Thank a Teacher Week

I know I'm biased, but I really do mean it when I say "thank a teacher this next week." The week of May 6th marks the beginning of teacher appreciation week. I think teaching is one of the most under-appreciated professions in the US today. We are constantly getting blamed by parents and students for something we did wrong (even though it's typically the student who forgot to turn it in),  hit with new standards and more tests each year, and are the brunt of many jokes such as "you work so hard until 3 pm everyday 9 months a year." Let me say that I could work hard 24/7 and always have something left to do in my classroom, grade more papers, or make more lesson plans.

While those are some of the pet peeves of mine as a teacher, it is things like I got today in my inbox that make me realize why I am doing what I am doing. If you had asked me 5 years ago what my job would be, I don't think I ever would have told you that I would be teaching. I don't know why it never occurred to me, considering I grew up coaching, tutoring, and helping others with math.... I even played "school" as a little girl with my baby dolls?! I like the way my principal put it a few short weeks ago-- she said that "it takes a special person to be a really great teacher, and you are definitely in the right career."

This all leads me to this email I got from a former student:

"I don't know if you remember me or not . But , I had your class third period last year. I found myself thinking about my experience at [name of school], & I never had the chance to thank you! You helped me more than you realize. Thank you for being such a GREAT math teacher , Thanks for taking the time to help me. I must say you were my favorite teacher there! Please keep up the good work. I remember Saying goodbye to you at graduation & having tears in my eyes. Thank you! your awesome , i just wanted to email you & tell you ! :) i hope your doing well ,& had a great school year."

It made me smile and really made the rest of my day today! I just wanted to share and encourage you to thank a teacher that truly made a difference in your life. You really don't know how much it means to us, just to know that we have made an impact on one person's life.