Teacher of the Year

Dear Jack,

I know most of the time I write all about you, but today I have something that is really all about me.

My school chose me as "Teacher of the Year" this year. I guess in the grand scheme of things it's not that big of a deal... it wasn't like I was Teacher of the Year for the whole district, just my little elementary school. It's not the Nobel prize or the Heisman or anything like that.

But it's a really big deal to me.

I work very hard to be a good teacher and a lot of days, I'm afraid that I have taken something away from you and your sister and your dad and given it away to my students and my colleagues. I hate that.

But I don't know how to be a good teacher, much less an excellent one, without giving up at least a little something of myself.

So it was very important to me to know that a) I have become a good teacher, maybe even an excellent one, and that b) my peers acknowledge it.

It also felt really good to be in the company of so many wonderful teachers from Georgetown.

The district held a very nice luncheon for all of us and my principal, Nancy Bottlinger and superintendent, Mr. Joe Dan Lee were there.

Then tonight, at the board meeting, all of the teachers of the year were recognized again. You and your sister both stood there with me at different times and it made me so very proud to be there in front of you both and your dad.

I give a lot to my students and really, I believe that what I give makes a difference for them. But I also do it for you and your sister, to show you that anything worth doing is worth doing well, to show you that giving to others makes you a better person, to show you that every child should have the opportunities that you have.

And tonight, even though you won't remember it, I had the chance to prove to my entire family that what I give to my school is not only something of value, but that others can see the value.

So the next time I come home and am too tired to play, or have held some other little boy for so long that I need my personal space back to myself before I can hold you, I hope to feel a little less guilty.

I am the Teacher of the Year. I guess that means I am doing something right.

Love,
Mom