It's me again, your kid's high school teacher

[Anonymous]

It's the end of third quarter and I can't believe it. Holy shit, are you aware of how much your kid has grown this year? I can't believe these are the same kids I saw on day one back in August.

This is a tough quarter for them- high stakes tests, big projects, and the point where they are realizing that honors or higher level course was actually going to require work and they couldn't coast and game it. I'm not mad or disappointed about their grade though they might think I am. It's a good lesson to learn and it's character building. If their grade is good, I am also proud of them, but please know either way if someone asks me about your child, I can name 10 things about them before I ever come close to considering the number in their grade book.

I had actual tears yesterday, angst over grades, competing versions of the story of a recent friendship end. I had a bunch of squirrelly teenagers ready for a long weekend. I assigned a fun assignment, came armed with Dollar Tree prizes, and laughed my face off all day long at what they turned in and how hard they were competing for a silly Dollar Tree gold trophy. How are they so funny? I hope you notice too how hysterical they are. They will never ever be this funny and delightful again. I wish I could bottle it up to give them at graduation so they could see how hilarious and beautiful and terrible and wonderful they are in this time of life.

At the end of the day I sat on a stool and a crowd of them flocked to me and surrounded me and I just talked to them and enjoyed them and these are the moments I love as a teacher when they shrug off the weight of school and life and let you see them as a real kid. They only do this when they feel safe and cared for and teenagers will make you earn that trust, but when you do, its indelible. I love this about them. They don't give an inch that hasn't been hard won. I wish they held those exacting standards in all facets of their life.

They are never more alive than they are in the spring when it starts to get warm and the world feels full of possibility. I watch them in awe at all the good and bad that life still has prepared for them, how they're right on the edge of everything they'll ever experience and who they'll become. Sometimes I see them in the hall laughing with their friends, carrying giant backpacks, knowing they'll go home later and do some homework and have dinner with their family and be relaxed in their bedroom in their home and I wish so much they could just stay that way forever, or have any idea in the moment how precious that time is. Enjoy it with them. (I know you do.)

Your kids are the coolest people on earth. I know they give you heartburn. I know they stress you out and drive you crazy. When I talk to you on the phone you're so clearly worried about them and whether you've done it right; I can hear it in your voice and suspect you think I'm judging you. You try to sell me your kids sometimes not knowing how much I'm already invested in them. Please know that I'm not, even if I'm calling because your kid cheated on an assignment or is currently failing. We're on the same team. When they're at school, I am standing in as their guiding and loving parental figure. I want the best for them too. Even when they mess up, I still see above all the millions of good things about them. Your kids are good people. They are good and for a little while they were mine and I was so lucky to have them.

They're just about ready to leave my nest. One quarter to go. This must be how it feels to be you, as the parents of teens- so proud of who they're becoming and that they're one step closer to the end of childhood and what comes next... but already aching a little with nostalgia for "right now." I call them "my kids" because they are, and if they are ever my kid, they're a "my kid" forever. This is, like parenting, the beauty of it and the pain of it. I love to watch them grow and go.. but man I hate when they leave.

[Anonymous]

Tears OP, tears! Needed this, thanks.

[Anonymous]

Yes, these need to go in a book someday hopefully you’re out yourself.

[Anonymous]

OP, where do you teach?

[Anonymous]

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I hope you're one of my kid's teachers! You sound like such a wonderful person. Thank you for being there for so many kids. I'm sure you've made a difference in quite a few of their lives. Now, off to go find a tissue!

[Anonymous]

I have a neighbor who teaches middle school who has that same love and heart for middle schoolers. She just appreciates their humor and energy and personalities. Hanging out with her is what got me through my kids middle school years. OP you have a special and rare gift. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Anonymous]

Thank you OP. My youngest is about to go to college. I am cherishing this time more than ever. My babies are grown up so much! I will actually miss DD telling me that other girls were mean, that this boy said this, this boy is cute and going to drive her friend home from after school work because her mom can't get her yet. I will miss even going to loud gymnastics and cheer-leading competitions, and football games that I couldn't stomach freshman year!

[Anonymous]

Thanks, OP. So glad to know that there are amazing teachers caring so much for our kids! <3

[Anonymous]

perfect timing-tough morning. thanks!

[Anonymous]

Send this in as an opinion piece! Or perhaps a ted talk?

Thanks for being an amazing teacher.

[Anonymous]

Op, thank you! Just beautiful. I am blessed to have had teachers like you in my life as are my children. I make it a date to have coffee at a coffee shop several times a week with my high schoolers after school and I sit there and soak in their silliness in sharing their weeks, it goes too fast.

[Anonymous]

Mom to two teens here, and thank you so much for this, OP. As a parent who tries very hard to never bug teachers, I feel like I don't know them that well, so I can project this warmth onto all my kids' teachers! I might just share it with my boys.

[Anonymous]

I love you

[Anonymous]

OP-

I believe you work at my daughter's school and you are amazing! You are my favorite!

Sincerely,

Grateful Parent