There's nothing better than to be acknowledged for your work. Teaching is a calling, let's face it, because no one in their right mind would work 60-80 hours per week for the pay! Plus there can be lots of criticism from parents who think their little Johnny or Janie can do no wrong. But those few moments when you see a light bulb go on, a child gives you a hug, a homemade birthday card, or a little craft they made at Brownies or Cubs, or shyly puts a raggedly-wrapped Christmas gift on your desk and runs off - well, that makes it pretty special. And then at the end, your peers give you a great send-off with warm wishes for your new endeavours and a beautiful gift at a fabulous end-of-the-year Staff party. No matter how stressed I ever was, it was all worthwhile. I'll always have great memories of my many years teaching - kids and adults. On Thursday, June 22, 2006 my very first actual "class" (I have mostly been a specialist teacher) will "graduate" from Grade 7. There will be lots of emotion in me, I know, as I watch those kids cross the stage to receive their Bible from the Board Chair. I pray they will continue their life walk graciously and will sometimes remember me with kindness.
8 comments:
Leslie, you look waaay too young to be retiring. But I'm looking forward to reading (and maybe even contributing something to?) your book. An interesting topic, having been through the young widow thing. Man, I could tell you some stories...
Yes, when the dust settles we will get together. Iced coffee? Should we put a little Baileys in it?
Josie
Leslie
Great sentiment being expressed over here. Although not a teacher myself, I can emphatize with the light bulb going off, etc. as I often feel the same way myself when my own girls grab an idea or theory which I have been helping them to learn at homework.
Today was special for me also as my oldest girl, Joanne, participated in her candlelight ceremony at school and passed the candle onto her younger sister Marissa. On Sunday, she will graduate from elementary school and in September will become a high schooler.
All the best at your retirement and may your book project move forward with much success.
The cake sure looks good enough to eat off the screen~lol~
Enid
Oooh Josie - Baileys is my favourite! Too many calories to have much, tho' - a dab in the coffee would be just right. :D
Enid, thx for dropping by and congrats to your daughter for her completion of elementary school.
Wow Leslie what a cake.
Congratulations on so many years of teaching the little ones. One day an adult will walk up to you and say Thank You for making such a difference in their life. Time sure does fly by.
Congratulations on your retirement.
Hi Carol! Thx for dropping by. The cake actually tasted even better than it looked. mmmmm.....yummy! I was really good, tho' and only had one little corner to taste. Don't want to blow all I've lost so far. Hope you're doing well and give Izzie a hug from my Robbie (well, maybe a lick) :D
Hi Leslie,
Izzie got Robbies lick. She was a restless puppy all night. Up and down, barking at shadows in the courtyard. Then a tongue up the nose at 6:30 am. Oh the joys of puppies.
Enjoy your last days with the coworkers and kids. Schools have been out down here for a month already. So lots of kids running around.
Have an awesome day.
Carol
Robbie's exhausted today, Carol. He hasn't had much rest for 2 days as I had the roof redone - all the banging and lots of strange men in HIS yard kept him on guard all that time. Poor thing - he's sacked out in his basket beside me right now. He doesn't like to get up early LOL Tonight's grade 7 "grad" so it'll be a great evening - always a "weepy" moment for me. Caio and have a great day.
Yummy...I love cake as long as it's not chocolate...(I know...I'm wierd)
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT LESLIE
I agree with Josie...you look too young to be retiring...not fair!!!
But you deserve it, although I know you're going to miss the kids and they'll miss you too.
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