Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am a teacher. I work with kids who range in age from 6-weeks-old to the age of 5. I love my job. I love your kids. I often find myself referring to them as "my kids." When they hug me, I tell them I love them. I comfort them when they cry, and assure them that I can fix anything if they just tell me what's wrong. If they tell me they can't do something, I first show them how and then tell them they can do anything they set their mind to -- and I really do believe that. I celebrate with them when they have a good day, or when they do something well. I reward them with stickers when they do a good job, and tell them to change their choices when they have a rough day. At times I do get frustrated, as do you, but I love them like they are my own. I look forward to work the next day. I can't wait for Monday's to hear about what they did over the weekend.
Students emerge as both a blessing and a curse. And really, you only become a teacher if you like kids. If you do not like kids? Well, good luck. You’ll have days when you’ll want to lock your door, curl up on the couch and cry forever. You will have students you will want to adopt and nominate for president. You will have students you will want to send to a boarding school far, far away, but who you will love anyway because they challenge you.
You will laugh every day, whether it be because of something funny a kid said or out of pure frustration. You will have days that go by super fast, and others that drag on forever. You will always be kept on your toes, usually spinning around in every direction calling a different child's name each time and then follow it up with, "That's not a good choice." But I promise it's worth it.
The kids will begin to know you just as well as you know them, you'll come into work after no sleep and they'll ask, "What's wrong?" immediately knowing something is off. You'll make good relationships with the parents, as well as the kids.
I think about how fast they grow up, and how quick the time will go. Before I know it, they will be off to Kindergarten. I am excited to watch them grow, and to hear about all they accomplish. Fifteen years from now, when I run into them at the gas station, I will remember each of them. When they bring home their first boyfriend or girlfriend, I will have plenty of embarrassing stories to tell! Like the time he pulled down his pants at show-and-tell, or the time she called someone a genius as an insult.
I love your children, and they love me.
Sincerely,
A teacher.
