My first year of teaching was hard.
The ones in the middle were amazing.
And then last year, I switched school districts to be closer to home and once again, it was hard.
In one of my Intensive classes, there was a young lady who was very bright, but her native language was Vietnamese and she was just learning to speak English. She worked harder than anyone else and got a 2 on her preliminary state test. She wanted a 3 (proficient). We kept working at it. I'd pull up a desk next to hers and we'd work things out that she was struggling with... and she caught on fast! She just needed clarification. English can be difficult if it's not your first language. There are a lot of tricky things to figure out.
When she took the final state test, the one that counted, she got a 3. This is a student who never did anything outside of the 'rules' and students are technically not supposed to go to other classrooms when it is not their designated class time (although they do it anyway... but she never did). The day she passed she ran into my room (when it wasn't her class time) so very happy and excited to have earned her 3.
"I did it. I got a 3!" she said, her eyes sparkling and her smile as genuine and wide as it could get. She was so happy she was practically bouncing into my room on her toes.
I get choked up months later, just thinking about it because that's how education is supposed to be. She wanted to learn and she appreciated being taught.
Fast forward to the last few weeks of school. She'd finish her work early and ask permission to crochet the last few minutes of class. Easy 'yes' from me. Every day she'd pull out her pink yarn and crochet a little. I though it was cute, not many students crochet (actually, I've never seen any crochet).
The last day of school she stayed after class, presented me with the bouquet of flowers she had been making for me, and asked to take a picture with her, me, and the flowers. Oh my...
Regardless of how the majority of the year went...there were moments... and this is one of my favorite teacher memories from any year.
'Bloom where you are planted' has never held more significance. 🌹
What a beautiful post about the joys of teaching. She was hungry to learn and you were there for her. The roses are most beautiful. She will remember you all the days of her life. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday. Hugs, my friend. ♥
She was an exceptional person and a wonderful student (and I'd have said that without the gift). :)
DeleteIt is refreshing to hear something positive about teaching, I know from friends it is very hard work, and not always rewarding.
ReplyDeleteHi Mitch. I'm sure all jobs have their moments, but you're right, teaching certainly has them too. ;)
DeleteAwww this is super sweet story. I don’t think I could be a teacher. But it would be moments like this that would make it all worth while.
ReplyDeleteI love this. Teachers are the best. This is the sweetest gift. —Amber Myers
ReplyDeleteThose are cute gifts and took time to make for sure! You are doing great, keep on!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. Teaching and learning in perfect harmony. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me happy. :) She would have flourished no matter what, I was happy to be a part of helping her do so. :)
DeleteThis is such a fantastic gift idea! I love the fact that it's handmade.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's the best part to me, that it came from the heart. Very special gift.
DeleteThis is such a lovely thing to hear - what a special gift too, those crocheted flowers are so gorgeous. It is very well deserved.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely kind hearted gift. These are so pretty and will be a lovely keepsake for years to come.
ReplyDeleteThis is so precious and homemade gifts are seriously the bwts kind. I have everything that my kids have ever made over the years as they are so special and I love that beautiful crocheted bouquet above! Any teacher will love it!
ReplyDeleteKudos to both you and your student! Clearly you are a gifted teacher who won't give up on her kids. So sweet how she showed her appreciation to you. Stephanie
ReplyDeleteBeing placed as a remedial/Intensive teacher last year, made it a tough year. A lot of apathy to try and break through. Students who cared from day #1, like this student, made it a little easier. :)
DeleteTeachers have an amazing way of shaping the next generation and making them into amazing human beings. This is such a beautiful gift to receive!
ReplyDeleteAnd students have wonderful (and sometimes surprising) ways of helping shape teachers as well. :)
DeleteWhat a lovely thoughtful gift and what an amazing teacher you are. This shows that wanting to learn and having someone to teach you does pay off
ReplyDeleteI'm sure she'll be in gifted classes once she masters the language entirely. Very bright young lady. :)
DeleteWow ~ kudos to both of you ~ so happy for you and the crochet bouqet is amazing ~ so creative ~ hugs,
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
That is a sweet and very unique gift for both of you. Im a big fan of personalized gift it makes it more memorable.
ReplyDeleteRosey, what a wonderful story about teaching to that student of yours. You made her so happy! I love this bouquet she made for you!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie. I thought of you when I put this post up. Coming over to your blog to see what you've crocheted lately!! :)
DeleteOh, that is so sweet! I love that you were able to touch her life like that. Such a sweet gift from her, too!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet! Of course, the gift is nice, but the way you made a difference in your student's life is what really touches me.
ReplyDeleteThis is why good teachers are so important. We need more teachers like you that nurture our children's spirits as much as they teach them facts.
ReplyDeleteI love this story so much! When I was growing up, I had a teacher who really got to know the students, and she made a lasting impact on me.
ReplyDeleteYour story is incredibly inspiring. It’s heartwarming to see such dedication pay off and how your support made a difference. Congratulations to both you and your student on the well-deserved success!
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ReplyDeleteLovely post, Rosey! Your summer reflections and photos are heartwarming. Thanks for sharing these beautiful memories!
What a touching story! It’s inspiring to hear about the progress of your student and the impact of your dedication. Her hard work and determination, coupled with your support, made a significant difference in her learning journey. Moments like these truly capture the essence of why education matters. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt experience—it’s a reminder of the profound effect teachers can have on their students.
ReplyDeleteThat is so pretty, Rosey!! What a beautiful gift. Handmade are always the most special ^_^
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet of her. It's true, not many people crochet or knit anymore. I think it's a pity, because it is so fun to be able to make something with your hands
ReplyDeleteThese are simply beautiful. My daughter has grown interest in crocheting and have started crochet lessons with my mother. Its a way for both of them to bond.
ReplyDeleteThis is a touching story. It’s so inspiring to see how hard work and dedication can pay off, especially for a student learning a new language. The bond between teacher and student is truly special
ReplyDeleteIt's incredible to see how much impact a dedicated teacher can have on a student's life. Your perseverance and support truly made a difference for that young lady. Her success and gratitude are testaments to your hard work and passion for teaching.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a great teacher. It is much appreciated. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteoh wow, what an amazing heartfelt gift, I love it...A handmade gift is personal and says a lot about the appreciation and love of the person gifting.
ReplyDeleteAwww. She's so sweet and you are definitely a great teacher. Thank you for making a difference in this world.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing gift and so very thoughtful.
ReplyDeleteheather hgtempaddy
Hi Rosey ... how quite delightful - and how thoughtful and kind ... brilliant ... makes us all smile - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThat’s really so sweet. I love that handmade gift.
ReplyDeleteI don't know her, obviously, but I am so proud of her achievement! You're an amazing teacher, Rosey, and I'm glad she recognized how you played a huge part in her success. What a lovely gift she gave you. I am sure you'll treasure that bouquet of flowers forever. I love this post! Thank you for sharing this beautiful moment with us!
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