Dear Veteran Teacher

Dear Veteran Teacher,

At first I admired you from afar with a certain degree of trepidation.  You are, after all, the real deal.  You have a signature teacher lanyard, a well-loved coffee thermos, and a wall full of student photos that boast your staying power.  You don't necessarily make this job look easy, but you move with confidence, and its obvious to a rookie like me that you are in control.

Despite the fact that you juggle all the responsibilities of a classroom, involve yourself in every school activity, are surrounded by mountains of papers, and answer to 150+ students daily, you've always made time for me.

You took the time to notice me, the new teacher so overwhelmed and stressed.  You carved the time out of your already impossibly full schedule to introduce yourself and show that you care about my happiness and success.  

We shared more than a workplace during my first years as an educator.  You shared your lesson plans, your classroom management tips, and heard my every complaint, question, or doubt.  You listened patiently to my frustrations and supported me in any way that you could.

Then there are all the little things you've done.  You've brought me a piece of chocolate to cheer me up.  You've watched my class on your prep period so I could run to the bathroom.  You gave me a hug on the worst days, and a congratulatory smile on the good days. When I felt like giving up, you didn't give up on me.  

And while you taught me the things it takes to be a good educator, above all things, you taught me what it means to be a good person.

Perhaps teaching is not for me, and that's okay.  As young adults we are advised to pick a career and take the path that will get us there.  We press on, jump through all the hoops, and finally, after perhaps years of hard work, we arrive.  We work so hard to obtain the careers we desire, but where along the way do we work on becoming the people we want to be?

Knowing you has made me change the way I think.  I'm less worried now about what I will achieve in the end, and more concerned about who I will be in the end.  Will I be a great teacher?  I will try.  But more importantly, will I be generous?  Will I be patient?  Will I be kind?

It's perhaps the most important lesson I've ever been taught or ever will be taught.  

Veteran Teacher, this is my letter of love and appreciation to you.  Thank you so much for taking on one more student - me.

Gratefully,

The Newbie