Dear Mr. Favorite Teacher,
Hello, still remember me from your Math 12 Foundations & Pre-Calc class? Perhaps not, with so many students milling around you, asking endless questions, seeking help in your assigned homework or even former students asking math questions assigned by OTHER teachers! You seem not to have time for yourself in school, and even after school as you go online with the class blog every single night, responding to our endless queries, comments, complaints about Math in particular and life in general. I know you once said that you're a face person and not a name person so I"m sending you a before (was it really 10 years ago?) and after (with my husband & 5-year old daughter) picture of me. (Download attached file first before proceeding any further).
Ring any bells? I can almost hear your gasp and hear your OMG! Yes I'm the quiet student always sitting in the back row where I prefer to work alone. But unlike other teachers, you always found a way to reach me and check on me every single class! I really like it when you give us time to work on our own worksheets and you move about checking on ALL students, and commenting on how well we're progressing in our worksheets. I'm eternally afraid to volunteer my answers in class, moreso, to ask questions if something is not clear. Looking down on my work, you seem to know exactly what part of the process I'm having trouble with, and nudge me gently towards the correct path. For that, I'm really grateful as it took the stress of learning math.
Lovely letter! I really like the "open this file first -- gasp!" part. This does really sound like a wonderful and memorable teacher.
ReplyDeleteJust one thing that rang an alarm bell -- if the teacher works all day and all night, responding to all the class blogs every evening, when would this teacher have time for a life of his own? The ideas of teacher wellness and sustainability in this demanding profession are important. It may be tempting to throw yourself fully into teaching (and no one will stop you from doing so!), but as an adult, you need some time with your friends and loved ones, and some time to relax and pursue your own interests as well. That will also make you a better teacher, and one that doesn't burn out.