summer

Another year is almost officially over.  I've been intentionally silent here because this year, for the first time, I've been invested in the future careers of two young teachers.  It seemed disingenuous to blog at the time.  

All I will say now is that I am evermore assured that the most important qualities that I can cultivate in my own heart are humility and kindness. 

Today was the last day that I had my ninth grade honors class.  I have loved teaching this class.  Every single one of the kids is spectacular in one way or another.  

There's this one kid that's my token punk rock skater.  I moved him into my class because he was miserably failing in his regular 9th grade class and I thought that maybe, just maybe, he'd do better with me.  He's almost seven feet tall, carries a skateboard, and draws. He never makes it back to class on time after lunch.  It's been a constant struggle with him, because he's smart enough to realize that high school is pretty much a whole lot of bull.

But today he lingered behind when the dismissal bell rang.

He looked at me and said - almost in disgust - This is not supposed to happen.  I hate school. 

He walked past me, and just as he was almost to the door, he clarified his remark. 

A class is not supposed to touch my heart. 

It was one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me.  Without a doubt.

Comments

[Renae]

nice. congrats on the compliment. I don't suppose one goes into education for the affirmation, but it's gotta be nice to get once in awhile, esp. in this particular context.

happy summer!

[Courtney]

I'm glad you're back to the blogosphere.