My husband recently got such a nice testimonial of his own, I had to share it. I think the timing is fitting to do so, with Back to School quickly approaching. So, to all the Teachers out there as they start the upcoming school year...THANKS! You are appreciated and shaping our future!
"Hi Mr. J!
This email is about 4 years overdue, but better late than never.
First of all, I hope you remember me, Megan Hahlbeck; I took your AP US
History in 2008, and AP European History in 2009, my senior year. Like
many other students, I loved your class and having you as a teacher. You
embodied everything that a great teacher should; being knowledgeable,
enthusiastic, humorous, and inspirational. I always knew I wanted to be
a teacher, but during those years, I learned what kind of teacher I
wanted to be because of you.
I'm proud to tell you that I graduated with honors from UW- La Crosse in
May. I have a job- an exciting one! On August 19th I am moving to
Bahrain to teach at the Modern Knowledge School. It is a private school
for Bahraini children, so it is English- speaking and follows the Common
Core Standards. I will be teaching fourth grade and was told to expect a
class size of 25- 32 students!!
I am really excited, but also nervous of course- it is a big move, my
first real teaching job, and a whole new culture to adjust to. I have
been doing a lot of research on the history and social norms and trying
to keep up with the news about what is going on. I have a mentor named
Cassidy who is also a fourth grade teacher, but she has been there for
three years already. She has been a lot of help and really honest about
her experience. Talking with her has put my family and I at ease. I know
it will be a great experience. I want to learn more about the world and
other cultures, so immersion is best, right?
A lot of people have asked me why I am doing this. They tell me I am
crazy for moving to the Middle East; they ask if I am scared to be so
far from home and my friends and family, they ask "Why don't you get a
job somewhere safe?" etc., etc.
Well. About four years ago, in my senior year of high school, I had
this amazing history teacher who one day devoted a lesson to discussing
how we can change the world. There was a lot of murmuring from the
class- how we are just one person, what can we do? What difference can
one person really make? You were disappointed with the response, I could
tell. The bell rang, and everyone left. I took a little extra time
packing up my stuff. When I was leaving, you said, "Megan, you'll make a
difference won't you? You can make a change in the world." Mr. J, I have
never forgotten that. It has stayed with me throughout my years of
college whenever I needed a boost. It stayed with me when I started my
field experiences, when I worked with a third grader who couldn't read,
when I was interrupted in a lesson on surface area with that dreaded
question, "When will I ever need to know this in real life?", whenever I
got a hug or hand- drawn picture from a student, and on and on. You
saying that made my day that day- but it did so, so much more. I believe
in myself so much and I just know that I will make a difference. I have
such a passion for teaching and I want so badly to make the world a
better place. I know I will be something great, and you gave me that
confidence boost in that moment, so I owe you a big thank you.
Good luck with your upcoming school year- I know it will be great.
Thanks a million,
Megan"
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