If you'll let me...

Teachers are not out to "get" your kids. I promise. Now, I'm not saying there aren't a few bad apples out there. All you have to do is watch the news to see this. But for the 99 percent, we are there because we have something we really believe in- making a difference. Leaving the planet a better place than we found it. 

You can say "Oh, most people just do it for the vacations." And I will tell you how incredibly ridiculous that claim is. Those weeks off in June in July- or those track outs spread throughout the year- are in NO WAY compensation for what we do every day. 

I'm not saying we have the hardest job. I can't imagine being a doctor and holding human life in my own hands. I can't imagine running a large company and being responsible for the well being of my employees and their families. What I am saying, is that we work hard for what we earn. We work on and off the clock. We spend our own money to make things happen in our classroom. We work after hours at home. We work early mornings before the bell rings. We think about our classrooms before we fall asleep at night, while we are cooking dinner, while we are grocery shopping, and while we are struggling to pay our bills. 

Teaching is more than just a job. For most, it's something that we take with us. For most, it's something we struggle to find a balance with. For most, it's something we take very personally. 

When my students succeed, I succeed. When my students fail, I fail. 

I've been known to cry at each event- in equal measure. 

We bandage knees and give hugs. We give discipline and teach self control. We worry about their self confidence. We teach them it's ok to make mistakes and that the only failure is giving up. And sometimes, we do the one thing that drives parents and students alike CRAZY.....

WE SAY NO.

Every day I use my experience and education to try and make the best decisions for each child in my room.  I am human. I make mistakes. Sometimes I speak too sharply, and too quickly. But please rest assured I do my very best to make sure that those times are the exception- not the rule. Be kind and forgive me if I forget something. For though I understand that I am taking care of your baby you must understand that I am taking care of one of my 21 babies- and each and every one deserves my attention. My UNDIVDED attention at that.

I can think of few professions where so many people outside the profession seek to tell us how to run our days and our classrooms. The most important ingredient for success- TRUST.

Advocate for your child, always, for this is your job. But please, I beg, trust me. Give me the benefit of the doubt. Work WITH me. Ask questions and listen- and I will listen in return. Allow me to try to use what I know to help your child grow. Give me time. For, I promise, we will get much farther working together than we will struggling against each other.

I do not go to work to answer e-mails, chart data, write behavior reports, and file papers. I go to work because I believe that I was born to do this. Because I believe that I can teach, challenge, and love your child right on into the next grade. I believe that I can teach your child a whole lot and I believe your child can teach me even more.

If you'll let me.