As I finish my junior year of college, I am preparing to watch my cousin take the stage as a high school graduate. While I can't help but be proud of him, I am also pulling out my hair trying to get my own students to graduation.
Working at a high school has given me an insane amount of insight into the world of education, and a new appreciation for all the teeth pulling and butt kicking my teacher's did, so that I too could hang a tassel from my rear view mirror. Every teacher is different, and each of them impacted me uniquely, so not all of these apply to every teacher.
1. Thank You
Ok, so this one applies to every teacher. Y'all put up with me for at least an hour a day, everyday, for a year. You accepted work that had jelly on it and never woke me when I fell asleep, so thank you. Many of your classrooms became a safe haven, an escape when I needed one, and for the four years you spent with me, I am grateful. I would never have become the person that I am without you, for better or for worse.
2. I understand now
I understand how hard it is to carry the battles of hundreds of people you've promised to help. I understand hiding tears at work because the sadness overwhelms you. I understand the joy you feel when you see light bulbs appear. I understand the fear when a student leaves your classroom and you know you can no longer protect them. I never appreciated how hard it to raise countless children that do not belong to you, and not get any credit for it.
3. You ruined Shakespeare for me
This one is simple, if you're an English teacher, and you force students to read a play without context, you're an awful teacher. Leave the plays for theatre teachers, and use real novels.
4. I forgive you, or at least I'm working on it
This is for the teachers that should never have been teachers. One of you, a genius, should never have been allowed near a whiteboard, and you single-handedly ruined math for hundreds of students every year. One of you thought checking out a 14 year-old girl was appropriate work behavior. One of you spent more time screaming at me than asking why I disagreed. One of you laid your hands on me, and physically picked me up and threw me out. I forgive you, not because you were right, but because I am an adult now, the way you should have been an adult then.
5. I will never be like you
For the teachers who were amazing, I truly appreciate everything you have done, but I will do things differently. You were what I needed during high school, but the next generation has different needs. For those of you who were just awful, well, I certainly hope I am nothing like you.
