Hurricane Awards

It has been a long time since I've blogged, so I'll try to do better in the future. Tonight was the 11th annual Hurricane Awards at my school. Each teacher has to pick two students for each subject they teach to honor. I got to pick four since I teach 7th and 8th grade. It was a hard decision to make in the beginning, but at the end of the night I know that my decision was right. Watching the students walk up to the stage in front of all their peers and family to receive a medal "Olympian" style reminds me why I became a teacher. The smiles and red faces, parents cheering on out of pride for their amazing child, the smile and hugs from your students after they realize you picked them! I waited around for half an hour after the program because students and their parents were waiting to get their five minutes with me? I am honored and touched to know that I have had an impact on the lives of even one child. If you have kept up on the local news, the teaching world has been torn apart due to the national financial crisis our country faces. Many of my amazing co-workers may not have the opportunity to teach next year, an action that I never thought would happen in the world of education. So, in the mist of all this negative energy, I was delighted to be reminded of the joys of teaching. I thank God that I will teach again next year. I also pray that I will not lose sight of what teaching is all about, KIDS!