I used to be THAT teacher.......
The one who brushed the knotted hair in the morning, putting in a ponytail or simply letting it lay flat.
The one who sighed over missed homework, unsigned papers and full bookbags.
The one who brought in extra snacks and even extra clothes at times.
The one who gave big hugs and sneaked in a kiss on the head.
The one who reassured parents that it would be OKAY......don't worry quite so much.
The one who came early and left late.
The one who always brought her students home with her - telling stories and hurting for them, loving them and praying for them.
The one who saw the ones left out, the ones taking over, the ones who needed extra love, the ornery ones, the I WANT TO DO EVERYTHING PERFECT ones, the hurt ones, the needy ones, the better keep an eye on them ones.
The one who planned and prepped and graded and researched and created.
And now, well, I am THAT parent........
The one who sends the child in with knotted hair.
The one who misses homework and loses permission slips.
The one forgets a snack for testing day.
The one who trusts the teacher to love her children well while they are away from her.
The one who worries that is SO WON'T BE OKAY.
The one who rises with the kids just in time to get them to school fully clothed and fed....sometimes rushing to get there at the last minute.
The one who has 3 students and no more - asking about their favorite part of the day.
The one who tells her children to look for the ones left out, the ones taking over, the ones who needed extra love, the ornery ones, the I WANT TO DO EVERYTHING PERFECT ones, the hurt ones, the needy ones, the better keep an eye on them ones.
The one who leaves the planning and prep and grading and research and creating to the professionals.
The one who is so thankful for ALL THE ONES who through the years have filled in the gaps, who have wiped away tears, who saw in my little ones kindness and generosity, intrinsic motivation and intelligence, love and bravery, confidence and care when all I could see was my own fear that perhaps they were NOT OK.
Mrs. B. Mrs. Frantum. Mrs. Case. Miss D. Mrs. Cook. Mrs. Mongiardo. Mrs. Mitchell. Mr. Frederick. Mrs. Roth. Mrs. Burchfield.
Thank you.
You are so much more than just teachers.
You are our gap-fillers and dream makers, identity shapers and every day protectors.
