Dear Mom,

What do you mean you can’t leave school at 3:00 like me? What do you mean you have school work to do after dinner? I am the student! Shouldn’t that be my job?

Oh that’s right! I forgot! You’re a teacher! You don’t work an 8-3 job, you’re a teacher 24/7. Most people don’t realize that though, do they? They don’t know that you leave home an hour and a half before school starts to get your daily assignments ready, write your morning message to your students on the white board, and prep anything else you might need throughout the day. Most people also don’t realize that you stay at school for almost an hour longer than you need to on most days so that you can pick up from the day and get ready to rinse and repeat for tomorrow. People don’t know that you and I sit down to do our homework together and often make bets on who will finish first.

I honestly felt guilty when I would finish and be in bed before you. From correcting assignments to writing progress report notes, it seems like you are always doing something. I have had hundreds of brothers and sisters thanks to you. This is because when those students are in your class, they receive just as much love and attention as you show for me; which is a lot by the way! I know you consider them all “your kids” and I think that proves how dedicated you are to your job. They are so lucky to have a teacher who cares and goes above and beyond what is asked of her just to make their educational experience the best it can be. I'm sure if you ask any of them, they will all say you were "their favorite third grade teacher." Wouldn't they?

I have a much better understanding of what I put my teachers through when I was in elementary school, thanks to you. I have so much more respect for teachers and educators who dedicate so much of their lives to their students. You pushed me when I was younger to only submit my best work, and I truly thank you for what that taught me. I now have a better understanding of how the education system works and why I should invest so much of my time into it.

I remember having to fix my “M” when I wrote my name on my papers because it was a capital letter and it needed to be bigger than the rest of the letters in my name. You would make me erase certain parts of my homework if it was messy or illegible. At the time I would get extremely annoyed and frustrated because I just wanted to be done with homework, but I thank you now for molding me into a competent, hardworking student. Your crazy study tricks and pneumonic devices are what got me through, and what continue to get me through studying. Without your help, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be the student I am today.

Thank you for your motivation and support through the years. You really are the person who got me to where I am today and for that I am forever in your debt. I know I sometimes complain when you are constantly doing school work, but I know that you are doing what’s best for your other “kids.” I now see what you are capable of as a teacher because you have instilled those same lessons and values you teach in the classroom, into me. Your students are lucky to have you and I’m sure they will miss you next year. Summer vacation is almost here so enjoy your last little bit with those kids. After June you will have the summer off to rest and relax with no school work to deal with. Oh wait, yes no you won't. You will have curriculums and workshops at the end of June and into July. Then once August comes, you’ll basically live in your classroom getting it ready for the next year. I forgot you don’t have your summers off either, because I just remembered, you’re a teacher!

Love,

Your favorite student