At times we wonder: "Do we make a difference?" In fact, we do but like an iceberg, 90% of it remains submerged, out of sight.
Messages from former students shed light on their most meaningful memories that would remain unknown but for the arrival of their sentiments. What these messages have in common are the qualities remembered of their favorite teachers.
"You taught me that it was really OK to just be me
(no matter what anyone else thought),
and you became a beacon in a world
that was sometimes really dark and scary."
-- Michelle Masse
So here we will read their messages and focus on those qualities that new teachers might aspire to achieve.
But first,
A NOTE FOR TEACHERS: CREATE A "VIP" SIGN-IN BOOK FOR YOUR CLASSROOM
TO DO: go here for a template
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Fatima was a tough kid. Her family had already sent 4 boys to college, so she wasn’t surprised to hear they’d run out of money. Instead of college she was told to help with the family business. She gave me so much grief but I knew she was brilliant so I took the time to recommend her for a scholarship only I could trigger as her advisor.
1. This one From: Fatima G. Sat, Nov 13, 2021 at 11:17 AMSubject: Scholarship Thank You
Hello Mrs. Vining,Long time no see, I just wanted to say I miss you and appreciated the 4 years you stood by me as my advisor. I haven't forgotten about you, I just haven't been able to visit campus since I'm working full time and going to school part time. I also wanted to thank you for the Rise Up Scholarship, I was awarded last June. I am extremely grateful you chose me as a candidate and I also had no clue the advisors had to choose. Otherwise I would have said thank you in June when I graduated.I am so sorry this email came so late. I miss you so.Warm regards,Fatima GarciaClass of 2021
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When I retired after 39 years in the classroom, my daughter organized a "send off" celebration attended by former students and colleagues dating all the way back to my first days as a teacher. Michelle Masse Ellis could not attend my retirement party but she sent this Power Point message.
She was one of the youngest students to experience my Learning Expeditions where I guided young cubs on natural history field trips (up to 14 days in the out of doors). Then I called it The Wilderness School.
Come back soon for the story about a herd of bison that wandered through our camp
as students were sleeping.
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To zoom in, click on the image below.
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"Put a name on your passion."
Message for teachers: There is more to how we inspire students than what is visible to the eye.We nudge children in ways that help them grow true and tall. We may never know the many lasting benefits we give to our students.
Here is one example, the moment a student finds their calling, What will I do with my life with passion?
From not knowing to an exciting image of a life with a future.
Julissa is so thankful, she is eager to give back, to help her teacher so the same for other kids.
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Other Memorable Teacher Qualities
There are teacher qualities that are found in other endeavors.
Compassion:
I went to Moloka’i to celebrate the life of service of an extraordinary human being. It was a hot trek down a perilous trail to Kalawao. There I was picked up by Richard Marks whose company, Damien Tours, would shine a light that would forever burn Jozef De Veuster’s compassion into my soul. He would have been a wonderful teacher but his destiny took him instead to Kalaupapa. The Peninsula of Moloka’i, Hawaii. When the world vilified, condemned and imprisoned lepers, Jozeph, the man who would be a saint known as Father Damien went to care for and live with lepers and in so doing changed for the better all of their lives. “He organized schools, bands, and choirs.” Like a good teacher he brought hope to where so ever he was.
The people he touched remember him. Click HERE to learn more.
Today you can visit the place where Damion, like a good teacher, cared for his flock. Click HERE for more information
Source: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices/timeline/353.html
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