“My inspiration”

I decided to write to my 8th grade math teacher and let her know that she inspired me to become an 8th grade math teacher myself. Here is the letter I wrote along with the response I got back. I printed it out and keep it in my classroom. It honestly made my day. I keep the email in my "positive emails" folder and re-read it whenever I'm having a bad day :)

Ms. K
I am not sure if you remember me, but I had you as an 8th grade Algebra
teacher at Marshall Middle School (1998-1999) I have been meaning to get
ahold of you to let you know the impact you had on me as a student in your
class. I knew that I wanted to become a teacher when I was in first
grade; however, it wasn't until 8th grade that I knew that I wanted to be
an 8th grade math teacher. Your positive energy and passion for the
subject contributed to this. You explained things in a way that made math
easy and had classroom management that kept all of us 8th graders in line
(which I now know can be hard to do!)

After high school I went on to UW-Milwaukee and got my degree in
elementary education with a minor in math and social studies. I am now an
8th grade math teacher in Milton, WI! I couldn't be happier with where
I'm at and I have you to thank for inspiring me.

You were a wonderful teacher...Thanks for all that you did for me! :) I
hope all is well. Have a wonderful school year!

Thank you,

Ashley

HI Ashley~

I can't tell you how great it is to hear from you. Remember you??? OF COURSE I remember you! You were in the last class that I taught at Marshall. I can't believe you are already out of college...and for over a year!!! How did that happen?? I am pretty sure that I haven't gotten older...hahaha! I am still teaching in SP...and have been since I left Marshall. I teach 8th gr math/algebra and am the head varsity volleyball coach at the high school.

Getting your email made my day. Thank you for your kind words...they mean the world to me. I think that is the biggest thing you always question..."was anyone listening??"...hahaha! Thank you for listening. I absolutely love teaching...8th graders are a hoot! I am sure you are experiencing all the fun that I am. You now see it from the other side...pretty crazy isn't it.

My dad was a teacher for 35 years and I want to share something with you that he told me when I was first starting out. His words..."Teaching is a great job...it can be the most rewarding thing you ever do with your life. It isn't a job...call it school, not work. If it is work, you are not in it for the right reason. It is very easy to get caught up in the complaining...be careful you don't get sucked in to the 'teachers lounge' negativity. Every day...whether it is on your drive home, while you are eating dinner, whenever...think of something positive about your day. Focus on that. Take a moment to really appreciate it and remember it. It is not always easy...some days your good thing may be lunch...so always pack a good one just in case :). If there comes a day where you can't find a positive...then you are in the wrong profession." Those are the words of advice from my dad. I have taken his advice...and I keep a journal for each year that I teach. I make sure that I write my positive down each day. It makes it more real to me. So...I went in to an old box and found my journal from 1998-99. I want you to know that on November 12th...my entry was..."Ashley Sullivan came in to class today so positive...she was actually excited to be doing math...what a great kid. Her smile made my day."

So..THANK YOU Ashley for being positive not only on Tuesday when you sent your email...but back in 1998 as well. I am so proud of you Ashley. Please keep in touch...I would love to hear from you some time. Take care!

Love~
TJ

I would highly suggest that everyone take the time to do this. It was wonderful to make the connection with the person who had a major impact on my life.

:)