For Those Who Dare Greatly: The Speech Teachers Deserve

The work of education has always been a struggle—a delicate balance between the aspirations of progress and the weight of systemic inequities. Today, amidst a polarizing political climate that often undervalues the transformative power of teaching, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The challenges are undeniable: teacher shortages, the widening gap in educational opportunities, and the persistent barriers marginalized communities face. Yet, within this struggle lies the unshakable foundation of relentless optimism. More than any other societal endeavor, education holds the promise of equity, the power to rewrite futures, and the capacity to uplift communities. This blog post reflects that belief, drawing upon the timeless wisdom of two historic speeches to reimagine what we can dream for teachers and what we must fight for in the arena of education.

The Convergence of Vision and Action: Lessons from Two Historic Speeches

Two speeches, separated by decades, offer profound insight into the struggle and relentless optimism that education demands: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” and Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena.” Though born in different contexts, these speeches converge on the power of vision and action to overcome adversity and create lasting change—principles that resonate deeply with the mission of education today—principles that resonate deeply with my own relentless optimism for the work that we do as well.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, stands as a cornerstone of the fight for civil rights and equity. With unparalleled eloquence, King painted a vision of a world free from racial discrimination, rooted in the ideals of justice, freedom, and equality. His words were not mere rhetoric but a rallying cry for action, reminding us that progress comes when dreams are paired with courageous, collective effort.

"the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." ~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Theodore Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" speech, delivered in Paris in 1910, is an ode to the resilience, grit, and valor of those who take risks and engage fully in life's challenges. Roosevelt reminded us that criticism is easy from the sidelines, but it is those who enter the arena—who strive valiantly, fail repeatedly, and rise again—who truly shape the world.

These speeches remind us that dreaming of a better world is not enough. Change requires stepping into the arena, confronting obstacles, and persisting with courage and purpose. This message is especially resonant for educators, both dreamers and doers, builders of futures, and guardians of equity.

The Dream and the Arena: Teachers Who Dare Greatly

The speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Theodore Roosevelt resonate deeply with me because they capture two essential truths about progress: the necessity of a bold vision and the courage to act in the face of inevitable challenges. As I reflect on the current struggles and aspirations within education, I see these truths embodied in the work of teachers, who must dream of a better future for their students while courageously fighting daily in the arena to make that dream a reality. This thought exercise—a blending of King’s dream with Roosevelt’s arena—has inspired me to craft the speech I wish I could give, one that honors the vital work of educators and calls us all to action for equity and excellence in education. What follows is that speech, rooted in the timeless wisdom of two heroes who were both men and icons.

I am honored to stand before you today, not to rest on the laurels of past achievements but to speak of a dream and a fight—a dream for our children, our communities, and the work of teachers. For it is in classrooms, large and small, where the fate of our nation is written every day. And it is in the arena of teaching that the most daring and impactful work is done.

I have a dream that one day, there will be an abundance of high-quality educators from local communities, serving their community’s students with fairness and equity. That a child’s future will not be dictated by their zip code, but shaped by the hands of educators who know their names, their stories, and their potential.

I have a dream that the work of teaching will no longer be undervalued, reduced to test scores or bureaucratic measures, but judged by its enduring impact on society. That the pathway to becoming a teacher will be accessible, affordable, and inspiring, creating a robust and diverse talent pipeline not out of desperation, but out of aspiration.

To achieve this dream, we must stand in the arena. For the work of teaching is not for the timid. It is the domain of those who dare greatly, who enter the fray knowing full well the struggles ahead. Teachers do not choose the easy road; they prefer the noble one, filled with obstacles but illuminated by purpose.

There will be critics—those who sit comfortably on the sidelines, pointing out every misstep, highlighting every flaw. There will be those who say the dream is too big, the challenge too daunting. But we know, as Roosevelt once said, that:

“the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.” Today, that man, that woman, is the teacher.

To reach this dream, it will take entrepreneurs and innovators, partnerships between the public and private sectors, and the courage to try, fail, and try again. It will take those willing to build new systems of support for educators, offering them not just higher pay but pathways to affordable degrees, credentialing, and the tools to achieve mastery in their work.

We must remember: it is not the critic who counts. It is not the one who points out how the teacher stumbles, nor the one who claims the classroom could have been better managed. The credit belongs to the teacher who dares to teach, who engages deeply with their students, and who leaves a lasting mark on the world.

So let us dream together. Let us strive together. Let us honor those in the arena—not just in word, but in action. Let us build systems that make it possible for teachers to thrive, to excel, and to stay. For in the hands of teachers lies the promise of a better world, where every child is seen, every mind is nurtured, and every dream is made possible.

I have a dream, and I know it will take daring to achieve it. But together, we can ensure that those who dare to teach are never alone in the arena, and that their fight is one that shapes the future of us all.