Yesterday was a bad day, with bad news. Here is not the appropriate medium to discuss said news. But, it was bad, and while it's definitely not the end of the world, it left me feeling helpless, upset, infuriated, and tearful at the state of things.
I tried not to think about it today. Which was hard, as the lesson I had to teach about actually touched upon it a bit. I left school with my hat over my head low, head to the ground, and walked through my snow-globe parking lot and drove slowly home in the gray sky and white as far as I could see, feeling rather numb.
And tonight, I got this email:
Dear Sara:
As you know, X's desire is to become a history teacher. I think you know that her decision was primarily because of the education, interaction, and support received in your classes over the past year and a half. Even if her plans change, and she decides to not pursue a degree in education, I have you to thank for igniting a passion in our daughter, the likes of which we've not seen in a very long time.
I know I've told you this before, but I want to tell you again: You are a very special person, Sara, and a gifted educator. Thank you for sharing your gift! The lives you touch exceed the number of students you've had over the years.
God Bless,
The X Family
And now I'm crying for a different reason.
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21 comments:
Thanks for sharing.
As I go look around these for a kindergarden school for my kid. I only hope someday she will meet a teacher like you.
That letter is one of those things you need to put in your "feel-good-teacher" box. A box that you can fill of things like that so when the going get's rough (especially with teaching) you can go back to that box and remember the good!
I am sorry about whatever was upseting you... hope all gets better.
How wonderful that such a touching letter came just when you needed it. Take care of yourself.
Oh, super! Don't you just love people like that - gracious and with impeccable timing. Hope your troubles lighten soon.
That is beautiful! Congratulations.
I hope your bad news gets sorted out too
Teachers are unfairly unrewarded and underappreciated. Every parent, myself included, should make a point of acknowledging this more often to their kids' teachers...
I hope everything works out ok; stay strong! Many people love you, and many more are affected by you around the globe... Thanks for sharing yourself...
Sorry to hear about your bad news. I'm glad there was some good to help balance things a little. All teachers deserve to know that they're appreciated- especially those of you that are really exceptional ones.
Emails like that are always so appreciated and yet they take on a whole new dimensions of meaningfulness when you get them on a day with bad news. Yay for thoughtful people!
I hope everything is okay. Hopefully yoga tomorrow night will put you more at ease.
I am glad those people took the time to tell you what a great teacher you are and what an impact you have made on their child. So many people don't.
Hope today is a better day for you.
Teachers like you and some wonderful ones that I had been blessed with in my past inspired me to go for a career change.
The examples and lessons teachers like you give (even though I have never met you, but you sound like a great teacher) motivate and have a bigger positive impact on our lives than you will ever know.
Sorry to hear about your woes.
Keep inspiring!
It is the moments like that -- clear and crystal in their importance -- that make even the tough moments worth surviving. You touched the life of a child in such a meaningful way that you gave back to the world around you the *potential* of all of their gifts for years to come.
My Dad has been a college music history teacher for 35 years and he still gets those letters. Now his colleagues are prior students and he's taught so many of the leaders in the field, but those letters fuel his desire to keep teaching.
What you do matters, always remember that.
I wish there were more teachers like you in schools.
awe sar... what a day for you huh? you are an inspiration and a motivation for everyone who comes in contact with you. i wish only good things for you :)
You're special? Who'd a thunk it? LOL. For me, hearing someone else say it is just positive reinforcement. Be strong, Sara!
I'm really glad you got that letter. To me there is nothing more satisfying than being an inspiration to others.
I'm really sorry about whatever that other thing is. I hope it gets better.
It's weird how there's always such a ying/yang in life, eh?
Thinking of you...
Sorry to hear about the bad news, I hope everything turns for the best for you.
Just another example of what we all know already...That you are a wonderful person and a great teacher!
Take care of yourself and we'll send the good vibes your way.
That letter does not surprise me at all. I'd say for every person who actually verbalizes or writes such compliments to you, there are many more who feel/think them and just do not say so.
I hope things start looking up. I'll send some prayers up for ya.
I'm sure that you have received numerous letters just like that. You students are so lucky to have such a wonderful, devoted teacher.
Hope everything is going better for you!
Jodi
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