Back to school — those three words bring as much anxiety to my daughter Victoria as they bring joy to my granddaughters Adeline and Olivia.

The only thing Victoria dreads more than beginning her senior year of college is ending it and deciding on her next step.

Adeline and Olivia are much more excited than Victoria, and I hope their enthusiasm lasts all year.

If Adeline loves PreK4 as much as she adores her uniform, we’re in good shape. She has equal admiration for her nap mat and has only one question: “What will my teacher do while I’m sleeping?”

Olivia is going to ease into her academic career by attending a PreK3 program twice each week, which is making her mom a little emotional.

“I’m sad that you’re going to school. I remember when you were a baby.”

“Well, baby Livi is gone,” Olivia said as she proceeded to reveal her plan. “I’ll make new friends at school. If I don’t, there’s a big dollhouse I can play with.”

I guess every agenda needs a plan B. I have a plan as well. I’m adding a few more names to my prayer list to include the people who will teach Victoria, Adeline, Olivia and all of my nieces and nephews this year.

In addition, I’m jotting down my niece Kerri’s name as she begins a year of student teaching. She joins Monica, Ashley and Jeanne, the other teachers in our family.

As a former teacher, I remember how demanding and exhausting the job can be, the energy required and the many hours spent outside of the classroom preparing lessons.

But it’s also rewarding. My heart’s cry is for all teachers to be refreshed and ready for the challenges of their profession.

May the people who impact and train the next generation look to Jesus, the greatest Teacher, for the patience and wisdom to successfully impart knowledge and allow lasting learning to take place.

And may they realize that their classes are made up of beautifully unique individuals who are dependent upon them for instruction, understanding and direction.

Educational consultant Larry Bell summed it up perfectly, “On your worst day, you are some child’s greatest hope.”

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.