On what makes a good teacher

To be honest, doubts have been zooming around like summer fireflies as to whether or not teaching is my permanent career, nevertheless, the best thing about doing what I do is that the good days, come in good hours, good moments, through parents, colleagues, students, former students, moments in the hallway etc.

This week, I had a student come up to me and at the ripe age of 9, say "thank you for recommending tutoring, I think it's already helping." Of course, she was British, what other 9-year old kids are this articulate.

I think you'd be surprised. 2 weeks ago, my students polished off some personal essays with extravagant writing that far surpassed my expectations. I have always prided myself in how I teach writing, but this year, they were magnificent. There are a few stars in the sky that are always brightly shining, but most of them came out to stay and light up the world and themselves for awhile; hopefully permanently. With thesis statements like "Islamic studies should be optional; " "Friends are important" and "Education is better now then in the past" and quotes written in their conclusions from Steve Jobs, The Beatles and Anais Nin, I think you can see where I am going with this. Being a part of watching the world gain that intelligence and knowing that you helped push this future intelligentsia in the right direction, it's almost as if you get a constant pat on the back.

Another colleague recently told me that "While your classroom management is quite an interesting set-up, I wish I knew my kids half as well as you do." And, this is the brilliant thing of small, international schools and being a well-traveled, wild being... With exercises like the dance of the week, personalized incentives for rewards and funky nicknames like "Sassy McGee" and "Sassafrass" to name a few, I get it. Knowing your students and what makes them laugh, work and inspired is a constant battle with a growing 9 year old... It's a constant battle with adults but the amount of new information we take in as kids makes it even more of a ride to keep them on top of it and sassy for a lack of better words.

Finally, to round up the day... A parent gave me a compliment tonight that was one of the best I have ever received. When I asked her about placement for her son next year, what kind of teacher she would want him to be with. She replied with illuminated eyes and a big smile "One like you, you're the first teacher that has gotten through to him. You push him and know when to stop. You find creative ways to do it and you make him laugh and his wit increases because of you."

To all my good teachers, I salute you.... because I wouldn't be here without your laughter, compassion and belief in me...

I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework. ~Lily Tomlin as "Edith Ann"