Have you ever wondered why teachers do what they do? My dear blog friend Hannah from Just Bee Blog is taking over today and sharing a letter she would write to her students! Please show Hannah some love, and then head over to her blog to read about why I want to be a teacher. Take it away, Hannah!
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Boys and girls,
Do you know why I teach?
I teach because I care about you. I’m sure you’ve heard your teachers say that before. But there’s more to it than that.
I am grateful that you are my student – yes, specifically you! I believe that you have been placed in my life – in my small group – for a reason. I get to interact with you, to “do daily life” with you. Even if our lessons are short, our time spent learning together is important.
I like spending time with you. Our small reading skills groups are a special, safe community. I think what you have to say is important. Each of you has your own special way of wondering and asking and trying and learning. You have some pretty big questions, and I love hearing what you notice about the world around you.
Why do I have such high expectations for you? Because I know you can rise up to meet them. When you tell me, “I don’t know how to read!” you know I’ll answer, “But you know how to try.”
Stay motivated and determined. Fight to find the right answer, push hard to remember what I’ve taught you. I want you to understand that hard work is important and it is worth it. And as much as I want you to understand vowel pairs or consonant blends or the silent-e rule – as much as I want you to become a fluent reader, I care most about your character and who you are becoming. That is why I pause our lesson: not just for the little things like remembering to sit on our pockets or zip our lips, but to explain the importance of saying encouraging comments, staying respectful to me and to others…yes, we need to learn how to read, but when it comes to developing your character – these are some of life’s most important lessons.
I don’t ask you to remember me in the future. But I do ask you to try your best, accept second chances, and stay dedicated while you’re with me this year. I know you think you walk into my classroom to learn from me, but…I learn from you, too. You may never know how the little things you say and do affect your teacher. I’m always learning and growing, just like you.
I believe in you. I believe you can accomplish so much more than you think you can.
I didn’t have to become a teacher. I chose to do this job. It is quite hard sometimes, like I’ve even heard one of you say 🙂 But I believe that teaching is one of the most important things I could do…because I am investing in you and your future and I get to watch you improve and grow!
My workspace: productive, happy clutter. 🙂
I know that you are our country’s future. Yes, you’re young right now, but trust me when I say your mind and your skills and your decisions will be affecting our world someday! You will be grown-up sooner than you think. It is my job to guide you as best as I can now, and help you to become the person you are meant to be.
I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow!
Love,
Your teacher, Mrs. Olson
Thank you, Rachel! They may balk at different corrections but in the end, it’s for their future benefit!! 🙂
Thanks for reading it, Jasmin! 🙂
And thank YOU!!! You are so sweet! Yes, often those who grow up with a teacher in their family understand the profession so much more! It is a tough job but certainly worth it in the end!
Thanks so much, Melanie! That means a lot! I’ll keep doing the best I can 😉
Thank you for reading, Shireen! You are so sweet! I’m glad it made you smile. Goodness knows, a lot of the things kids do and say make me smile 😉
Marlen, thank you! I’m so glad your first grade teacher encouraged you – it’s clear that she truly made a difference in your life! How special! 🙂
Thank you, Shannon! I’m glad it inspired you!
Thank you, Kiki! I’m so sorry that teachers in the past belittled you and your questions. That should not be the case! I appreciate your kind words!
I’m glad it reminded you of your past favorite teachers, Sarah! 🙂 That means a lot!
Thanks, Sarah! It’s fun to hear from different perspectives sometimes! And you’re right – a teacher who actually cares makes a difference!
Thank you, Nabihah! It is a rewarding, fun job and I’m glad I get to do it. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Thank you, Jaelan!!
Thanks, Maria! You’re right, it sure is fun watching children enter the world of reading!
Thank you so much, Joanna! That means a lot!
It sure is rewarding, even when it’s hard. 🙂 Thank you, Rachel!
🙂 thanks, Amanda! I appreciate it!
I’m glad it inspired you, Ashley! It’s always fun hearing why people do what they do!
It’s so fun that you stopped by, Kristin! Thank you!
Brooke, you are too sweet! Thanks for reading my humble little post. 🙂
Hannah, it sounds like you’re doing an excellent job as a teacher–even if your students don’t always see it that way!
What a lovely letter! I wish all (or at least more) teachers were caring us much about their students as your friend Hannah. It makes the whole school experience so much more rewarding and enjoyable for a child. So sweet of you to share the letter on your blog.
Jasmin xx
http://www.whatdefinesus.com
This is a wonderful read. My mom just retired from teaching and I’ve heard her worries over her kids each year, her struggles with getting parents to understand why their child needs extra help or can’t focus, and her desire for them all to learn with her and succeed that year so they go into the next year as prepared as she can make them. Teachers are underpaid and under-appreciated — it’s a tough job and one that doesn’t get a lot of thanks. So, THANK YOU for teaching the future of our world. Thank you for dedicating your life to such a worthy cause!
This is a fantastic letter!!! We need more teachers like you!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
Wish I had a teacher as sweet and lovely like her. This is such a beautiful post, it really made me smile. Thanks for sharing, Daisy. xx
Reflection of Sanity
Teachers like her will always always be remembered and are such an inspiration. I know all too many people who treat their job as something to get through and don’t really care about the people they’re trying to help, so it’s lovely to see that there are some who are truly passionate. I still remember my first grade teacher for that reason- she was the one that swore up and down that I could be a writer, and that’s always stuck with me. You= amazing 🙂
xo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
This was so lovely and sweet! I hope all teachers view their students like this…so inspiring and uplifting!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
I really hope this generation breeds more teachers like this and with this mentality toward teaching. I cant tell you how many of my teachers when I was a child, just didn’t care or made me feel dumb for asking questions. The world needs kind souls with the passion to help.
http://accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com/
This is such a sweet post/letter! It’s so awesome to see how invested you are in your kiddos and that just reminds me of all the wonderful teachers I had while I was growing up! Thank you so much for what you do!
Such a lovely letter, its always nice to hear the teacher’s perspective!! There’s nothing better than a teacher who actually cares 🙂
xx Sarah | Loser Girl Wins
This was really lovely. I’m fortunate that I always had really motivated and great teachers but I do know friends that didn’t have the same. I really hope more teachers think like this! Teachers are one of the most valuable people and they’re way too underappreciated!
thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com
Very inspiring. We need more teachers like this.
Teaching is such a big job. Opening the world of reading to a child is a fascinating thing to watch! Sounds like you are doing a great job.
What a beautiful and inspirational letter, Hannah. I have so much respect for teachers and for what you do.
lovejoanna.com
Wonderful and inspirational post. It must be truly wonderful to be a bright point in these children’s lives, to help them learn, grown, and to be there to encourage them.
Teaching is such an important career. You keep on being brilliant! x
This is so inspiring! I love reading about people who are passionate about what they do. 🙂
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
I love this post. I’m not a teacher but I had wanted to be for many years and I’m so grateful such amazing people like you and Hannah are the ones who will someday teach my kids.
Hello beautiful Daisy, that was simply beautiful….. Loved it!! Thanks for sharing such uplifting and very sweet post. It made my morning. xoxo, Jeannette
http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com
What a sweet post. Teaching is such a hard job, we are lucky to have people like you educating our children!
Brooke
http://www.pumpsandpushups.com