Teacher appreciation

Today I attended a meeting at our school district's office and happened to sit next to the mother of one of my former students. I didn't realize who she was until she introduced herself. I recognized the mother's name and immediately remembered her daughter. I then also realized she was a member of our district's school board, which I hadn't known before. As we chatted about her daughter, I was thrilled to hear she was doing well at the high school. As an eighth-grade teacher, I always wonder what happens to the kids once they get to high school. The mother proceeded to tell me how much her daughter had liked my class and had chosen to take Honors English. She also disclosed how many students were struggling in the difficult class, but she felt her daughter was doing so well because I had taught her to be a good writer. Hearing that made me feel more appreciated than any gift. To all the teachers out there, you are valued and respected. Happy teacher appreciation week!