Do What You Love and Love What You Do

So I was dropping a few things off at school tonight and the football team was there practicing and I saw "my boys". My heart instantly melted. For those who don't know, I had an absolutely phenomenal year last year. Like words can't even describe how good everything was. It has been said that you don't go into teaching for the money. And that is definitely true. Even though I may not have been able to survive because I wouldn't have been able to afford food, I would have taught for free last year because I felt so privileged to walk into my room everyday knowing I got to teach truly amazing kids. I wouldn't trade any amount of money for the memories and lessons that we taught each other. I created such strong bonds with so many of my students all of which was confirmed today when they were so excited to see me and their faces as well as mine lit up when we saw each other. As the daughter of two teachers, I know that there are years to remember and years to forget, but I know that this past year will be one of my absolute favorite years of all time and it was only year 2....Seriously right now, I am tearing up just thinking about all the fun we had WHILE DOING MATH!!! I know the year was good in part because of all the awesome teaching strategies and ideas I found and thought of through blogging and twitter but in all honesty it was the kids that made it so memorable (which is really what it's all about anyways) As I was thinking back on last year while driving home tonight, I realized I never blogged about the best gift I received at the end of the year. It was emotional enough already because two teacher on my team and the two biggest mentors in my teaching career were retired but then I also had to say goodbye to the amazing group of students who forever left a huge imprint on my heart and spirit. I got this note from one of my favorite girls and could not get through the entire thing without bawling my eyes out in front of her (I called her Elf because she was always in helping me after school and she in turn called me Santa...see the top of the note) I have since framed this and it is now sitting on my desk for me to look at every day and remember why I became a teacher and that no matter what the state or nation demands of us or what test scores say, I am making a difference and I love my job! (Hopefully I still won't tear up when I look at it this next year!) As I look forward to the new school year starting a week from today I am eager to meet my new group of student who I will eventually call my kids and with whom I am sure I will form new bonds. But one of the things I am most excited about is being able to see this group of crazy kids again. They will forever and always be MY KIDS and I will cherish the memories we have of their 7th grade math class. Even if I won't have them in class, I will definitely hold them to the promises they made about coming and visiting me as much as possible!