Hey You!

Hey you! 

That's right-you!

You-teacher-with tired eyes and a smiling face! 

I'm talking to you!

Thank you, teacher! Thank you for teaching my son how to read and write and spell and add and subtract and count and try again and not tattle tale and how to tie his shoes. Oh wait, still working on that last one! 

Thank you, teacher! Thank you for teaching all of those children what they need to know not only to pass a test, but to be a thinker, a learner. 

Thank you, teacher! Thank you for teaching me! Thank you for returning my paper because you knew I could do better. Thank you for making me memorize the states and capitals. Thank you for kindly suggesting (also known as making me) attend summer school for that trig class. Thank you for the note in the corner of my paper telling me how much you loved it! 

Thank you, teacher! Thank you for teaching all of those students before they were in my class. Thank you for starting them on the path to greatness. Thank you to those that follow me, too. Thank you for taking them to that next step on their journey.

Thank you, teacher! Thank you for smiling in the hallway when you walk by-not only to me, but the kids. Thank you for checking on my students and learning their names. Thank you for the hugs, the encouragement, the friendship, the laughs, and most of all for the yummy food! Thank you for making each work day not feel like so much like work. 

During this teacher appreciation week and all the weeks in between, thank you.