We are all human. We all appreciate being told, once and awhile, that we are doing a good job, that we are a nice person or that we are important. In today’s frantic, multi-tasking society, it is easy to lose sight of the right path as we struggle to maintain our sanity, let alone, live a life of character and integrity. So, hearing words of encouragement is important. They not only nourish our souls but, they act as an affirmation that maybe, just maybe, we are actually on that correct path in Life.
In Ontario, Canada, where I taught, we are no more immune from Life’s pressures and stresses than anyone else in any other walk of life. Most teachers care deeply about their profession and try their best to do right by the students entrusted into their care each day. Most parents seem to understand this. My experience working in partnership with parents has, almost completely and totally, been positive and respectful. Being a parent has helped me appreciate the hard work that goes on in the homes of my students. Watching their children grow more knowledgable and skilled, while enjoying their school experience, has caused parents to respect who I am and how I conducted my classroom affairs.
Ordinarily, a heartfelt hand shake at the end of the school year between parent and teacher should be sufficient to recognize the contribution both have made to the life of the child in question. However, in Ontario, a tradition has taken root that sees the parent bestow a gift upon the teacher during the final day of school. In my career, I started many a final day of school surrounded by smiling students, arms outstretched, all holding a gift bag or an envelop and begging me to please, “open mine first, Mr. MacInnes! Open mine first!” Those gifts of mugs, boxes of chocolates, gift cards for coffee shops and crafts made with care and love from home, all were appreciated and all were displayed and/or well used once taken home.
However, there is one gift that I have gotten many times over the years and, in my eyes, it is the most important gift any parent could give to their child’s teacher……..it is the gift of encouragement that comes in the form of a simple card or letter. Having a parent take a few moments to write that they appreciated the time I had spent with their child and that they believed it had made a positive difference, is like gold to me.
In my bedroom, on a shelf in my closet, I have a photo box. In that photo box, I have EVERY card, letter and note of encouragement I have ever received throughout the entire course of my 30 year career. Each letter is precious to me and each serves to remind me that, yes, I did, indeed, have a purpose in life that was worthy and that, indeed, I was making a positive difference in the lives of children. I can’t ask for more than that. Whenever I find myself feeling down, for whatever reason, I haul out that photo box and bask in the warm glow of the affirmations it contains.
In most cases, regardless of the state of education in the public school your child attends, you can count on them being cared for by a teacher who is working harder than you may realize to help their students be the best people they can be. However, there are times, in the course of their busy days, when teachers can become just as frustrated and discouraged as the students that they teach. If you ever want to make your child’s teacher’s day, I humbly suggest that you write a simple note. Your words of encouragement and appreciation will turn out to be the best part of that teacher’s day….guaranteed!
And, maybe, just maybe, your words will help fill that teacher’s photo box of memories, too. 🙂
We all appreciate hearing a kind word from someone else. Have you ever written a card of thanks to your child’s teacher? Have you ever received such a note or card from someone else, telling you that who you are or, what you do, matters? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below. Thanks for reading. 🙂
I too have a folder of ” compliment letters etc ” I received over my 391/2 years as a public servant . Social Services and emergency management. I , like you look at them or reflect on them periodically and I make sure that I in turn compliment good service , whether it be a teacher , a waitress/waiter, on the phone or any of the many services that are provided to us on a daily basis .
Nothing makes a person smile or feel good more than a smile and a compliment ❤️
Agreed. Completely and totally. It is so important to say Thank You when someone has done something on your behalf. Thank you for your kind and supportive words, JoAnn. 😀
I totally understand this. I have a box of all the cards, birthday and mothers days and Christmases that my four children have sent me and nothing beats looking through it at times and being reminded of the feelings they have had for me through the years. Those comments have got longer and more meaningful the older they have got. Different career paths but we all need encouragement to keep us going. I’m sure you did a grand job.
I hope so. I tend to feel that when you dedicate your life to doing right by children that some good will have come of it. I really like being able to re-connect with some of the older kids on Facebook and other social media and getting to see how well their lives are turning out. Good kids, all. I am blessed to have been able to be a part of it all. I am rich beyond measure.