The English Diva

As I sit at my desk in the middle of week two with students for the 2018-2019 school year -- the start of my 19th year in this career -- I reflect on who and what I am as a teacher. Some of these things may seem simple and basic to the teaching profession. Teachers with a passion for their content and their profession project that onto their students who will, invariably, have more passion for their own work; teachers who set expectations and consistently enforce them will have students who rise to meet -- and often exceed -- those expectations; and teachers who show their students they care by being accessible to them when assignments (or life) gets tough form lasting relationships that will not only translate well in the classroom but will often build student confidence in their abilities to continue their march toward higher learning and adulthood. Unfortunately, I often hear stories from students who have had experiences with teachers who do not celebrate their successes, big ...

As I wrap up another year of teaching, I sit here in reflection of the goings-on in Room 211 this year. With the exception of six seniors, every individual of the class of 2018 spent at least one semester in this classroom. While I came to know a few better than others, this class has been an interesting bunch, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't going to miss them, especially my second period AP Literature students who had to put up with me for both semesters. At the end of the year, I have my AP students write three letters: one to their parents (which I mail out two days prior to graduation), one to a high school teacher who has had a positive impact on them (and while I LOVE getting these letters, they do not have to write one to me), and one to their future self, which I will mail out in four years. Since they are now gone, and I won't have to sit in front of them quietly wiping away tears, I would like to share with them, and with you, my letter to the class of 2018....