A student's mother sent me something on facebook. This is why we teach, Republican teacher haters

[Nanjing to Seoul]

I had this student back between 2006 - 2008.

Hey Nanjing to Seoul. I don't know that you will remember me, but I know you remember my son, (name redacted). I just want you to know the comment he made the other day. We were talking about his days at (NTS's school in Arizona), and he said that he really didn't get the best education there. I asked him if he would have rather gone to Cross Middle School and his response was "No, because I wouldn't have met (Nanjing To Seoul)." I thought that was the best kind of compliment and thought you'd want to know. Thanks for the impression you left on him- it was quite the positive one. BTW- he is going into his senior year and his GPA is 3.83, and he still never studies.

I am in tears and it takes alot for this 6'2", 245 lb hardcore weightlifter to well up.

This is why I teach.

on edit: You can't reach them all. But if you can impact one person's life in a classroom, you are successful as a teacher. This is what the "reformers" do not understand.

[longship]

1. Wow! As a former HS math teacher I know what you're saying.

You want to get them all, but you take your victories one at a time. Sometimes pickings are slim; sometimes they are rich.

The reformers see everything as homogeneous. But each class has its own dynamic, its own pace. When one walks into a classroom one has to understand how to handle the lesson in context of the class in front of you, not the ideal class that the reformers wish for.

Thanks for your thoughtful post.
R&K

[maddiemom]

5. So true. I actually had better luck and satisfaction teaching semi "deliquent"

kids in a summer program on which they depended on remedial help as needed in order to actually earn money at summer jobs. Probably 90% of these kids were more than willing to work. Remedial help in reading and math were easier for them to accept as part of the whole program.

[pacalo]

2. That's quite a compliment. He'll *always* remember you.

I hear you about the "reformers". I think their purpose is wrapped up in having their peculiar views indoctrinated into the schools, & the only way to get it done is to dismantle the public schools & rebuild the system to suit their narrow minds.

[BrotherIvan]

3. You bet students remember

I always say a teacher could be one of the most important influences in your child's life. We all have the story of our favorite teacher, how much they meant to us and how much they taught us. WHY do we not respect them? WHY do parents allow these incredible role models to their children be treated this way. It is NOT like this in other countries where teaching is considered a calling and a highly respected profession.

Your student will always remember you and that must make you so proud. We had a memorial service for my mother a few weeks ago. She taught for 41 years, 5th & 6th grade. Students came whom she had 30 years ago. One said he became a teacher because of her and how she had helped him get his first job. She worked in a very tough neighborhood, but she earned a lot of respect and touched a lot of lives. But she and her friends all say they would never be a teacher now.

[maddiemom]

4. So good to hear and so not surprising.

Now living again in an area in which I taught for only six years, afterwards living around the country for some years, I'm amazed by the former students that I encounter who immediately recognize me and and reintroduce themselves. I regret that I rarely recognize former students at first glance since I taught in junior high. Once I recognize them, I'm always amazed at how much I remember about them. Always fun and makes up for most of the frustration I used to feel in the classroom.