Friday, June 22, 2012

Thoughts from a teacher.


On my last day of classes at the studio, I received this beautiful bouquet of flowers from a student. 
I adore the brown paper wrapping and sweeping, pink bow around the stems. 
Other gifts I received included a package of chocolates and a gift certificate for a full body massage. 

I almost cried.

This year, I decided to give a small note of encouragement to each student before summer break.
When other teachers saw this, they gasped and asked:
"Are you leaving?!"
"Are you dying?!"
I laughed. 
No, I just wanted to remind my students that I love them.
I see potential in each of them and I wanted them to know it.

That's why receiving gifts like these from students reminds me of why I teach:
Students, even the smallest ones, recognize a teacher who cares.

As a teacher, I feel I should do the same.


23 comments:

megan lane said...

:) you are an amazing lady. God's presence is so evident in your life.

Have a happy weekend!

Hollie said...

so sweet. please don't die! :]

Alexa said...

Wonderful idea...their reaction was so cute. And your gift is lovely!

Amy Shaughnessy said...

I love stumbling upon other dancer blogs! I teach dance at a studio in my town (jazz and tap). Do you teach ballet? That is so sweet that your student gave you a certificate for a massage! Wow!

Amy

Fashion and Beauty Finds

VintageDanielle said...

That is so sweet, you must have really had an impression on that student. I would have love to have a teacher like you :)

Anna said...

How wonderful! :) I agree, you can tell when a teacher truly cares about their students!

Jessica Havican said...

The main reason I decided to pursue my degree in elementary education was because i wanted to be one more person in each of my student's corners rooting for them to succeed. It's important to have not only positive role models, but someone helping us believe in ourselves! I'm sure you deserved those beautiful flowers! Those students are blessed to have you.

Blond Duck said...

You're so sweet! I suck at teaching.

Congrats on your new book!

Stephanie said...

This is so very sweet. I'm sure they will all treasure they're little notes. I know I saved things like that when I was growing up.

Rachael {All Things Beautiful} said...

So sweet of you. They will remember that forever! My sis is a 1st grade teacher and she always does sweet things for them and them come back years later to tell her how much they miss her.

Wendy said...

This is great! Good karma all the way around. :)

thais said...

I'm with wendy above ;) be good and get good. I am pretty sure you're the sweetest teacher ever. have a great weekend !!

Lena at A Crimson Kiss said...

This is so beautiful–encouragement like that simply can't be replaced or substituted with anything else.

{be merry} kate said...

Those flowers are absolutely beautiful! I always felt extra special when I got a note from a teacher. I lived in a super small town and most of my elementary school teacher's were family friends of ours, but it really truly made such an impact on me when I got something sweet from the teach! I'm sure you made all of their days by it!

xoxo

Melisande said...

so sweet! i still remember the teachers and coaches i had who went the extra mile to make me feel loved and appreciated.

Cafe Fashionista said...

I love your gesture, Tiffany! I used to tutor first graders in reading, and I would always give them small gifts - such as stickers or little notes as encouragement. It always thrilled them to no end. It's amazing how just the tiniest thing can inspire someone.

P.S. Those flowers are divine! :)

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

I'll bet you're one of those teachers that students remember years and years afterwards.

Krystal said...

you must be the best teacher ever!!

leslie.conner said...

So wonderful! What sweet students and what a sweet teacher you are! I haven't taught in a studio since July 2011... I had taught for 7 years up to then! I miss it so much. Teaching kids is so rewarding!!!

Val said...

How wonderfully beautiful.

Meri said...

Once in awhile, when somebody expresses appreciation all of a sudden we remember why we work so hard! Good for you!

Katie said...

I have loved every single post from last week (and just read them all at once).

I'm saving this one for when I have my own bunch of students someday. I cannot wait.

drollgirl said...

those kids are so lucky to have you! having a teacher that cares makes all the difference in the world.

sniff. thanks for making me tear up.