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What makes a teacher chose a career that requires spending eight hours a day with twenty one children? Just imagine; take even your best child (or grandchild), multiply by twenty-one and then imagine spending every day, eight hours a day with each and every one of them for about nine months out of the year. Oh yes, during that time, you will be 100% responsible for each and every one of them, including his or her emotional and intellectual growth. I can think of about a thousand occupations that I would readily pursue before taking on that "opportunity".

What is it that keeps our teachers going? It is the opportunity to make a difference in each and every one of their lives. How does a teacher feel when she knows she has made a difference? Just ask my daughter, an elementary teacher, how she felt when she received the following email from a mom* After receiving the below letter, this teacher would probably say she has the best career on earth!

*all real names have been omitted.

Dear Teacher,

I just wanted to let you know some things about my daughter. Last year was really difficult for her, not academically, but in other ways. I’m convinced that it had a lot to do with her teacher, although she would never admit it for fear that it would get back to her somehow. She would cry every night and every morning. She was always afraid of getting in trouble, even though she has never had a conduct issue of any kind. She was always afraid of what would happen if she didn’t get something finished in class. She was constantly worried about everything and we would have to talk for an hour before bedtime about all the what-ifs. I did communicate with her teacher about her fears and concerns. She said that she would try to do things to help her feel more comfortable, but nothing really worked.

I can already see a difference with you being her teacher. She was teary the first morning, and a little the second day, but not since then. She even told me the other day "one thing I like about my teacher", those words have never come out of her mouth before. She was talking about a group of them gathering and looking at a bee in the classroom (I think), and she said you didn’t even yell at them. That tells me a lot, apparently you have quite a bit more patience than she is used to. I don’t mean to criticize her previous teacher, I think she and my daughter just didn’t mesh. She was definitely not nurturing and I know that a lot of teachers aren’t, but that is what makes her comfortable.

We’ll see how the next few weeks go. So far, I am encouraged. It’s been really hard on me and her dad, always seeing her so upset on a daily basis. If you don’t mind, I would like to communicate with you via email if any fears or concerns come up with her. I would appreciate any advice or thoughts you may have to offer. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to meeting you soon.

Sincerely,

Mother