A Teacher’s Gift

When you are a teacher, it is sometimes difficult to realize the kind of impact you have made on someone’s life.  For 15 years, I spent much of my time focused on getting through the curriculum, marking a tonne of papers, and building relationships.  I was a high school math teacher.  No one likes to learn math unless you found it fun.  Well, I found math fun.  We played review games, went on field trips, and used dialogue to make sense of the content. If anything, I wanted kids to LIKE math.  On my pedagogical journey, I am beginning to understand what kind of teacher I was.  My first year away from teaching, I cried… a lot.  I missed the kids.  My second year away from teaching, I could start hearing compliments and receive them.  Now in my third year away from teaching, former students request my connection on LinkedIN.  You know what?  That is super cool.  Forget the chocolates, lattes, and coffee mugs… a friend request, a follow, or LinkedIN connection is the best teacher’s gift.  Thank you.