Dear Teacher,

They usually start arriving just before final grades are due.

"You're my favorite professor, Dr. Caution!"

"I'm going to miss your class."

and unfortunately,

"i seen you yestarday but didnt get a chance to tell you that your the best english teacher ever!"

The notes are sweet, but the timing is suspect, and I am sure there's some ulterior motive there.

Sometimes the students wait long enough, but the content is a little annoying:

"I was in your class last year.  Remember me? I liked you.  Will you write me a recommendation for a scholarship? It's due in 15 minutes."

Sometimes the notes are just pure sweetness:

"I did it!  I got admitted to the nursing program!! Thanks for your encouragement."

Last week I got a different kind of note.  It was from a student who was in my class five YEARS ago.

It was heartfelt and beautiful.   It spoke of her amazing struggle we could not have foreseen and survival we might not have predicted.  She has now graduated, and needs nothing from me.  Her words, though, touched my heart.  She said I made a difference.  She said I had offered her hope that stayed with her all those years.  She said a lot of other things, too, and they are words I will treasure forever - most especially on those days when my boss doesn't know my name or a stubborn student tries to convince me that I chose the wrong career.

So what's this post about?  It's not self-serving.  Really!  But the school year is coming to a fast close and sometimes we parents scramble to find a good year-end gift to show a teacher our appreciation.  If you have truly loved the teacher, write a note.  Better still, have your child write the note.  Trust me, it's more than enough.  Just be sure to send it AFTER grades have been turned in!

Works for me Wednesday