Dear AFSA Family Members,

We send to you and yours the hopes for the happiest holiday season possible under these extraordinary circumstances, and our wishes for a healthy 2021 among all the people you hold most dear.

This has been a challenging time for everyone, but moreso for those of you who have been entrusted with the education and safety of our children. You have been coping with the deadliest pandemic in more than 100 years; riding a wave of social justice protests; and are now seeing your children and their families through a harrowing post-pandemic economic crisis. And you have been equal to it.

We doubt that any other professionals, with the exception of those from our medical community, have earned as much admiration as public school educators have during this landmark year. You certainly have won our unwavering respect and allegiance.

As you stand poised on the precipice of a new year, you undoubtedly are both exhausted and awed by the prospect of what lies ahead. You are responsible for our nation’s schools, which are the centers of our community and our society, and you have the awesome burden and blessing of being responsible for seeing them through to a new day.

We pray for your continuing strength, the renewed health of our nation, and the funding and other resources you will need for success.

As for the support of AFSA, trust that you can rely on us in this holy season and in all seasons to come.

With faith and in solidarity,

Your AFSA Leadership Team