This picture is my classroom on the day before school started. It seems like a lifetime ago.
Today I had my students write letters to me, as I’m sure many of you do. The children who wrote letters to me are children I’ve come to know well, but I can still remember that first day of school, and the strangers they were then.
One young man wrote something so funny I wanted to share it with you. Also, I’d love to hear the funny little successes you’ve all had that have nothing to do with test scores, but have everything to do with helping young people reach their potential as human beings.
He wrote, among other things, “When I skipped class and you chased me all over the school, and finally pulled me out of the boys’ bathroom where I was hiding and dragged me back to class, that moment I felt like you cared about me more than any other teacher has EVER.”
So there you go. Who knew such a ridiculous moment would have such a positive echo?
What are your little gems as you wrap the year up and say farewell to your students?
I keep a few notes from my students in my wallet, and every once and awhile I pull them out and read them.
I have one that one kid wrote to me, where in she mentions: “You were the first person to ever call me on my b___s___. Thank you.”
Another one thanked me because the finally learned how to write (this from a 10th grader).
Those notes are what make the job worth returning to each September.