I think we can all look back to our childhood and pick out a teacher who had a huge impact on our lives. My 2nd grade teacher really got me interested in writing. My 5th grade teacher helped me through a difficult time in my life.
She’s probably the teacher that I look at as the one who had the largest impact on my life. The funny thing was, I didn’t want her. My brother had her when he was in 3rd grade and he didn’t like her. I thought I would have similar problems. She was really there for me and my whole family though.
My dad had gotten very sick when I was in 5th grade. He was out of work for months, had major surgery, was in the hospital for weeks, and when he finally came home he was still on a feeding tube. My mom had to go back to work full time. I became a latch key kid.
My mom did the best she could to be there for both me and my brother. But she was only one person and when events happened on the same day she couldn’t be there for both. I was devastated that I was going to miss the puppet show I had put together for the DARE program that year because my mom had to take my brother to his band concert. My 5th grade teacher drove me to the school and drove me home. Now this would never be allowed today and while my mom missed the performance she did get her own showing of it.
That’s neither here nor there though. My 5th grade year could have easily been an awful year, but it’s filled with good memories and a lot of them have to do with a teacher who went above and beyond for a child in crisis. I have no idea if she still teaches or even if she’s still alive for that matter. But I remember her very clearly for her kindness and helpfulness to me and my family.
Now It’s My Children’s Turn
My oldest daughter has her favorite teachers. Those who have gone above and beyond. Her 4th grade teacher brought her out to eat at Chili’s. That was because she got a 100 on all her multiplication table tests throughout the year. She was the only one in class who earned the dinner out, but he gave the other students a 2nd chance with one final multiplication test and he ended up with a large group, but he paid for my oldest daughter’s meal.
He was fun but strict. My daughter had this desire to do good for him. She pushed herself.
Her 5th grade teacher pushed her harder than she had been pushed in her writing before. She was fair and fun. And one of the teachers she always wants to go back to see.
But my middle daughter has had the absolute epitome of teachers. A man who connected with my daughter from day one and had the firmest grasp on her personality and learning style so early in the year I stood in awe of him. I would go into conferences with him and never once had to explain her to him. He just got her. And he LOVED her. I truly believe that he did. He was her 3rd grade teacher, but he was teaching 5th grade last year. So we were hoping she would end up with him again this year. She did not. He’s not teaching at that school anymore. She has a great teacher this year though. But I think every teacher from here on out will be compared to her 3rd grade teacher.
And so far she hasn’t done too bad in the teacher department. Good thing too after having an awful teacher. I worried about her so much when she left 2nd grade completely defeated. Having her 3rd grade teacher was truly a God send at that time.
And even though we don’t get to see him at the school anymore I know he is still interested in my daughter. My daughter was in need of a teacher recommendation so she can be a part of Safety Patrol this year. She could have asked her 4th grade teacher. And he would have been great to ask I’m sure. I’m sure he would have had a lot of wonderful things to say about my daughter, but she wanted the recommendation of the teacher who changed her life. I can’t say I blame her either. So I emailed him asking for his help and he happily obliged with the most amazing letter of recommendation I have ever seen. I might be biased, but honestly if I saw this letter of recommendation without knowing anything else about my daughter, then I would hire her based on just this letter.
I have read it several times and it brings me to tears every time. Because as her mother I couldn’t describe her better myself. He summed her up in less than 200 words so eloquently and with such deep understanding it’s almost as if he has known her since the day she was born. As if he has been there for all of her firsts and seen the look of accomplishment on her face. And that is just so rare. This is a teacher who has not only changed our daughter’s life, but has changed our family for the better.
I wanted to share the letter with you. I had to remove names to protect my child and the privacy of those people involved. It definitely reads much better with my daughter’s name in it, but I’m sure you’ll all understand why I had to remove that.
Tell Me The Truth
Does this make you want to hire my daughter?
Of all of the qualities we try to instill in our children I think he has picked up on some of the best ones of my daughter. She’s hard working and respectful of adults and her peers. Not to toot my own horn, but I guess I’m doing something right. I should add that I think most people would find similar qualities about my oldest daughter.
I’m telling you these kids are pretty darn amazing. Yes I’m biased and I know I have shared frustrations with the difficult times, but truth be told I am one lucky mama.
And for other adults to see these sort of qualities in my children it truly makes me smile. It makes my children smile. They are being recognized as children that can be counted on and children who will do right by those who are younger than them and be a true example to younger children.
And with them showing these qualities at such a young age, the skies the limit. I’m just so happy that there are adults in their lives who recognize these wonderful qualities about my children and are able to build them up to help them become a huge success in life. It is so important that we recognize the good in our children. And having teachers who recognize and reward these good qualities is truly life changing.
I don’t know where our family would be without good teachers. They have changed our lives for the better. And I don’t know that simply saying, “Thank You” is enough. But it will have to do. So thank you to my 5th grade teacher for being there for me through a difficult time in my life. Thank you to my oldest daughter’s 5th grade teacher for giving her just the right push mixed with just enough humor and understanding to make her push herself a little more. And finally thank you to my middle daughter’s 3rd grade teacher who took a child with a broken spirit and rebuilt her confidence to make her the shining example she is today for the younger students. Without all of you who knows what would have happened.
Do you have a teacher or teachers you want to say thank you to today?
Great post.
Beautiful. Best of luck to your daughter. I know my 3rd grade teacher made an impression on me that has lasted a lifetime.
What a great post! My post for the day also deals with teachers that change your life (http://restoral.blogspot.com/2012/09/mondays-fall-back-into-blogging-school.html) – isn’t it great to know that there are still folks out there that see teaching as a “calling” instead of just a job?
It is great. Makes learning so much easier when you have a teacher who loves it.
Teachers can play a special role! I wrote today about my 3rd grade teachers and how our paths have continued to cross over the years … I sent him the link to my post as a way of saying thanks!