A Parent Approached Me Yesterday…
Yesterday, a parent approached me and shared that her daughter is turning 13. For her birthday, they’re collecting 13 letters from 13 of her favorite people.
Then she told me something I’ll never forget… her daughter says that I am one of those 13 people and that she still always talks about me - 8 years later. I taught her in kindergarten.
The crazy part? She had no idea what she was walking into as a little kindergartner… and honestly, neither did I. It was my very first year teaching.
Now fast forward 8 years into my career - during what has honestly been one of the most mentally draining school years -and being approached with something like this? It hit me harder than I can put into words.
It wasn’t a Teacher Appreciation gift… but somehow, it meant even more.
This is why I teach.
For the kids. For the memories. For the moments that remind you why you started.
If a teacher ever made a lasting impact on your life, tell them. Trust me… they remember more than you think ❤️
If you’re a teacher, comment a memory you have and hashtag #WhyITeach to start this trend. We need to spread the positivity about teaching. 🫶
#teachertok #phototrend #teacherappreciation #creatorsearchinsights
Reflecting on my own experiences as a teacher, I can truly relate to the emotions shared in this story. Teaching, especially in those early years, can feel overwhelming and even draining at times. Yet, moments like receiving heartfelt acknowledgment from former students remind us why we chose this path. When a child grows up and still holds a positive memory from your classroom, it is an incredible gift beyond any formal appreciation. I remember one of my first students who wrote me a thank you note years after graduating, telling me how a simple lesson or kind word helped shape their confidence. It’s these small but powerful connections that fuel our passion to teach. From the nervous first day of kindergarten to the milestone of turning thirteen, kids evolve, but the impact their educators have can remain a constant source of encouragement. The birthday letter described in this article beautifully captures the encouragement we hope to instill in our students: kindness, courage, and a unique spark that will carry them forward. It’s a reminder that we are not just teaching academics but nurturing future adults who face challenges with resilience. For teachers feeling mentally exhausted, stories like this offer hope and a renewed sense of purpose, that even in the toughest years, the influence we leave behind truly matters. If you’re a teacher, sharing your memories and using hashtags like #WhyITeach can help spread positivity and remind others of the deep, meaningful impact educators have on their communities. For anyone inspired by a teacher’s influence, reaching out to say thanks can make a profound difference—not only for the teacher but also as encouragement to continue making a difference every day.