A Love Letter

Dear Students:

Once again, you gave me one of those perfect days.  You touched me with your kindness, compassion, and complete lack of pretention or entitlement.  You managed to delight and amaze me, even after seventeen years of teaching. 

A recent blog post by Julie Conlon in Education Week Teacher reflected upon a teacher’s resolution to brag more about her students, so I have embraced this as my own resolution and plan to do so myself. 

In only four hours on one ordinary morning in January, you individually and collectively gave me reason to boast.  We aren’t the most expensive school around; nevertheless tuition here is significant, and most of you don’t take this education for granted.  Today, you expressed your appreciation, and you also demonstrated compassion for others.

It began first thing in the morning, and it continued in class after class.  While you generally know that the world is not always fair, your discussions today evidenced continued dismay about racism, reflecting your thoughtful and youthful innocence.  As that discussion evolved, you expressed your appreciation for all you have, for your own educational opportunities, and for the love of your parents.  You know that they do not have to send you to our school, and you are very much aware that they might spend their efforts elsewhere.  It is rare for you to miss a homework assignment, and when you do, you are universally apologetic.  Your commitment and sincerity are the strongest evidence of your appreciation.  At 11:30 am, you discussed and debated in your Student Council meeting the many charities you would like to support, settling with great seriousness upon a donation and planned fundraiser to honor a faculty member most of you have never even had as a teacher.  You did this because of your compassion for her loss of her husband.  You are young and may not be able to fully understand this experience, but when I looked at your faces, I could see your grief for her.  You are so earnest, honest, and beautiful. 

This was only half a day.  Why shouldn’t I brag about you?