Written by my colleague Sabrina:

I work so, so hard every day to make connections with my students; to really see them. I know my colleagues do too.
I do my best to ensure that trust, forgiveness, kindness, and respect are pillars of our classroom community. Without these pillars, I couldn’t connect with them the way I do, as deeply as I do.
A teacher’s relationship with a student could be the only thing that prevents them from harming themselves. From harming others.
I refuse to be armed. I will never agree to say to a student “I don’t trust you.” I will never agree to say to a student “I dare you.” Never.

She put into words what was in my heart.