Gratitude Lives in the Backpack

by Benita C. Gordon

November is Gratitude Month at The Worthy Educator!

November is Gratitude Month, and if you’ve ever worked in education, you know gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s survival.

As educators, we carry invisible backpacks every day. They’re filled with lesson plans, grading, deadlines, family updates, and the emotional residue of every student we’ve taught and every meeting we’ve sat through. But they’re also filled with hope, humor, resilience, and small moments of grace. Gratitude lives in that backpack—it’s the anchor that keeps us from collapsing under the weight of it all.

Gratitude in Real Time

Gratitude is not waiting for Friday or for the next break. It’s found in the right-now moments.

When a student finally gets the concept after struggling all week.

When a parent sends a thank-you email that lands exactly when you’re questioning your impact.

When your coworker leaves a sticky note that says, “You’re doing amazing.”

In those micro-moments, we’re reminded that this work is not just about academics—it’s about humanity.

The Practice of Gratitude

One of the things I teach microschool founders and educators through Global Education Concierge is this: gratitude is a practice, not a performance. It doesn’t always look like journal entries or gratitude walls (though those are great). Sometimes it looks like pausing before reacting. Sometimes it’s giving a student another chance—or giving yourself one.

Gratitude invites stillness in a field that never stops moving.

It teaches us to say, “I’m grateful, even in this,” not just “I’m grateful once this is over.”

Global Gratitude

I’ve seen gratitude across borders—literally.

In Sierra Leone, I’ve sat in classrooms where resources were scarce but joy overflowed.

In Memphis, I’ve seen teachers stretch budgets and still create magic.

In Miami, I’ve seen community partners show up for kids who just needed someone to believe in them.

No matter where I go, gratitude speaks the same language—it sounds like laughter, looks like learning, and feels like love.

A Concierge’s Reflection

At Global Education Concierge, we help educators and leaders navigate learning journeys, but gratitude is what keeps the journey grounded. It’s the reminder that even when the work is hard, it’s holy.

This month—and every month—I’m choosing to unpack my invisible backpack with gratitude first. For the teachers who show up tired but still show up. For the students who keep me curious. For the parents who trust us. For the mentors who guide. For the global community that reminds me we are all connected in purpose.

Gratitude is the throughline. It’s not a month; it’s a movement.

And I’m grateful to be part of it.

Benita C. Gordon is the founder and CEO of the Global Education Concierge, an education innovation and consulting firm that supports microschool founders, educators, and organizations in building equitable, student-centered learning ecosystems. She’s also the host of The Education Concierge Podcast and a lifelong advocate for teaching with heart, humanity, and global vision. You can contact Benita directly via email here.

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