In my estimation, I have been taught by at least 100 teachers, coaches and professors by this point in my life. That number doesn’t even include the numerous dance instructors, piano teachers, pastors, youth directors and other important mentors from whom I have learned over the years.

As I get closer to my semester of student teaching, I find myself reflecting on all of these people who have influenced me and helped shape me into the person I am today. I wish I could go back and thank them all for everything they did for me, but the distance of both time and space make that a difficult task, so an open letter will have to do.

To every teacher who has ever taught me, thank you.

The more I learn about how to be a teacher, the more I realize just how much you did for me on a daily basis. Teaching can be so rewarding, but it takes a lot of time and passion and sometimes even frustration to get to that point. So much goes into planning lessons, building relationships and caring for the needs of every individual student, but a lot of that love and commitment often goes unseen or unrecognized.

Growing up, I always looked up to you. Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher, just like you. You saw that and encouraged me. You let me create a lesson to teach to my little brother’s class in elementary school, you were a role model to me in middle school and you gave me valuable advice in high school as I started looking at teacher education programs and applying to colleges to make my dreams a reality.

There were times when I was so frustrated and couldn’t understand why you would assign an outline of such a long chapter, make me slog through that dense reading or be so particular when grading essay responses on that intimidatingly big test.

Looking back, I realize you just had high expectations and believed in my ability to live up to them. You would not accept anything less than my best, and I grew so much because of that. Those growing pains weren’t always so fun, but I am much more prepared for the real world because of them. You helped me develop vital skills like organization, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management and communication that have served me well.

I am going out into the real world well-prepared, and that is all thanks to the example you set and the encouragement you gave me.

You went out of your way to create learning experiences for me and my peers, and I continue to draw from those lessons, even today. Through everything, from giving us a chance to get involved with school news or setting up a Skype interview with the author of our book, you went above and beyond to make sure we had plenty of opportunities to learn from our experiences and construct our own informed understanding of the world around us.

The list of things you have done for me could go on and on, but at the end of the day, I just want you to know I appreciate the role you have played in my life. Even though I don’t always say it, I am so thankful for the example you have provided for me, both academically and social. I only hope I can go on to fill that role in my own students’ lives with as much grace and poise as you.

Thank you,

Your grateful, former student.