Here's how the conversation went:
Ms. T - You have one of my students, D, in your all boys class, right?
Me: Yes, is something wrong? (always thinking negative)
Ms. T - No, on the contrary. I've been working with D for the past 2 years in my Global classes and while he's very bright, he's also extremely shy and quiet.
Me: Really? He talks in my class.
Ms. T - Well, that's why I'm calling. D always gets the grades, this term he's gotten 91, 86, 89 on his exams. I put a little note on his last one just saying I've noticed and happy to see he's opening up more in class. He came up to me after class and said that it's because of you. That you're the first teacher to make him believe.
Me: (silence b/c I'm trying not to get all teary had 2 students in the office with me).
Ms. T - We don't often get to hear these kinds of things from our students and I just wanted to let you know that you're making a difference.
I'm still blown away by what D said. This kid just did a presentation in my class that blew me away with his public speaking skills. I was first shocked by the fact that she said he didn't speak in her class and she's had him for 2 years! But to know that he's the opposite in my class and he feels that I'm the reason...there just aren't the words.
This is why I teach!!
Now tomorrow I have to go in and tell half of my classes that they're failing and they need to step it up!! What will that inspire, hm?
