My consulting visit to the Lewiston-Auburn area took me to St. Dominic Academy. I expected my usual experience — exploring strategic initiatives for the school — but something happened. I spent the day with 60 faculty, real “Mainers,” and found Easter.

I met teachers who believed that education was the Easter gift to the community. As we worked all day on how to let people know about the pre-K to grade 12 jewel — should it advertise, buy commercials, etc. — I saw the light that said “look at the teachers — they are the Easter gift.”

I had the pleasure of meeting teachers who had given up vacations to volunteer in Mississippi — obviously qualified to teach compassion and curriculum. The staff knew every child and would share a daily greeting. They called St. Dom’s “family, no matter what” — that is dedication. And I worked with a teacher who completed a 55-hour week (in four days) of teaching, tutoring, coaching and prepping — an inspiration for everyone.

The gifts of compassion, concern, excellence and faith defined an Easter in an authentic community of teachers. One cannot ask for a better gift than a renewal of faith in schools that treats kids like that.

Albert Shannon, Danvers, Mass.