Parents

Happy Father's Day, everyone.  I had a great encounter yesterday that I thought I'd share.  I was in a Rite-Aid drug store and a couple stopped me and said that they recognized me.  I thought "okay" and was wondering from where.  It turns out their daughter is in my "anchor class" as well as one of my sophomore English classes.  Now, I'll admit that I have my share of students who aren't connected as much as I'd like them to be with my classes, we all do.  But these parents thanked me profusely for the effect that I have had on her, and said that I was her favorite teacher.  They were literally beaming with smiles as they told me this and then apologized for taking my time and went on their way.  What a wonderful encounter.  It made me think of how parents really do appreciate anyone who can make school or an activity interesting and exciting for their child, anyone who can have a positive effect.  I have recently become a father of sorts to three wonderful children (our plan is to marry next summer) and after many years as an outsider to this parent/child dynamic I am beginning to see things as a little bit more of an insider.  I will always try to remember to not take teachers for granted that have a positive effect on my children, and remember to say something to them.  Teachers tend to work in isolation, and getting feedback from a student can be rare. Positive feedback from a parent can also be rare, but it is appreciated and serves not only as validation, but fuel for the energy needed to teach (especially in these tough last few weeks of school).