Schoooool's out. For. Summer.

One of the cool things about being a teacher: You always get that giddy feeling around the end of May/beginning of June that the [school] year is almost over. It's now officially over! And, frankly, I'm exhausted. I slept ten hours last night, and just got up from a two hour nap. My teaching load this year was the heaviest I've had in many years, and now that I'm in my mid-40s, it's not as easy handling that as it was when I was, say, 29!

This exhaustion, coupled with how my overall teaching load didn't allow for as many close relationships with students as I've had in past years, makes getting student/parent thank you letters a bit more "emotion-inducing" this particular end of the year. In other words, a few actually brought a tear or two to my eye(s). Here's a brief sampling:

Thank you for being such a patient, compassionate, and humorous teacher! [Name] often shared with me your funny stories, jokes and comments. I have always prayed that my son had the best teachers, and every time that prayer has been answered! You answered that prayer!

When I needed help staying after school you were always there to stay with me until I knew every little bit and piece of what I needed help on. I am going to end this letter with what another past student said about you: You are the #1 Best Teacher in the World!

I'm so glad I was in your class. You taught me how much fun Spanish can be. When I didn't understand a concept you helped me with it. I really appreciate that. And, you're the funniest teacher I ever had!

¡Muchas gracias! You were my favorite teacher this year, hands down. You definitely know how to make "not the funnest" subject exciting. You were always making other students, as well as myself, laugh. You're a wonderful teacher who knows how to keep entertaining.

Thank you for teaching me Spanish for two years. I really appreciate the way you have taught your classes. There wasn't a single day when your class was boring, unlike many of my other classes.

I liked how you find lots of different ways to teach us that are not just taking notes and being lectured. One of my favorite things in your class was when you taught us the proper verb form endings. You made up that song and started to dance on top of the heater and windowsill. That was SO funny!

Thank you for a great school year. I was ecstatic when I found out I had you as a teacher. I felt this way because I heard from all my friends you were awesome. Out of all the teachers I had I think you are the coolest. The class can be hard sometimes but you make it a good time. I learned a lot and will be prepared for more Spanish next year. Thanks for making Spanish so great and interesting.

I think I'm getting emotional again ...!

This is what makes, what can be a most difficult profession, all worthwhile.

Posted by Hube at June 7, 2008 01:59 PM | TrackBack