Keepers Of The Flame

This animated poem was created by Peter and Paul Reynolds as a tribute to teachers and their vital role in nurturing the learning spirit in every child. We hope it inspires conversation and ideas towards improving our educational system.

[Dsuskind]

This is the first time I found this tribute to teachers... really lovely. Paul your writing and Peter your drawings I bet made many teachers just feel fine. Not only teachers, but parents and grandparents all can pitch in  and help  keep  each child's flame alive and glowing and allow that child to be the initiator. Thank you.

[DrLarryAnderson]

Peter and Paul, your work perpetually inspires us!  Thanks for keeping so many of our flames alive...and growing!  You are definitely such amazing flame keepers.  I count myself immensely fortunate to call you "friends."

[celindacastro]

I absolutely loved this! As a stressed out teacher during this pandemic, it was a reminder that I needed!

[PeggyHalepnh]

Love it and appreciate your generosity to share! Thanks.

[donnasaragnese]

Thank you so much!  I needed this very badly.  Now, whenever I feel beaten, I can watch this and feel understood.

[reginapryor]

This is a beautiful video and I am so proud that you are honoring educators in this special way.

[honestpracticum]

Beautiful! I've shared with as many as I can.

[javeeriyakhan]

Its like a chain of flame keepers. My teachers kept my flame burning, so that now i try to keep my student's flame. However, many a times i might have hurt my students self esteem unintentionally, but whenever i remember my teachers i get back on the track.

[PaulReynoldsFableTLC]

Here are the words to the poem: 

KEEPERS OF THE FLAME
Written by Paul A. Reynolds (Going Places, Full STEAM Ahead)
 
Every child is born with a precious flame within.
An inner flame of wonder,
And potential to begin.
 
This inner light illuminates
The path that lies ahead,
Igniting curiosity,
Keeping passions fed.
 
But at times this
flame is challenged,
From inside and
from out.
 
It can flicker under pressure
It can be smothered by self-doubt.
 
The child may sometimes stumble,
They are never lost,
For teachers are  
protecting
that flame at any cost.
 
Along with caring family,
it’s the teachers who remain
 
by the side of every learner,
through life’s joys
and sometimes pain.
 
These keepers of the flame,
Can help and they can guide,
For they share that flame of learning
That burns brightly from inside.
 
These teachers know
a child’s heart.
They value
every kind of smart.
 
Teachers help
Each child to climb
Higher, further
Over time.
 
And own their struggle
On their quest
To learn and live
What they do best
 
Teachers celebrate the triumphs,
And give shelter in the storm.
To keep that guiding light
steady, bright and warm.
 
And so, it’s time to shine the light on THEM
These keepers of the flame.
We thank them for their passion,
And give them high acclaim.
 
For their knowledge and research,
The science and the art
That allows them to be stewards
of the mind and of the heart.
 
To improve our schools – we have a choice
To listen to each Teacher’s Voice.
Those many voices
far and wide
who protect each student’s flame inside.
With expertise to know what right
to keep each spirit burning bright.
 
So let’s listen to our teachers,
As we imagine and design
Schools that keep all flames alight,
And allow EVERY child to shine.
 
##
 
Ending Quote:
Education is not the filling of a pail,
but the lighting of a fire.

  - William Butler Yeats

[AmyErinBorovoy]

Absolutely beautiful, thanks so much for creating this!

[JMyepes]

This poem is a very beautiful treasure! Thanks a lot! Congratulations!

[DZIRIA]

Beautiful and touching poem, thanks a lot.

[dorisbenter]

Beautiful story! Thank you from an art teacher!

[kevinmcgroary]

Thank you, gentlemen. Sure miss working with my students.

[ERDCPK]

A truly inspiring and motivating story for all teachers. :) They have such a huge job!

[Coinsidense]

sweet and deep      thanks
May anyone put these all words here, fort not so good english speaking ones, this would help thank

[kathielarsyn]

i am a BAT, and this was one of the most beautiful honors, as a teacher, that i have ever been privileged to view....thank you for saying "we need to listen to the the billionaires/politicians who are co-opting public education have NOT listened...they are out to destroy us....i would like to tell you more about BATS, but i can't find a way to post a meme about us....i will get back to you with a link...i hope you read this, and know how deeply i have been moved....thank you thank you thank

[funpalace]

and i love this sometimes when i feel stressed i watch this