Dear Students,

Will you even remember the student teacher who tutored you for four hours each week when you were in third grade? Will you remember the student teacher who taught you how to correctly use coordinating conjunctions in writing? Will you remember the student teacher who volunteered to help you with your homework after school each Tuesday? When you think of elementary school, I hope you remember me. I know that no matter where life takes me, I will always remember you. When you think of me, I hope you remember how much potential I saw in each and everyone of you.

I am teaching in three different elementary schools this semester and tutor individual students each week at an after school program. The majority of the students that I work with live below the poverty line, are on free and reduced lunch, do not know where their next meal is coming from, and unfortunately worry about issues that no child should have to encounter. Many of my students have confided in me that they have a parent in prison, that they do not know who is going to be at home when they get off the bus, that they can't try out for the basketball team because they can't afford new tennis shoes, and that they do not think college will be an option for them. It broke my heart this semester when a student told me "I speak pretty good for a black boy. Don't you think?" My 68 students, many of who deal with problems that no child should experience, bravely come to school each day with a smile on their face and ready to learn.

While I know that I am currently making a difference in the lives of these 68 students, I hope they know that they are making a difference in mine as well. I have the privilege of knowing 68 students, knowing their hopes and dreams, knowing their fears, and seeing their strengths and weaknesses. I am responsible for helping them improve their reading fluency, teaching them how to use subordinating and coordinating conjunctions, and tutoring them. With this responsibility comes the rewarding privilege of seeing how much my students have grown in just one semester.

To all my past students, thank you for telling me jokes that my current students still love. Thank you for having the confidence to tell me when you did not like an activity, for proudly showing me the projects you completed while I was teaching you, and for letting me know when something I did with you was your "favorite." I hope you know that I will always remember you as my first students. I also want you to know that your future is bright- no matter what your situation is. Always apply yourself, give your best effort, and ask for help when you do not understand something. Like me, the majority of your teachers will do whatever they can to help you understand something you are struggling with. Most importantly, keep believing in yourself. Look back at the essay you wrote in third grade called How I See My Future. Would the third-grade you be proud of who you are now? Are you still aiming for those same goals? You have the chance each day to make yourself a better future, but you have to put in the effort to become who you want to be.

To all my current students, thanks you for helping me get through my senior year of college. Thank you for greeting me with big smiles. Thank you for making me bracelets from pipe cleaners and cards from construction paper. Thank you for trying your best on your projects, for asking me questions that make me a better teacher, and for trusting me. I came into the semester with high expectations for you, and each of you have surpassed my expectations. You are dreamers, artists, readers, athletes, mathematicians, and remarkable individuals. You make waking up at 6 AM on a rainy Tuesday to drive to my practicum worth it. I keep your pipe-cleaner bracelets right by my nicest jewelry, and I think of you daily. I want you to remember that you do not have to become the stereotypes you have heard about children in your community. I want you to show the world that you are so much more than the stereotypes and biases that people hold against you. Show everyone that you are smart, capable, determined, and unique. Remember that you are so much more than where you live or the names that bullies on the playground have called you. Most importantly, remember that you are little people with big dreams and that you can accomplish all of those dreams.

And to the students i have yet to have, thank you for being my motivation. Although I haven't met you yet, know that you are the reason I stay up until three in the morning studying for the Pearson Licensing exams. When someone asks me what I want for my birthday, I always ask for children's books and classroom supplies for you. I have spent four years studying, researching, making and redoing lesson plans, and learning all that I can about teaching because of you. I have spent thousands of dollars on textbooks, glue sticks, crayons, and Little Critter books for you. On the days when I thought about changing my major, I thought about you and knew that teaching is where I belong.

Love,

Your Teacher