Why I Teach...

When I tell someone I teach 7th-grade math, they usually look at me like I'm nuts. When I tell them just how much I LOVE teaching 7th-grade math, they look at me like I have seven heads! My job certainly has its challenges; I'll never deny that fact! However, in my humble opinion, there is NOTHING in life as rewarding as teaching. Below is an e-mail I received the other day from the mother of one of my most challenging students. (He also happens to be one of my favorite kids EVER!)

"Good morning! I wanted to drop you a short note to thank you for coming up with such an awesome idea for your latest class project! Matt and I have discussed it, and he is really enjoying this assignment. I think it's a great idea and really gives the kids a small taste of what real life can be like. Now, for the humorous side, he informed me today that he is in financial ruins! He said he couldn't even afford to buy his wife a car! I told him that based on my real life experiences, he should take on a second job, so, he is going to approach you about " picking from the box ", before he has to live in a box, as he put it. I told him you would probobly laugh at him, so don't let him know I already said something to you. I also informed him that moving back in with Mom was definately not an option, he said he didn't even have enough money to come visit!

Now on a more serious note. I can't express enough how appreciated you are! You have made such an impact in both mine and Matt's lives, I know he has been a real challenge, more times than not, but you need to know, deep down he is an awesome kid, and he truly adores you. I believe you have found your true calling in life, and I can only hope that Matt is lucky enough to be graced with more teachers in his future years of school that care even a fraction of what you have. It's a real shame that our school system can't find about 1000 more of you! You certainly have made an impact in at least 2 people's lives that will carry on forever! I have dealt with my fair share of teachers that should have never been given a teaching certificate, and trust me, there are a whole lot more of those around than should be, so when we are lucky enough to come accross a one of a kind such as yourself, you definately deserve some time in the spot light!!!!! Keep up the tremendous work, and know that what you work so hard at does in deed impact and make a difference in some lives, both older and younger! THANKS FOR BEING YOU!!!!!!

Kelly"

Now, would someone PLEASE tell me, how can it get better than that?! (And yes, I was in tears while reading that! LOL)