To My Fellow Teachers...

Many of you might not know but I was an elementary teacher for 3 years. I loved it for the kids and hated it for all the other reasons - politics, pay, standardized testing, etc. (you teachers know what I'm talking about).  Last night I got a message from one of my former student's moms which left me in TEARS. So, I wanted to tell you teachers...

As you are winding down this school year and counting down the days until you can enjoy your WELL DESERVED summer off, I want you to know that YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. I remember going home so empty at night...drained from the energy my kiddos took from me, drained from the amount of tests I still had to grade, drained from the amount of paperwork I had to do, drained from the lesson plans I had to do for the next week, drained from the phone calls I had to make to parents to explain whatever it is that happened that day, and drained from trying to figure out how I'd ever buy a house on a teacher salary....DRAINED. There were so many days I felt like I wasn't making a difference and wondered how long I could keep this up. I loved each of my kids and wanted them to benefit in some way from being in my classroom but there were plenty of days I felt that I failed them.

Last night, I received a message that made ALL of those tough days worth it...

"He did it!  Honestly he couldn't have done it without you, helping him get services. He graduated 163 out of 483 and he had a 3.00. We would always explain his story to his new teachers and always tell them that if it were not for his 4th grade teacher, we would not be here today.  We have come across many teachers who would not take his needs serious and did not feel he needed help. You are the only one who would listen to us and did such hard work to get him services. This was a blessing."

I had NO idea I made a significant impact on this child's life (now adult...which is a whole other story...I'M GETTING OLD!!!). I was simply doing what was right. I was treating him like I would want my own child treated.

TEACHERS, as you are wrapping up this school year, counting down the days until summer break, wondering if you've made a difference, know that YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. You have a rather thankless job but I want to THANK YOU for your hard work. Some day I'll be putting my own son into your care. I pray that his teachers believe in him, give him hope for a bright future, and treat him just like they would want their own child to be treated.

PARENTS, if your child has an awesome teacher, THANK THEM. It will mean more to them than you'll ever know.

#TAGATEACHER #THANKATEACHER


In Love & Light,
Heather