Vainglory

Even while my gum and hair lines are rapidly receding I am finding assurances that my professional existence is at least interesting.

I don’t really need assurances of the usefulness of me beyond the sheer demand for me from around the house here–garden, N, shed, N, N, car, N, garden, N, lawn, N, garden, N, groundhogs (garden), N, and the big M of Marriage. But validation from my work world (even while my developing philosophies lean towards undermining mainstream educational models) is nice.

My three recent examples:

I had a week-long student teacher last week. He left this note on his last day when he lead the classroom for the whole day while I was away: “Thanks so much for this opportunity, it really was wonderful. I think I have decided that I would like to teach middle school.”

A note from the school-board member parent of one of my students: “I know last week was National Teacher Appreciation week but I think we should celebrate teachers all year long.  I want you to know that B has thoroughly enjoyed having you for a teacher.  She enjoys your interactions with her, your sense of humor, and your willingness to indulge her sense of humor.  The other week she said to me, “Mom I’m having the best year yet in school,” let me tell you that hearing that from my 13 year old is incredible!  She credits her teachers for this and she specifically mentioned you.  Thank you for making this a great year for B and one where she has been able to develop her negotiating skills–Reeses cups–and to expand her knowledge as well as love of reading.  Thanks!” (The Reeses Cups scoop: The student and I had a debate about whether they were food or candy. I finally conceded that they were food after she gave me one and a half pieces of the … food.)