Teacher moment of the day...

"Let us think of ways to encourage one another
to outbursts of love and good deeds."
~Hebrews 10:24

Everyone needs encouragement... As a teacher, I don't get a lot of "atta boy" pats on the back. That was my choice though. Venturing into the high school English classroom doesn't always provide a teacher with inspiration, appreciation, validation. But every once in a while I have one of those moments that makes my profession, my calling, worth it.

Today, one of my former students signed a scholarship to play soccer. It was a big deal. Last week, I received an email from her mother inviting me to be there. She said that I was her daughter's "favorite teacher in high school, and I had instilled a love of reading and learning in her that would continue to influence her in her coming years." I was so humbled. I had no idea. I "keep up" with this student like I do all my former kiddos--catching up when I see them in hallways, ask them sports questions if they are athletes, music/theater questions if they are drama kids, but it's mostly just polite chit chat. To be invited to a scholarship signing by the parents of a former student was a high honor to me--silly as it may seem to some of you--and you better believe I got coverage for my class and showed up. It was cool. I am so proud of her.

I only wish the feeling had continued into the next 30 minute period when I received an angry email from a parent questioning me on why I hadn't recommended their child to take AP English next year... Ah the fleeting joys of the high school world. I'm gonna live on that first moment for awhile though.

"Let us think of ways to encourage one another
to outbursts of love and good deeds."
~Hebrews 10:24

Everyone needs encouragement... As a teacher, I don't get a lot of "atta boy" pats on the back. That was my choice though. Venturing into the high school English classroom doesn't always provide a teacher with inspiration, appreciation, validation. But every once in a while I have one of those moments that makes my profession, my calling, worth it.

Today, one of my former students signed a scholarship to play soccer. It was a big deal. Last week, I received an email from her mother inviting me to be there. She said that I was her daughter's "favorite teacher in high school, and I had instilled a love of reading and learning in her that would continue to influence her in her coming years." I was so humbled. I had no idea. I "keep up" with this student like I do all my former kiddos--catching up when I see them in hallways, ask them sports questions if they are athletes, music/theater questions if they are drama kids, but it's mostly just polite chit chat. To be invited to a scholarship signing by the parents of a former student was a high honor to me--silly as it may seem to some of you--and you better believe I got coverage for my class and showed up. It was cool. I am so proud of her.

I only wish the feeling had continued into the next 30 minute period when I received an angry email from a parent questioning me on why I hadn't recommended their child to take AP English next year... Ah the fleeting joys of the high school world. I'm gonna live on that first moment for awhile though.