I have a profound appreciation for the work of educators. I’ve met enough of them to know that they are not perfect human beings but, as a group, they make an incredible contribution to the quality of our communities and to life itself. Through the work they do, obstacles are overcome, paths are paved, and doors are opened.  And when I have the opportunity to interview alumni from various schools — including Momence — I find that some of the most deeply treasured encounters of their lives, the ones that had lifelong impact, invariably turn out to be the teachers, coaches, and specialists who worked with them as young people. A typical student will spend about 180 days per year with a grade-level teacher. Outside of a parent or guardian, is there any other person who has this much contact time with a child? Make no mistake, teachers are foundational to the lives we build and to the impact we will have throughout our lives. Today I have the opportunity to speak with a teacher doing remarkable things with her 180 days each year who took a deliberate detour into education after earning her first bachelor’s degree in English. Megan Barnett teaches a wide range of courses in English, Creative Writing, and Meditation. Hers is a fascinating story and one that inspires on multiple levels.