They come at random times and in a variety of ways, but they usually show up when we need them most.
"I had a bit of a frustrating day today. My best class was very disengaged. I'd ask a question and nothing. Rephrase the question...nothing. I had scheduled 1-1 conferences with students around the goal setting and less than minimal engagement once again. I was at a loss for what to do next...I went into one of my 'trying to be motivational' talks...I felt the students take it as a disappointing lecture , then I thought of a post about how these kids are doing something no one else has ever had to do before. I changed my tone and thanked them for showing up everyday. I told them I understand there's a lot going on inside their homes and focus can be a real challenge. Then the rest of the day went on. Three long IEPs, an all staff meeting and a meeting about 8th grade graduation. I was exhausted. Then my email pings...
Hey Ms. Caffero Thank u for making my schedule its really helping me get my work done i appreciate it so much thank you i don't know how to thank you thank you so much.
...and the frustration and long day was worth it"
-Mary
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"The past week we had been sludging through the writing process in our class. It was a lot of intense thinking work on the students end and a lot of editing on my end. I had assigned an optional art activity for the students who were done writing. My brain was fairly fried from trying to read through as many papers as I could so that all the students were ready for their final drafts. In the last minutes of class one of my students asked if they could share a picture they made for me. She displayed a wonderful crayon drawn picture of my little family. It is moments like this that I am reminded how much my students care and appreciate me as their teacher."-Theresa
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"I kept a file of all the "thank yous" from students. At times, I would open that file, look at them, and it would warm my heart and give me strength to carry on."-Diana
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"One student made hand made valentines for everyone. He made my family into a pizza family...because we love pizza."-Carol
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"Free Write: Be Creative! in the box below write a poem, about a memory, a song, a scary story, a funny story, a persuasive argument, or anything you like to write about.
Roses are red, violets are blue, the world's best teacher goes to you Miss Caffero."-Michelle
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A thank you is invigorating. A moment in time. A pleasant reinforcement for being present; for lesson planning (with differentiation), parent-teacher conferences, going to professional developments, attending countless meetings, and most importantly for the Students.
