Today is National Teacher Appreciation Day. Often times, parents or friends will ask me for advice on what to give their teachers. Sometimes I'll joke and say gift cards (gift cards are nice!). But--in all honesty. Even more than the gift cards, I find that there is something a little bit better.
The thing that means the most to me are the notes of appreciation that are specific about what I've done well or what things I have done to make a difference in the life of my students. This year I received three that made my heart melt, from some triplets in my class. They will definitely go in the days I need a reminder box.
When all is said and done--I won't remember the gift cards or the little knick knacks or the treats and the supplies that were bought for me. I appreciate those things--but it is the notes and the honesty of them that will make me remember that I have done something valuable.
I too am grateful for fantastic teachers in my life. I feel God has blessed me with so many of them. I have had an amazing learning experience where I asked one what the most important thing a teacher should do is. His response: "Teach the children to love learning." I have had so many that have taught me to have joy in learning and I feel like it is something that has turned me into the woman I am becoming. I hope and pray that in my career as a teacher, if nothing else, I teach my children how to learn and to love doing it.
