young people’s lives.

So every day, show up as your best self, modeling the example you want from your students.

Do all that you can to be pleased with your efforts.

Allow your efforts to create unmovable smiles on the faces and in the hearts of our children.

Cheers to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year!

Sincerely,

Cornell Dews

Short Author Bio

Cornell Dews is a veteran certified Special Educator with more than 25 years of experience serving students in urban education. He is the founder of Never Forget W.H.Y. (Who Helped You?) Mentorship Program Inc., a published writer whose writing has appeared in The Baltimore Sun and AllHipHop, and a recent presenter at the Anne Arundel County Public Schools RISE Conference, where he spoke on relationship-centered strategies for effectively engaging Black male students.