Saturday, February 28, 2009

Needing that reminder...

This time of year is the hardest time for me each school year. Something about March - I don't know if it's the lack of days off, or the crappy weather, or the students anxiety around the high school articulation process, which has just started...

Last year, a group of students decided to use my white board as my "yearbook page". They all signed it- "Have a great summer!" "I'll miss you next year!" "Thanks for being my teacher!" It was very cute.

But one girl... her note is why I teach. Especially girls- studies have been done that show seventh and eighth grade girls have a decrease in confidence in math and science before they have a decrease in achievement.* Hanna left me this note on my board.

I took a photo of it, printed it out, and stuck it to my bulletin board at my desk. I put it there so, at times like this, I'm reminded that I'm doing something good. And I keep trying my best. We just don't get enough notes like this.**

*If you have a preteen girl in your life, I strongly encourage you to read Schoolgirls by Peggy Orenstein.

**If your kid has a teacher he or she (or you) loves, write him or her a note or give him or her a call. That's what keeps us going...




1 comment:

Emily said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment!
I love the note your student left me, I always kept a :) folder were I would stick all of that and flip through it on bad days. I miss that side of teaching sometimes. I tutor a 13 yr old, I will be checking out that book. Thanks ;)