an open letter to the teacher
Answers
There is a saying that goes that, “A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart.” I would like to show my gratitude and dedicate this open letter to every teacher that has guided me along the way and without whom, I would not be here today.
Born and raised by two teachers, I have been taught to respect educational practitioners and naturally I grew to admire them. For every teacher that I have met along the way, they never ceased to amaze me and earn my respect.
Admittedly, I have never been a remarkable or a super outstanding student in the class. Given my shy and introverted nature, I walk through school invisible, unnoticed and unrecognised. I would prefer being wrongly pointed at rather than having to explain for myself. Nevertheless, when I was struggling and found it hard to communicate with people, I would like to thank you for always coming to my rescue. Thank you for seeing beyond my academic performance. Thank you for picking me up when I am at my lowest point, and thank you for reminding me that every step that I am making will be worth taking.
Teaching is not an easy job, especially when you also have to tolerate a bunch of bratty students. It never fails to amaze me that you have chosen a profession that requires you to put countless others before yourself . To you, being a teacher is more than just checking the students’ homework. You would offer encouragement while constantly reminding them that everything takes time. You would scold them to work hard though it never fails to make you feel proud seeing your students’ achievements. Truthfully, you would do this to every student but it still makes me feel like I am your special student.
I can never feel grateful enough for every single hug, smile, piece of advice, and vote of encouragement. I wish I could tell you more on how grateful I am for your presence during my academic journey and how much your devotion meant to me. You were never “just a teacher.” In fact, your presence has motivated me enough to stick through the hardest days of school, and prove that it would be worth all the struggles . You have forever cemented a place in my heart that can never be replaced. I should have told you all of this every day, but I just assumed you knew.
With Love,
Your student
Dear teachers everywhere,
You have the most exciting, fulfilling, exhausting, overwhelming, incredible job that exists today.
That’s a bold statement, yes. But you do. When you’re in the classroom, you put everything going on in your own life on hold so that you can be present, so that you can nurture the minds and hearts that are depending on you. When you’re out of the classroom, you continue to think of those faces. You’re a teacher, 25 hours a day, 8 days a week, 366 days a year. Before and after bells ring you work long hours grading, planning, developing curriculum, meeting with parents, collaborating with colleagues, counseling and coaching students, looking for funding for clubs and innovative projects, and much more.
You’re a keeper of knowledge. A guardian of emotions. A selfless nurturer of the human spirit. An architect of confidence. A life raft for when the going gets rough, as it invariably does. You’re a source of trust, reliability, and hope.
Imagine what your students might become one day: oncologists, mechanical engineers, children’s book authors, CEOs, CFOs, sports coaches, volunteers, artists, and a bunch of other roles that don’t even yet exist. You know that part of your purpose is to prepare others to find theirs. And while it’s thrilling to think about and know that you played a hand in their future, you’re also the person who helps them get through each day and keeps them coming back for more.