Teacher Gifts

I get the best gifts from my students. You see, I work in a very poor neighborhood, so the gifts I get are usually hand made, or hand picked from a garden. They are just so genuine, and from the heart. They want to give me gifts to show their appreciation, so they take their time to make them. Much more meaningful than getting an expensive gift, or a high value gift card. It just melts my heart. Here are some of my end of the year gifts from this school year:

A Version of Me, Made Out of Marshmallows:

Two Dozen Roses (this one surprised me):

A Hand Painted Wooden Angel:

Flowers from a Garden:

I also received several bags of candy, including lots of dark chocolate (my favorite) and a Starbucks card (my students see me drink TONS of coffee). I love that they know me so well.

Teacher of the Year

I work with a group of amazing people. The staff at my school has been together now for about 10 years. I like to joke that we are one big disfunctional family. There's disagreement, bickering, and complaining. But, we all have each other's backs, and when it's really important, we stick togther and we're there for one another. My colleagues are very seasoned, talented teachers. That's why I was extremely humbled and homored when they voted me as Live Oak's Teacher of the Year. The presentation of awards was at the board meeting on May 5. Korey skipped class so he could be there. It was a very nice evening. My principal also came to offer his encouragement and support. He was pretty hilarious actually. He was running around like a proud papa taking pictures!!

I am grateful for today.

Last night, all I wanted was for today to be over. You see, today was my last day of school before my 3 week break. I just kept thinking last night, that it would be so nice if I could fast forward to tonight and skip today all together. Boy am I glad I wasn't able to do that. Today several things happened that made me feel truly humble and grateful, and I would have missed out on them, if I had skipped today.
First, one of my students walked up to me at the end of the day, hugged me, and told me to have a good vacation. This is a pretty typical thing in my classroom. However, this one stands out because, 2 weeks ago, this student would hardly speak to me. Her home life is so awful that she trusts no adults, but....today....she reached out to me. I was moved to tears.
Second, I met with a parent of one of my new students. I told her about how her daughter has excellent behavior and effort in my class. Her teacher from the first trimester gave her very low marks for effort and behavior, yet since joining my class, she has had no such issues. I was actually surprised when I saw the last teacher's opinions about this child's work habits. Her mom was so kind, and credited me with the change in her daughter. I was so touched.
Third, I had several other parent meetings. Each went well (at the end of one, the mom and I were laughing together), and at the end of the day, I felt so appreciative of the fact that I work in a community where I have been able to form such close bonds with the parents and students.
Fourth, my principal announced today that the staff voted me "Teacher of the Year". It wasn't that announcement that got to me today (although it is definitely an honor). It was how my colleagues acted that really made me feel so fortunate. Everyone went out of their way to congratulate me, and tell me how much they felt I deserve this title. Everyone was so genuinely happy for me and openly encouraging me. It was amazing.
So, tonight, I sit in utter humility and gratefulness. Last night, I didn't want to even deal with today. Yet, tonight, all I can do is thank God for giving me today. If I had been given my way, I would have missed out on so much.