Thank you, Teacher

Here is a guest post from Jill Hare, Editor, TheApple.com (http://theapple.monster.com) which is also posted on TheApple.

It's the time of year when we think about what we're thankful for. And while some words are spoken in thankfulness, a lot goes left unsaid. While I was watching an episode of Glee a few weeks ago, this quote reminded me of why I got into teaching.

"All of us were scarred by high school. Next to our parents, nothing screws a person up more. And people like us (teachers) are stupid enough to come back here and relive that pain everyday."

And why do we chose to relive the pain of school all over again? Because we want to provide better opportunities and foster kinder students than those that taunted and hurt us. We want the smart kids to feel cool, the glee club to not feel like outcasts and everyone to be on equal ground. Many of you out there are doing just that: creating a better school environment than you had, and doing it all with out any proper thank you.

So here it is. Thirty things you probably never get thanked for. It's just the tip of the iceberg, so write in more here.

Thank you, teacher, for….

1. Believing in me when no one else does

2. Trusting me to behave when your back is turned

3. Taking time to help me when everyone else gets it

4. Listening to my problems when no one else cares

5. Spending tons of time preparing lessons

6. Staying up late to grade papers

7. Giving up time on weekends to prepare and plan for class

8. Making a lower salary than you’re worth

9. Working in and trying to improve an archaic education system

10. Learning what technology I like and using it to help me learn

11. Loving what you do and showing it every day you have fun teaching me

12. Learning new techniques and tricks that help keep me engaged

13. Letting me have options and choices to drive my learning

14. Fostering collaborative learning, because I always remember what I learn with my friends

15. Caring enough about me to form a relationship with my difficult parents

16. Teaching me things I will use in the real world

17. Setting goals you know I can reach and be proud of

18. Being proud of me even when I accomplish only small goals

19. Encouraging me to be better and reach my full potential

20. Respecting me even when I don’t always show my respect for you

21. Being fair even when I don’t deserve it

22. Being my advocate so I get the services and help I need to be successful

23. Keeping my blended family straight, even though it’s complicated

24. Giving up your lunch to help me study, learn or just sit with me so I’m not alone

25. Knowing I’m not the coolest kid in school but treating me like I am

26. Giving me responsibility to prove I can be leader

27. Pushing me to dream I can be anything I want

28. Sticking up for me when others put me down

29. Noticing when I’m upset and asking me about it

30. Helping me try to avoid mistakes that may hurt my education and my friendships

What other “thank yous” go left unsaid? Leave them below in the comments.

Posted on the Successful Teaching Blog by loonyhiker (successfulteaching at gmail dot com).

Original image: 'Old School'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50115004@N00/2915752375 by: Rob Shenk