I love the energy of the I Love Public Education rally and the commitment to publicly and collectively supporting public education. When we think about where we have been, where we are and where we are headed in public education, recommitting to loving this great profession is most timely. All other professions in this great country traverse K-12 education.

Thomas Jefferson was clear many years ago that our freedom, health and prosperity depend on delivering a quality education to future generations. As we celebrate Presidents Day this weekend, the rally is even that much more poignantly positioned.

When I think of love and its various attributes, I am reminded that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

As we continue to love public education, and encourage all those around us to similarly love public education, we will be making a huge investment in the future of our communities and countries.