Feeling Proud
One of the difficulties of being an elementary teacher is that I do not see the fruit of my labor. Yes, I see growth from September to June, but it is in small doses and only when I reflect upon something specific is it really seen.
I teach long division and do see growth. Students begin not being able to do it and end up being able to knock out any problem placed before them. Yet, the students move on at the end of the year and I am unaware of whether they retain that skill. I am unaware of if they build upon their skills. Etc.
I don’t make widgets. A widget maker sees the product he creates.
Today seemed to be a bonanza for me learning about my students. One of my current students was on the front page of the paper yesterday for participating in a walk to help the local SPCA. That walk raised $26,000. How proud I am, Travis.
I was informed by a parent of a former student that the boy, now 22, will be enlisting in the Marines in May. He wants to serve his country. How proud I am, Michael.
Another one of my students was on the Odyssey of the Mind team that won the state championship over the weekend. She got her start in OM the year I taught her. How proud I am, Elena.
Another former student is spearheading a fund raising drive to build a three-hole putting range for the local Veterans Memorial Home. Once raised, he will construct the golf course as his Eagle Scout project. How proud I am, Nick.
It isn’t always good news when a teacher hears about former students. It is uplifting when the good work my students (they’ll always be my students) do trickles back to me.
No, I am not responsible for these good acts. But it is nice to know I was part of the team that produced these fine people.
Also blogged on this date . . .
- More Cowbell - 2008
- New Jersey Tax Return - 2007
- Millville Walk - 2006