The last day of school is almost here. It’s become routine for me. But it hasn’t become any easier.I’ve given so much of myself to my students over the last nine months. I’ve laughed with them. I’ve cried with them. I’ve celebrated with them, and I’ve lost my patience with them. Day in; day out. Week after week for almost an entire year. Then it lurches to a sudden and grinding halt.
Seasons
As teachers, kids come and go in our lives like a revolving door. I’m about to finish my tenth year in education, so the door has been revolving for a while.
I’ve had the honor to teach about 300 students. Some come and and go like an easy breeze across a sandy beach. Some I miss. Some not as much. Some kids are quiet, and I don’t get to know them as well.
Others sink their hooks in deeply. Those are kids we’ll never forget. Those are the kids that not only enter our lives for a season, but touch our hearts for a lifetime. I’ve had a handful of students like that. I was fortunate to have one this year.
”I don’t really like to read, Mr. Stortz.”
That was one of the first conversations I had with her. Most kids don’t say things like that, and definitely not the kids that actually don’t like reading. Those kids tend to keep quiet and try to stay undetected. Telling me she didn’t like to read was like announcing a challenge. I interpreted it as “Help me find a book I’ll love!” I knew right away she was going to be something special.
She and I found several great books over the year. I got to hear her say “I love this book!” many times. Seeing her joyful turnaround was one of the best rewards I could receive.
She went from being below grade level in reading to being a full grade level above by the end of the year. She made the most growth of any student I had. But it’s not really about her reading skills.
Hearts
So much of teaching is about the relationships we forge with our students. That’s what I’m passionate about. Great teaching happens in the context of great relationships.
She is an amazing girl. Her infectious smile brought joy to my heart each day. She was a rock of responsibility. I could always count on her. Her kind heart and wonderful attitude were felt by everyone in class. She was the eye of the storm on the toughest days.
She is smart, creative, and funny. Any teacher will be blessed to have her next year. She helped me be not only a better teacher, but a better person.
I received a handmade card from her today. It absolutely melted my heart. As I read over her words, I realized just how much I was going to miss her.
”Can you come to 5th grade with us, Mr. Stortz?”
The bittersweet taste of the last day of school hangs heavily in the air. There’s excitement on some faces. But teary eyes betray the smiles of more than a few.
The music of this year is fading. The laughter is turning into echoes, and the voices are growing distant. I’ll close the blinds and turn off the lights one last time. And I’ll count myself blessed for being able to teach and learn from this very special girl.
Although she will only be in my life for a season, she has touched my heart for a lifetime.
You brought me to tears with this one. Those students who touch you for a lifetime at times seem few and far between, so you always have to be open for them. . .and then be thankful they found you.
ReplyDeleteHappy summer.
Wow! I'm very familiar with this little artist. Her smile is infectious. She gets sad every time we talk about the end of the school year. She has loved being in your class, and will miss you for sure. I'm sure she will be glad to flash you a smile each time she sees you next year. Parents could not ask for a better teacher! You could not be more correct about relationships being the right way to teach.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes you a remarkable teacher is that you recognize these things in your students. You know how we feel about you! Tami
ReplyDeleteI am the grandmother of that little Angel. Thank you for making a difference. Parents and grandparents pray for teachers such as you, and I am sure teachers pray for students like her. This is the type of teacher that kids remember into old age...I was fortunate to have a few great teachers myself.
ReplyDeleteI tear up every time I read this! I so appreciate you putting this into words. As a mother, it's always nice to hear that you might actually be doing something right! Like I have said to you multiple times, she loved having you as her teacher this year. I love that you accepted the challenge of finding the right books for her to read. I am seriously lacking in that department. She beamed every time her istation scores went up. I have no doubt that you touched her heart the same way she touched yours.
ReplyDeleteShe made that card about a week ago. She put it in an envelope and then in her folder for safe keeping. What she didn't anticipate, was her lava lamp concoction leaking in her backpack and getting your card wet. Her face was so sad when she pulled it out as she said, "Oooh no!" She laid it out to dry and determined it was still ok to give to you. So, when you look back on that piece of paper and the colored rings, you'll know a little science extravaganza spilled on it!
I couldn't be more proud of the young lady she has become. (Albeit slightly over emotional.) Thank you so much for giving her a class picture. She loved it and I'm going to frame it for her. Also thank you for teaching from the heart and not just for test scores. Faith's tears stopped flowing once I took her home today and I'm sure only a smile will cross her face as she thinks about the memories she made in 4th grade.
She is an A-MAZING kid. I'm honored to have been her teacher.
DeleteThis is absolutely beautiful, Justin. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDelete