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 to write a poem about teachers who have had an impact on their lives.

We put out this call a week before the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, so the majority of contributors are not reflecting on that horrific day but a late addition did reflect that loss.

We received over 300 responses, and NPR's poet in residence Kwame Alexander took lines from submissions to create a community poem.

This poem is dedicated to all teachers, but especially to Irma Garcia and Eva Mireles, fourth grade teachers who lost their lives at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

NOT to force the walking of a single path

They weave through the constraints on their vision

Teachers conquer hate and foster expectation

tall stems and fragile blossoms exploding in their reach.

They make statements that linger long after the lessons have been absorbed. Like Mrs. Tucker who wrote, "Amy is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day" on my first-grade report card,

Teachers bring forth dreamers and thinkers.

Another state test to endure and stress over,

Even when the world makes you feel small.

even with dyslexia I could be Presidential.

You see, Teachers make bad days into good

Make the journey as meaningful as the destination

On the day that he died, not just me but the whole school cried, " he's the reason I graduated" " he's the reason I ate lunch" "When my own dad ran out, he helped me so much" They'd honk as they passed by our house day and night , a constant reminder of his touch on their life

A teacher is nothing when stripped of their power

We are here because teachers make students

From saplings to majestic Trees of potential.

subtle hands that make themselves available

Teachers leave the door open for us to walk through

the paper clips and crumpled post-its that say "I love you!"

Who will help the teachers prepare for the next

Who will make a home for the heavy hearts,

Education News

Rachel Martin

Author

Morning Edition asked NPR's audience to write a poem about teachers who have had an impact on their lives.

As part of teacher appreciation month, Morning Edition asked NPR's audience to write a poem about teachers who have had an impact on their lives.


'Who Will Clean Out The Desks' — A crowdsourced poem in praise of teachers

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