My Dearest Students,
Today I am writing this letter addressed to each of you to inform you about the impression you have made on me. This uproar with school closing for the rest of the year has made me reflect on the part each of you played during my first year as a teacher in the public school system. I am deeply saddened by the thought of not finishing up our year together. Why you may ask? Well, there are so many reasons!
Like all of you, this is my first year in middle school. We got to share the many different emotions during this experience. For you, the pressure of middle school responsibilities and myself, the pressure of being the best teacher I could be for you! I can honestly say that because of you, my first year has been incredible! I enjoyed helping you understand the content and writing essays. I loved learning about what makes you unique and special.
I am surrounded by such a great group of students! The support you give me every day makes adult challenges worth the while! I wake up each day knowing that I spend the next 8 hours with amazing people. That's what you are... young people. I never viewed my students with the intention of being your superior to dictate. I view you as people who deserve the same respect that I deserve. While some students needed assurance, I never gave up on you! For that, we have a classroom environment based on mutual trust. You hold me accountable for following through with my promises, such as stocking the gray bin with Takis or having some choice time on Fridays. I hold you accountable for completing work to your best ability and to be a good citizen in our school.
All of these reasons are why I am so grateful to have each one of you as my student during my first year! You set the bar high. You make me feel like I am doing the right thing and that I am in the right profession because I have the gift or ability to make a difference! You are my reason!
You all should be very proud of yourselves for all you have accomplished so far! Each of you holds so many special qualities and I am lucky enough to have learned that, so I could make teaching ELA fun, engaging, motivating and challenging! I really do hope that we can get back to school at some point and end the year with a better goodbye!
