Good Better Best
Please excuse Temple of Me for his absence as he was Ill.
That was how my mother wrote my absence slips in elementary school. I'm sorry I missed Teacher's Appreciation Day and I know this is late...
1) You taught me that it was possible to break the rules. Dick and Jane didn't challenge me and neither did you when I wandered from the library first grade readers area into the book stacks. I discovered the world was huge. I still haven't left those stacks.2) You taught me that "Good. Better. Best. Never let it t rest until your good is better and your better is best." You had confidence that I could handle the play lead, but I didn't and asked to be the non-speaking palace guard. You waited until the day before the play to let me know the guards wore "leotards." Smart move. During the play I remembered every line though I didn't say a word. And the audience didn't look so scary. I learned never to settle again for guarding the palace when I could be king.
3) You had no idea what kind of hell I had at home, but you knew there had to be a reason I just stopped talking in class. As the school counselor you gave me the time just to sit alone and feel safe.
4) You taught me to never again blindly believe in authority. It was years before I found out the real reason I could do nothing right in your eyes. You were my teacher, but you were merely human.
5) "Any querstions?" You taught me that humor was an acceptable teaching tool.
6) "Dag Nab It" You became my father substitute. When I was six I wanted Dick Van Dyke to be my dad. When I was 12 I wanted someone just like you. I learned how to change a tire in your class. I learned how to fit in by standing out. I learned that no matter how hot it was in class you were hotter because you wore a tie. You led by example. You patiently explained that I had not discovered an error in the state constitution, but let me debate the point until I understood. You made school interesting. So much so that when I reached eighth grade I practically begged to be put in your new class. And when I graduated high school I made sure I had an invitation for the teacher most responsible for helping me get there.Thank you for coming.
That's just elementary school. You may not realize the ripples of your work, but each day my life is guided by what you taught me. When you're wondering why swimming against the current and the kids don't care anymore, think that 30 years later a student will remember the little things you did that altered his life. Teachers built my life one fact, one hug, one challenge at a time. Thank you.
