Dear Teachers:
Yes, you. All of you. This letter is to you, and for you, from a mom of three school-age children. I’m one of those weirdos who had my kids really spread apart, so I’ve got one going into second grade, one going into sixth, and one going into HIGH SCHOOL (gulp!!). With all my kids divided between elementary, middle, and high school, it can make my mom-mind a bit frazzled. I’ve got math fact memorization on one end and Algebra struggles on the other.
That’s quite the educational spectrum at the after school homework table in my house. Maybe that’s part of the reason why, my dear teachers, I freaking LOVE you. I love you so darn much.
I always knew I did not want to homeschool. I mean I’d knuckle down and do it if I had to, but I think I’d be a hot mess and probably pretty ineffectual beyond the 6th grade. So dear teachers, I always knew I needed you. But I didn’t know how much I’d love you.
How do I love thee, teachers? Let me count the ways. Without using numbers, though.
I love you because you get down on my little one’s level and tell him you love him. I love you because you take time to get to know, see, and believe the best in my child. I love you because you see not just the things he needs to overcome, but how amazing he will be when he stops holding himself back.
I love you because you encourage my daughter to not be so hard on herself. I love you because you tell her that her best is good enough, and that seeking perfection every time is a lost cause. I love you because you correct her when she is wrong, and never stop encouraging her to choose what is right. I love you because you let her know that her kindness to others is appreciated and seen. I love you because you let me know she has gone above and beyond in caring for others.
I love you because you email me about any upcoming events or celebrations where my food allergy kid might need me to provide him with a treat so he won’t be left out.