Being a teacher isn't easy. Heck, I could never do it, whether it'd be elementary school dealing with those little kids who may not be potty trained, to middle school when everyone is growing and developing into who they really are, and then you have high school, where students are expected to know what they want to do for the rest of their lives, and they can't even use the restroom without asking permission first. Bottom line, teaching is not for me, but this doesn't mean I don't appreciate those who teach our youth, especially YOU!
We all have a favorite teacher. Maybe its the teacher who let us sleep in study hall, the teacher who gave you the mouse pad to rest your head on while you napped, or the teacher who you could distract from class with a 30-minute conversation about their recent trip to Jamaica. I'm here to say THANK YOU! Because of you, high school sucked a little less.
What makes a teacher a great teacher anyway? I think its the balance between pushing your students to strive for success as well as building a trusting relationship. Especially when you're stuck with these people for hours at a time. You have a great deal of patience which is quite admirable. At times, you deal with several classes full of 20+ students a day. Every class equipped with their own class clown, the talker (ME), and troublemakers, and you handle it like a pro! Teaching is about so much more than passing out a book and telling your students to read it. It takes a true passion to teach kids especially when we don't want to learn.
To my favorite teacher,
I must say, you have inspired me so much. You have helped me in ways you most likely don't understand. So I'll try to explain. Yes, you have taught some pretty boring stuff in class, but beyond that, you have taught me self-worth.
You made me realize at one of the most important times in my life not to settle. Not to settle for a college just because your friends are going, someone who doesn't appreciate your full potential, and the crappy school lunches. You taught me that you don't have to like everyone, but to always respect people and their opinions even though they may be different. You also need to treat them the way you want to be treated.
But really, the things that you teach go way beyond lesson plans, and you deserve to know that what you are doing is really making an impact on your students. Only a few teacher have the ability to really leave a lasting impression on their students.
So I'm here to tell you great job, and keep up the great work. It will all pay off in the end, just like you did so many times for me, and someday maybe I will read "To Kill A Mockingbird," instead of reading spark notes.
Sincerely,
Your Favorite Student