Thank You to all Teachers- Past, Present and Future (college, county, public school)

[Miker2069]

Well the title says it all.

I had an opportunity to reconnect with a few elementary school from nearly 30 years ago. We all laughed about school life the 70s and 80s. Who was the class clown that would have you bust a gut, the smart guy who always seemed to know every answer, the girl you had a crush on and caused you to wonder about those butterflies fluttering around in your stomach, the bullies that seemingly always had some insecurity they were over compensating for.

We started talking about some of the teachers we had, immediately recalling many events, that at the time seemed to be trivial and insignificant, but turned out to be critical moments of learning- way beyond simple text books and the standard curriculum. Challenging a young mind to ponder questions that didn't have immediate answers, to think deeper and go beyond simply regurgitating the right answer. Many times simply encouraging the shy kid to give the blackboard a shot, shoring up his courage with a simple nod and a smile. Teaching the hard lessons with a lot of red ink- there are no shortcuts to doing the hard work to get the right results, and making you feel like a superhero when your hard work was rewarded. We never realized the conditions you worked under- the politics, the low pay, the lack of supplies, the second job you may have had to take, and your own family issues. In the midst of it all, you provided consistency for a lot of kids who had a lot of inconsistency in their lives. You cheered, when we "got it" and we hurt you deeply when we didn't take our education seriously.

It took several decades to truly realize, appreciate, and cherish the deep impact you've made in our lives, hopefully a sincere Thank You will never have an expiration date.

So to all the teachers, past, present and those who hope to be one- Thank You a million times. It took a mini-reunion of a few old friends reminiscing to remember the lessons that you taught us, that we've incorporated into the fabric of who we are today.

Thank You Ms. Woods, Ms. Johnson, Mr. Stenson, Mrs. Kelly, Mr. Gilchrist, Mrs. Horton, and many others who I think about with a smile- where ever you are, Thank You.

[gardener34]

Great post. I loved most of my teachers from my 12 years of catholic school. Excellent quality even though they did not get paid anywhere near what the public school teachers get paid. What dedication!

Except my first grade teacher - unnecessarily mean and strict - if she were my child's teacher today, I would be in her office telling her a thing or two...

And most of the nuns I had were NOT mean - they were like "the singing nun" in fact!

And thanks to my parents for paying all that tuition!

[sltamoore]

That is a beautiful post!

I worked in the public school system for 5 years, I wasn't a teacher but I did see what they went through every day. Even though I was just a computer lab administrator I still felt a little of what the teachers felt - A true love for teaching and the student who wants to learn makes all the difference in the world! I am sure that your teachers will truly appreciate this post!

[Miker2069]

Originally Posted by sltamoore

That is a beautiful post!

I worked in the public school system for 5 years, I wasn't a teacher but I did see what they went through every day. Even though I was just a computer lab administrator I still felt a little of what the teachers felt - A true love for teaching and the student who wants to learn makes all the difference in the world! I am sure that your teachers will truly appreciate this post!

Thank You- I know there's *all sorts of stuff* happening in schools. Let's not forget though the many thousands of teachers regardless of where they teach, the inner city, the suburbs, the one class school house, the country, etc.) really want the kids to learn and to be better people.

[DawnW]

Oh, I gave you a rep, but thought I posted here as well......oops.

Thank you for your lovely post. Many times I feel that people don't value or respect teachers anymore.

Dawn

[Miker2069]

Originally Posted by DawnW

Oh, I gave you a rep, but thought I posted here as well......oops.

Thank you for your lovely post. Many times I feel that people don't value or respect teachers anymore.

Dawn

You're right- not in en-mass like we used to. To many controversies surrounding a handful have tarnished the image for the many.

Yet somewhere and someplace, when a child "gets it", it's the best feeling in the world...

[DawnW]

Yes, I agree! Do you have kids in the school system? I will be teaching in Union County schools next year (we are in Marvin.)

Dawn

Originally Posted by Miker2069

You're right- not in en-mass like we used to. To many controversies surrounding a handful have tarnished the image for the many.

Yet somewhere and someplace, when a child "gets it", it's the best feeling in the world...

[jco]

You're a doll, Miker!

[Miker2069]

Originally Posted by DawnW

Yes, I agree! Do you have kids in the school system? I will be teaching in Union County schools next year (we are in Marvin.)

Dawn

Yes, my daughter will be going to New Town Elementary (the new school in Union), previously she went to Wesley Chapel. And, I have to say, they loved her there it, was overwhelming. When her teacher got sick she actually cried.

I remember my 11th grade english teacher helping with my college application essay- and boy did I need it. She did this on her own time, after school. She has since passed away and I think about her every now and then.
You never quite realize the impact people have in your life, and simply did the right thing, becuase it was the right thing to do...

[darhe3425]

I was in tears reading this, after just resigning after 14 years teaching this is great to read~Thanks so much