I am a teacher, and as my fellow teachers know, our job is often a thankless job. This is especially true if one teaches at an alternative school such as I do. These kids have been expelled from their traditional school for one reason or the other, usually a violent reason, and are forced to attend our school. Most of them see it as 'jail school,' though if they had attended the actual jail school which I taught at, they'd beg to differ.
Anywho, I digress.
This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, though no one but teachers knows this fact. My favorite student (I know..you're not supposed to have favorites, but face it, we all do....especially in my setting where I have only a few to choose from) apparently found this fact out recently, and she brought all of us gifts today. First, there was a card. It reads: "Couldn't have done it without you...Thanks for all your help." Then she wrote "Mrs. _____, Never would I ever think I would encounter a wonderful, devoted to her work, beautiful teacher! I want you to know how much I truly appreciate and thank you for everything you have done for me. You helped me realize what I really can accomplish and achieve!" Inside the gift bag was a manicure set, a set of nail polishes to do french manicures, and a picture frame that says #1 teacher on it. She told me "I wanted to buy everyone picture frames, but they all said #1 Teacher, and well, you're my only #1." How awesome is that? Good thing I'm not
PMSing. I'd have bawled.
So later in that same period, another girl in the class noticed that someone had bought me a gift. She asked what it was, so I explained what it was and for what reason. Let me first describe this young lady. She is one of only 5 white girls in the afternoon classes, so already the odds are against her. Then, she's very goth. Double whammy. I personally think she's great She is so dry, and she cracks me up on a daily basis. After I explain everything, she grows upset that she didn't know it was Teacher Appreciation Week. She says something like "So I bet you expect something from me now, huh?" I tell her no, I do not. I told it was sweet that the other girl bought me a present, but that I expected nothing. Now, fast forward to release time. I escort all students out of the building and onto the buses. As I come down the stairwell, I see her waiting there with something in her hand. She shoves a Dr. Pepper in my hand and hands me this hand-made card. On the front is a picture of a sun and a cut out flower and it says "Happy Teacher Appreciation Week" It was really well done, actually. On the inside is taped a mint, a picture of a tree is drawn, and it says "I hope your f_____g happy. Byes." I laughed so hard that I didn't even see the wrong your until about ten minutes later (note: this is a huge deal for me since I am an anal English teacher). Some teachers would have been appalled at this card, but I will cherish it forever. I showed other teachers, and when they found out who had made it, they all laughed and said, "That's so great. It's so her."
Though I have a thankless job, and there are many times I want to squeeze my kids until their heads pop off, there are moments when everything is clear. Today I had two of those moments. Today I was reminded exactly why I get up every day and return to the same school with the same defiant kids. I have reached through to at least two of my students. I have broken through their tough exterior and really, truly helped them. That's all any teacher could ask for.
