Seriously. I might have to retire after this year because I'm simply convinced they can't be THIS AMAZING every year.
At parent teacher conferences a few weeks ago, I was talking to my parents about how they felt the year was going so far. One parent's comments really stood out to me. They told me, "This is the first year (child's name) has liked school. They actually are excited every day. They have never liked school in the past."
Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed by meeting standards, new technology, grading, etc. I think about what teaching is really all about. It's about that comment from my parent. It's about getting kids excited to come to school. It's about seeing them love a new subject, discover a new passion, and feel confident in themselves. It's like that quote I always see on Pinterest...they never forget how you made them feel.
Last week we took a field trip to a local park reservation to do some team-building. After we posed for some class pictures, one of my students called for my class to "huddle up." Then, he asked everyone to put their hands in the middle and as a class they shouted,"1...2...3...TEAM TACKETT!" I stood there, overcome with emotion and love for these kids. They truly want to learn every day...and that is what it's all about. It's not about the test deadlines, the paperwork for the office, or the assessment you need to finish by tomorrow. It's about building those connections with kids.