The news of the horrible shooting at the movie theater in Lafayette, Louisiana yesterday, and the heroism of the teachers present in that situation initiates, for all of us, an opportunity to reflect on the heroism of teachers.

I am not at all surprised that these fellow teachers took the actions they did during this violent firearm attack. They are being called heroes, and heroes they most certainly are. I applaud and thank them for their courage in the face of imminent and grave danger to others, and to themselves. In every – and even one is too many – instance of unthinkable violence such as this one, whether they have occurred in schools or elsewhere, when teachers have been present, such stories of their bravery have been documented.

In reflection, in addition to these newsworthy stories of teachers’ bravery, I find myself reminded of the smaller acts of heroism that occur every single day, in countless schools and classrooms across our country, by our nation’s teachers. By nature, our teachers venture into uncharted waters with students, parents, administrators and colleagues – often at risk of personal and professional cost – in defense of quality education and in service to others, because teaching and all that “comes along with it” is a part of WHO teachers are, and not just WHAT they do for a living. Teaching, itself, requires bravery and courage, to be sure.

It’s times like this that we can be reminded of the heroism, great and small, of countless teachers, and point to their positive examples of strength, hope and fortitude and give our nation’s teachers due recognition and thanks, in a time when teachers and teacher education are so often under attack.

Please join me in sending prayers, positive energy, or any such sentiment you might express to those most unfortunately affected by yesterday’s horrific event – and wishes for a safer and more just world.