Day of the Teacher

Everyone remembers their favorite teachers, even though for many of us that time in school was so very long ago!  For me one of my most special teachers was Mrs. Neuman, my fifth grade teacher at Rancho Romero School.  She was one of those gruff on the exterior but so kind and caring on the inside teachers, and she pushed me to excel and to reach my full potential.  I remember my mom insisting that Mrs. Neuman come over for lunch one day, and even though my friends all called me a teacher's pet for weeks afterwards, I still was more than willing to withstand the teasing to be in the presence of such a supportive and loving teacher.  I always did my best work for her, and never wanted to disappoint her.  She was able to get us all excited about learning, and this passion led us to produce results that otherwise would not have been possible.  I also sat next to a little curly haired girl named Gwen in that class, who is now my wife, so that could have something to do with that being a magical time in my life as well!

So the "Day of the Teacher" is really the year of the teacher, and the contributions you make and the impact you all have on your students can last a lifetime.  Never underestimate the power you have to change the life of a student.  One word, one look, one hug can make all the difference in the world to a child, and you never know when a kindness or a supportive thing you did and never even realized it had a dramatic effect on one of your students.  You are all working so hard and very long hours, and have so many challenges and expectations to meet these days, but I hope you remember how important you are in the life of a child and that there is no other job that can have the same impact as yours does. 

On behalf of all of the children who never had the opportunity to tell you,  THANK YOU  for all you do and for the positive influence you have on your students.  You should be so proud to call yourself a teacher!!

-Jim