The grade 8 students all got a certificate today, filled out with positive things their peers had said about them. I got one too... MrsC: - One of the most helpful teachers. - She's always willing to give up her own time to help students with their work. - Very funny and very nice. - Can she come to high school with us? - She gives the most awesome hugs. I actually look at her as more of a mom than a teacher. - Always helps me by going out of her way (and she gives us CANDY!) - Helpful, and a great teacher to have around. - Will always answer my questions, and if she can't, she tries her best. - Her laugh brings a smile to you. - A person who looks on the bright side of things. - Her care for us is amazing. We love her (teacher love, not literally). - She never leaves anyone behind! - She always gives me positive feedback. - A really fun teacher. - Always brings a great attitude to the classroom. - She helped make me the person I am today because she never gave up on me. - An amazing grade partner and a wonderful person to work with. - "MY MOTHER AWAY FROM HOME!" A copy is on my fridge, and the original is on the bulletin board above my desk. Although I didn't cry (then), this is the most precious gift I have ever received.
Your title is correct - this is what it is about Great comments for a great teacher, great person and great collegue
I had a very similar experience like MrsC's today. Each second grade class had to write about "My Second Grade Year" as a piece to be included in their Benchmark folder. Several of my students thanked me for a great year. But one student, a non-reader in September, thanked me for teaching him to read and for making him love to read. (He now reads at a Level G) He mentioned in his writing about his favorite book in my library. I took this book and presented it to him when I thanked him for his wonderful words to me. He couldn't believe that I was giving him the book. As MrsC stated this is why we teach. I sent a copy of the paper home to my student's mom for her to read as well.
That's so wonderful!!!!! You will cherish that forever. I've had some really rough times recently and the memory of the few notes I've gotten from students really help my state of mind, and all I have to do is think of them. This is exactly why we do this
You're right, this is what it's all about...why we put up with what we do...to reap these kinds of benefits.
It truly is the best gift. By the way, although the comments are anonymous, I can hear the voices of some of the students. The "hug" comment is from a girl whose grandmother has been dying of cancer for the past several months (she passed away last week). A couple of times a week, I would see B in the hall and she would ask for a hug. I know that it could be frowned upon, but I made sure that I was always in the hall with lots of people around. Besides, if either of my children are ever in need of a comforting hug, I hope that someone is around to give it to them.
