LOFT FORUM

The times that my students thank me for what I do.  Once a student who graduated and joined the Army was home on leave.  He took me and my significant other out to dinner and told me that because I had done so much for him, it was his way of showing his thanks.

One day we were talking about the calendar, and weather as we were getting our day started in Kindergarten. It was still early in the year and I was so excited because the kids answered all the questions correctly so I asked "How did you guys get so smart?" One little boy replied "Mrs. Wilson, its because you learned us so well." It was so sweet that had to laugh and yet I tears because he was so cute about it.

When I was at a low income school, the students were shocked by my freckles. They did not understand them. They said, "Mrs. Downey what are all those pumps on your face?" They were so innocent. I loved their innocence and I knew I loved what I would do for the rest of my life!

I started teaching third grade Spanish in my current district.  In my second year, I was transferred to the high school.  This year I have several of my 3rd grade students as high school juniors.  I love when they say to me "I love Spanish and I still remember the songs you taught us eight years ago."

I walked into my classroom one morning and said goodmorning boys and girls! One of my students for the first time in three years said my name. If anyone knows about teaching special education severe/ profound population it put a smile on my face the whole day. It is the little things that somtimes get over looked.

I teach preschool and love the funny things the children say. Today was color blue and a little girl said Miss Denise Mason also has on blue underwear today because I saw them. All the other children preceded to look to see if their underwear were blue also. I had to laugh.

By Miss Denise

I make a point to get to know my students and their families well.  I find it makes a HUGE difference, especially with those challenging kids that can push a person to the limits.  My favorite comment was actually a parent.  At the end of the year she came up and hugged me, saying, "You taught me more about my son after the first six weeks of school than I had in the previous five years.  Thank you."  That was years ago, and it still makes me so good to think about it.  Lori L.

I teach 4th grade.  Yesterday, one of my students came in from recess visibly distressed.  When I asked him what was wrong, he said,"My Mom embarassed me today!"  I replied, "Moms do that sometimes."  He said, "No, you don't understand!"  I was trying to play and my Mom came out to the playground just to say hello.  I was trying to have fun, and all she wanted to do was talk!"

Donna S.

One of my Kindergarten students was asked about Kindergarten testing. Wow, you mean Kindergarteners have to take tests. What do they take tests on. Quickly one of the students replied, on paper of course! Never underestimate the ability of students to make your day, with the simple things in life, like paper....Teaching is a wonderful way to spend your day, you learn so much from the children you have before you. They are a blessing!

One of my students started crying when she found out that she finally passed the Math regents. She said "Now i can finally go to college". Made my day and i decided to continue teaching.

Nina Y.

I teach fourth grade and recently I was talking to a parent of a former student.  She was telling me about her son's success in high school.  He is staying organized and responsible, as well as, motivated to learn in a demanding environment.  The mother remarked to her son, "Wow, the school is doing a great job of teaching you time management and keeping you organized!" My former student quickly remarked, "MOM, it's not the school! It was Miss M in fourth grade!"

Stories like these let me know that I am making a difference in the lives of my students.

I'm a middle school counselor.  I find inspiration from students constantly.  Many students have difficult home lives, and a safe, nurturing, and reliable learning environment is often what these students need to escape the unbalanced life at home.  I feel very special when a student feels comfortable in sharing their dreams and aspirations with me.  I take pride in knowing that I can ease a teenagers mind, even if it's for a few hours.

My payoff as educator is seeing my students become productive members of their communities. I like it when they also introduce me to their family members.Leen

I am a high school Intervention Specialist educator in a small city school district. I have quite a wide range of culture of students I serve and interact with daily in my co-teaching and resource teaching classrooms. Many are low income students from families that have generational poverty. Others I work with are minority and/or culturally diverse students.

Prior to coming to this district, I taught in a large inner-city school district where the major focus is behavior management and discipline. There was a high disrespect for teachers in the buildings I was assigned during the time I was employed and often times assulted either intentionally or unintentional. I felt after being in education for 15 years this was not an appropriate setting for me to continue after I was informed I had been staff reduced. The district I am now going on my second year serving is such a wonderful place to teach where you can actually "teach" students, challenge them to go beyond the level they have been just assumed was all they could do and have the confidence they are going to treat you as a person and know you are there because you want to help them. Give me a room full of low socio-economic, low ability students any day who will at least put forth the effort without disrespecting or giving you the fear you're safety is in jeopardy any day of the week! I have such great kids I work with each day in my high school - kids who know you are their only source to truly give them a chance.

That also goes with the confidence they know they can put into all of us as a staff here as well - I work with an absolutely awesome staff who are truly there for these kids! I can see the latter part of my years now as an educator as I look toward that magic number of "30" not too far off the horizon in a very positive opportunity to get my best years in!

by Julia K.

I had a student as a freshman in my algebra class.  He was unmotivated, unresponsive and occasionally downright rude.  I tried to reach him, but got nothing.  2 years later, he was on my roll for geometry, and I was surprised.  Not only was I surprised that he had actually passed algebra, but that he had decided to move on.  The first day of class, he came up to me afterwards and told me about how his sophomore year had been a turning point, and the he wanted me to know that he was a different student than he had been as a freshman.  He was right.  As the year progressed, I kept being amazed - he reminded me that we cannot write off any student, and that they all have potential.  By the way, he ended up with the highest grade in my class.

I think the most rewarding thing about being a middle school math teacher is knowing how I can positively affect the lives' of my students.  Already this school year (and we are only 8 days into the year), I had a student come up and thank me for changing her opinion of math.  

by Chris W.

This past summer my mother was visiting her cardiologist and I remembered having his son in fifth grade.  I asked how he was doing and he said... "Actually, he is doing great.  He is a sophomore in college and didn't come home this summer because he chose to work on the school's web site as an intern.  He is majoring in computer science."  He said, "I tried to get him to go into medicine, but he had a teacher that had more of an influence over him than me."  I was his computer teacher.

For the past three years I have taught 5th grade in one of the poorest districts in my state.  My students have helped bring a new perspective to my life and helped me realize what is really important.  When most kids are worried about the newest clothing fad, electronics, or trips they may be taking, my students concerns are geared to their families.  Will they have enough food, who will be home to babysit when mom and dad are working the second or third job, will they be moving because the rent can't be paid?  Needless to say, it has opened my eyes and helped me to realize how big and how crucial of an impact I can have on my students.  This year during open house, I had many former students come back to visit.  One boy was accompanied by his mother.  She told me she wanted to give me one last thanks to let me know that I had "influenced and impacted her sons life more than I would ever know."  There was no hiding the smile on my face, or the tears welling in my eyes.  In a profession where we so often criticize ourselves and wonder if we are doing enough, it was so wonderful to hear what I think are the best words of praise.

As a beginning elementary teacher, I was trying to find something to fill some time, so I gave my students a cut a past activity.  After one of my "good " students finished coloring, I said"OK cut it out."  He said,"OK."  I walked by a few minutes later and he was still sitting there with a full sheet, no cutting.  I once again said, "Cut it out."  He replied," OK."  Later still I came by and he was still sitting there.  Now frustrated with him, I said, "I told you to cut it out."  He said, "I did.  I stopped what I was doing."  He must have been misbehaving the first time and thought I was telling him to stop.  He was a great kid.  We laughed and laughed.  This was not the best memory, but maybe it brought a smile to your face.

by Deann A.

My first teaching position was to conduct a high school class in fundamental business which included how to get a job and basic, appropriate, business behavior.  Ten years later, I had left teaching for a few years.  In my new position in business I ran into a very professional young lady.  She gasped and hugged me.  It was one of my first students who credited me with helping her to get on track for her professional career.

I teach in a city school system and we teach a wide range of students. I have one student who has been working really hard to turn his life around and stay out of trouble. He was jumped and pulled into a fightat school. As soon as I heard about it I ran to the Vice Principal's office to speak to him. I tole the VP all the student had been doing to make a change. I turned to the student and told him that this didn't change how proud of him I had been in my room. He had tears in his eyes. It was the first time an adult had come to his defense. I had tears in my eyes too.

I TEACH  SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS WITH READING DISORDERS.  WHEN A YOUNGSTER FINALLY UNDERSTOOD THE LETTERS OF THE ALPHABET AND THEIR SOUNDS IT MADE ME VERY PROUD OF ALL OF THE EFFORT AND TIME I SPENT WITH HIM.

One day, a student told me that no one had ever cared about him before and said thank you.

I am a reading specialist in a high school for students with language based learning disabilities.  Last year was my first year and this year I have had five students whom I taught last year ask why they did not have my class this year and if they could switch back to my class.  That's how I know I have really made a difference in the lives of these students.

I am a high school reading specialist and teacher. Last year I developed and implemented a new remedial reading program for incoming freshmen, and I taught all of the classes. In one class, a boy made a point to tell me at the beginning of the year that he didn't read books, he had never finished a book on his own in his whole life, wasn't planning on it now, and thought that books were a waste of time. By the end of that same year, he had read three books in a series by Sharon Draper and was eager to read more books "like those." His reading comprehension improved 3 to 4 grade levels between the beginning and the end of the year. His English teacher told me his grade had come up from an F at the beginning of the year to a B+, and his reading was much-improved. His grades in his other classes improved as well. This year he is a sophomore and he came into my room just last week to thank me for helping him enjoy reading. He said he can't believe how much easier school is now that reading is easier for him and actually sometimes fun, not just hard, frustrating work. I can't take credit for all of this - the student obviously changed his outlook and put in more effort to make such great gains. However, I like to think that if he hadn't taken my class, he may never have discovered the pleasure of reading for fun.

I teach first grade now. But when I taught second grade previously, I had a student the first day of school come up to me crying because she said she could not read.  I put my arm around her and said it will be ok.  Everyday we worked on her reading and by the end of the year, she was reading at the second grade level right where she needed to be.  She gave me a small teddy bear as a thank you for the work I had done with her.  I still have that bear and have told my new students every year this story.  The bear continues to inspire me to be the best teacher I can be and my current students to believe in themselves and that they will do great as well.

Barb, Plainfield IL

I am an 8th grade teacher.  Every October I teach the life of Edgar Allan Poe and do many of his stories and poems with the students.  During the first week of school, a parent of a recent graduate saw me and said that her son was coming up to give me a hug because Poe is the first author they study as Freshmen and he knew all the answers because he learned about him last year.  You never know what kind of an impact you have on a student.  It makes a difference when the graduates come back and tell you that they wish you were teaching them again because they learned so much from you and their new teachers can't compare to you. When some students are difficult and you may want to rethink your choice to teach, it is the little things that make you glad you persevered.

by chery s.

As an alternative certification intern, I was trained in Special Ed and moved to ESL at the last minute. I taugh Eng and Reading. I had a student from Vietnam that had been in the country for less than a year. We developed a connection and I gave her work outside of class, and saw she was brilliant. I lobbied for her to be moved to regular Ed, against school policy.  Eventually after only 11 weeks I was moved back to SPED and eventually to a new school. I kept in touch with the student advising her on many things. Last year the district started a new ceremony for top seniors. She invited me, and the comments she made were that I never forgot her and helped her not only with school, but with life. I may not be the best educator, but this validates that I know how to connect with my students and help them prepare for the future. Of the hundreds of students and teachers, most were AP teachers and teachers they currently had. I was the only one that she reached back 3 years for...so that said something!  We are still in close contact.

F. Walker

I am educator without a regular job.  I sub for an Opportunity School in my area.  I enjoy reading and like to pass that love on to my students.  Last year a student mentioned that he had started a book at a previous school and since he was kicked out did not get to finish it.  I asked him if he would like me to bring it in from my library and he was happy to say yes.  I brought it in and he finished it and passed it on (with my permission) and several of them read it and had mini book discussions after.  This was a yahoo moment for me to see those that previously didn't take to books enjoying the experience!

Hi Everybody! I am a first year teacher at a school in West Philadelphia. I keep facing challenges everyday, and it keeps getting harder to get through the curriculum when dealing with all the behavior problems. One thing that keeps me going is the caring, loving demeanor of the little first graders and all the hugs during the day. It was nice to read all your inspiring stories. I hope to have at least one to share by the end of the year. By Alexandra Margraf

I have been in high school education for alot of years and there is never any moment in my career that matches watching kids walk across that stage.  For that moment all is right with the world and each of my kids has passed a milestone, parents beaming, proud grandparents and for me a sense of great satisfaction that I have done something bigger than myself.

This is my 33rd year as a public high school educator.  I had an ESL student who was the light of my life when he graduated with honors and went into the Air Force.  He called me to invite me to his graduation from boot camp because he had been awarded instant American citizenship for his achievements as a young member of the Air Force.

Sandy J

The most memorable moment I have had thus far was to see and hear a middle school child read...because at the beginning of the school year the child was far below grade level.  She didn't even recognize basic sight words.  It was so memorable because this child began to deliver speeches at school ceremonies.  Wow!!

My favorite moments of the year are when my students come back and tell me how much they learned from my class or knowlege they learned that helped them the next year.  In one Jr. high school that I taught in, the conputer/typing teacher had an assignment for the students to write a letter to a past or present teacher that made an impact on their education.  I always loved getting those letters at the end of each semester.  They lifted your spirits and helped me remember why I really love teaching so much.

by Dana H.  

After several frustrating weeks of not understanding why student RT did not have his homework, something dawned on me. Maybe he didn't have help from home, or the materials needed. I went to talk with him after school one day, with my new found understanding. I loved it when the face of this little 7 year old student lit up like a light bulb as I affirmed him and recognized how hard he was trying in class. A sense of relief came across his face as I offered to provide him with materials that he did not have at home.

That was something to remember!

I enjoy being a middle school teacher.  I love this age because the students are discovering themselves as people. I love knowing that I can help these children develop and grow at this time in their lives.  It also makes me feel good when a student draws a picture for me or writes me a letter thanking me for being their teacher.

Emily M.

I am in my 2nd year of teaching 2nd grade. In at 6:00am and out at 7:00pm really drains me, but the smiles and excitement from 7:30 to 2:30 make it all worth it.

Teaching is giving the best of yourself to the future, everyday.

i had a 7 yr. old student that never spoke a word except to her mom and sisters.  she was moved from 4 different teachers.  i was able to work with her mom to develop strategies to help her talk.  i will never forget her first words.  she is now 11 and gets in trouble for talking to much in class.  

My most memorable moment is actually going back to education after home-schooling my son.  I learned so much from the three years of looking into the eyes of my son, who is dyslexic, and facing his realities and now looking into the eyes of my sixth grade students who all have their challenges.  The strength of teaching my own son has made me a stronger advocate for the parents of students who need a little extra help.  We all learn differently and we all need the an advocate to listen....I have finally learned to listen with my head and heart.

Tracy L.

One of my students, managed to maintain high grades, even though she spent a period of time living on the streets with her mom. When she left our middle school for high school, she came back to my class along with several other high school students and tutored my students! Now, she has a full scholarship at an amazing school and is working on immigration policies! We've kept in touch, and I am so impressed by how she has never given up and simply allowed adversity to make her stronger. I have so many students that inspire me!

Cathy

Los Angeles, CA

One of my students, managed to maintain high grades, even though she spent a period of time living on the streets with her mom. When she left our middle school for high school, she came back to my class along with several other high school students and tutored my students! Now, she has a full scholarship at an amazing school and is working on immigration policies! We've kept in touch, and I am so impressed by how she has never given up and simply allowed adversity to make her stronger. I have so many students that inspire me!

Cathy

Los Angeles, CA

My most memorable time as an educator was when one of my students Alesia Fowler won a scholarship to the NC School of Performing Arts and later performed as a soloist with the Washington Ballet Company.    I taught her for seven years and am proud of her accomplishments along her road to success.

Dorothy Davis

This is my seventh year of teaching, my fifth in first grade.  Last year I had a terrific class, and I had one student that came in below grade level expectations in reading.  I worked with him every single day and made huge efforts with him in school, and with his parents at home.  He left ready for second grade, and I was very proud of him.

Gretchen

My most memorable moment in my teaching career is about to begin.  I have just been hired to teach an SDC high school class and I am looking forward to it.

By Karla O.

There's nothing better when my 8th grade students and I are discussing a book, and one of them comes up with a reflection about the book that makes me take a step back and say, "Wow...I've never thought of it that way."  I know then, that my students are learning something.

I always loved movies about teachers(and mentors) and students like GOOD WILL HUNTING, DANGEROUS MINDS, FINDING FORRESTER, etc.  I've always thought I am a pretty sensitive teacher, but the other day I saw a light in the eyes of one my students when she answered a question.  I knew at that moment that I should always be searching for that light and trying to inspire it. Most of all I should always respond to it.

By Melanie H.

This is my first year in a classroom so I don't have a most memorable moment right now. I'm sure I will have plenty of moments to come later this school year.

By: Cassidy T

I enjoy being able to impact my students in and outside of the classroom.   I love the opportunity for my students to also impact my life at the same time I impact theirs.

I am a new teacher but the moment I keep playing in my head occurred during my first week with my new sixth graders. I spent the first week (I'm still talking about it) our room as our community. We share everything and need to make sure we are treating the classroom and each other with respect.  I have been using we and ours during our discussions throughout the day.  I started talking about the maps and globes in the classroom and I must have said "mine".  I was interrupted and one of the girls said "you mean ours".  It broke my heart instantly! I said yes, I do mean ours!  I knew in that moment I was understood and "we" are really working toward a better education!

Beth Gourlis

This is my third year as a Middle School Latin teacher.  While I thoroughly enjoy my teaching moments in the classroom, watching and listening to my students be able to grasp and understand very difficult concepts, the times where I most enjoy my students are when I watch their sport games.  Most, if not all, of my students are involved in some type of sport, whether it be swimming, soccer, or field hockey.  When my students have home games, I am ready to sit in the bleachers and cheer them on! Having them in the classroom and being able to interact with them day to day is amazing; their natural abilities to learn and bridge concepts is awe-inspiring.  However, being able to also see what they do outside of the school day brings to me a whole new perspective into who they are and who they will become.  It lends a great insight into how they spend their time and how they act with each other when not succumbing to a seat chart and desks.  This reflection leads me to one of my most memorable moments as a teacher.  I had a student who was distracted and very uninterested in what I had to teach when I had him in class.  I could tell that he was mentally capable of doing work, but was not motivated to do anything.  As a developing adolescent, my students are unaware of how young they actually are, yet are wanting desperately to be treated like the adults that they will become.  An important issue to me in my classroom in how I interact with students is the factor of respect.  My students recognize how passionate I am about my content area and their success in it, and I am respectful of their presence and attention to me while I teach.  This student however was not as receptive to this as previous students.  He was, although, very passionate about his soccer team.  I decided that to encourage mutual respect, that I would devote time to watch his sports and see what affect, if any, this would have on his classroom behavior and interest level.  I have been going to the school's home games for the past two years, and, so far, his level of interest and interactions with me have turned from glacial to joyful, and he is much more willing to talk and lead a discussion rather than sit back a be a passenger for forty minutes.  While I may have started attending games for one student, all of my students now count on me being there to watch them play and are quick to wave a quick "hi" between plays.  

By Ashley B.

There are too many oments to even write about here. Getting kids into college, finding colleges they strive for...etc etc etc

I am a middle school English teacher, every 7th graders worst nightmare.  However, what is not to love about a 7th grader?  They leave you speechless, floored, entertained, and ready to cry with every "teacher sweep" of the classroom.  Does anything go in?  My favorite moments are beginning class and watching all their faces--you can tell who has done their work and who is working up an excuse. I just love when our eyes meet and I can smile at them and let them know I love them even if I am about to write them demerits.  My second favorite time is the end of class--but it is not what you think.  I love the end of class because with all that has happened in class, the ups as well as the downs, I still hear, "Thank you, Mrs. Dincauze."  So much for wondering if anything went in their heads and stuck.

I went back to teaching kindergarten after being out for several years and the best part of going back is letting the children realize that they already are readers and writers!  They are so excited when they are realize this fact!

I work at a very low socio-economic school, where many of my students don't have a very positive home life.  It really is rewarding to see the smiles on their faces when they come into my classroom because they know that they are in a safe and stable environment.  It is an extra bonus when they are also excited about learning, and they strive to be successful.

-Sara T.

I did a math activitiy using dry erase markers on their desks.  We did the activity on a Friday, and one of my students told me Monday that the activity was his favorite part of school so far.  I love when my students get excited about learning!

-Maureen W.

I work in a high poverty school.  I taught 6th grade (in the elementary school) for three years.  My most rewarding experience is connecting with my students.  They can be so tough and act out because it is expected by their peers.  I find it so rewarding when a student does the right thing because I've asked when typically they wouldn't.  Its nice to know that although they are taller than me, they respect me and know that I care for them.

I am a high school music teacher.  Last year I subbed at the school I'm now working at.  I walked into an extremely sensitive situation.  The very beloved teacher was essentially taken away from their students, and the kids had no idea what was going on.  They missed him.  And I wasn't him.  But, I was to finish out the year.  3 weeks after I started subbing we had a competition to prepare for.  I had connected with a few kids, but there was one I thought I would never reach.  He was a bit cynical and thought would never really listen to me.  The day of the competition they kids performed spectacularly, emotionally, and better than any other high school I've ever heard or worked with.  I was on such a high.  The young man who I thought I would never reach came up to me afterwards, looked me straight in the eyes, said "Thank you," and gave me the firmest, most sincere handshake I have ever received.  I have never felt more validated as a teacher in my life.

-Sara L.

Many years ago, I was substitute teaching for the very first time. I was very excited when the second graders came into the class. When the bell rang, I told them all to stand for "Opening Exercises" (something I had been told when I was very young to mean the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence) Well, before I could even start the Pledge, the whole class started doing jumping jacks! Needless to say, they were all out of control and my career started off with a bang!  Debbie A.

Have a fifth year senior tell me that they came back to finish up because of me.

Kim

Tutoring a group of struggling readers in 3rd grade, their regular teacher told me that they actually took out their poetry books I gave them during a Halloween party.  I was so pleased they were that into reading!

It's so hard to choose just one memory because I do find joy everyday in being a teacher.  I love the hard work that I do on behalf of my students.  Coming in every morning and seeing my second grade students doing independent reading and discussing books in a very deep and thoughtful way just starts my day off right every time!

Daph O.

Teaching Vocational Education is very rewarding.  Our local hospital works hand-in-hand with our school district to provide on-the-job vocational experience to our special education students.  Walking in to the Central Supply department and seeing an autistic student in surgery scrubs, hat, gloves etc. is very fun and quite rewarding.  Our kids have wonderful mentors who care deeply for them.  Those are the very moments that make teaching all worth it.  We love our community partners.  

We had a very shy girl in our class who wouldn't play or talk to anyone.  We worked with her for many months and she finally opened up like a beautiful butterfly and finally began to make friends.  We can't wait to see what the future holds for her. :)

Last year was my first year teaching and I teach art.  I found it incredibly difficult to make art history engaging to students but I tried my best.  One day a student came up to me and said that she wanted to minor in art history in college because it was something that she was very passionate about.  She said she had art teachers before me who were very boring but the way I presented it was relevant and engaging.  

I am working on my doctorate and I teach undergraduate courses at my university.  I've had many memorable moments, but one of the best was when one of my students won a department-wide award for best undergraduate essay.  The essay was one she'd written for my class.  I was so proud of her!    

My first year of teaching was underway when September 11th happened.  It finally hit me how much influence teachers have, as I stopped teaching social studies and started teaching kids who needed comfort and reassurance and answers to their questions.  I was so close to my classes that year and every anniversary reminds me of how important relationships are to teaching.

Tutoring a group of struggling readers in 3rd grade, their regular teacher told me that they actually took out their poetry books I gave them and read them without being forced to.  I was so pleased they were that into reading!

I am a substitute teacher.  I was in the same 5th grade class for 6 months while the teacher was out treating her *** cancer.  I had one young lady in particular who could not grasp division.  I asked her if she wanted my help, and she agreed to stay in at recess.  The day she figured out division, her eyes lit up, her smile was huge, and she proudly exclaimed, "I understand division.  I can do any division problem now.  You actually taught me how to do division!".

I am teaching for my twelfth year at the school which I attended. It has been so rewarding giving back to a place that inspired me to become a teacher, though it took me awhile to call old teachers by their first names!

I teach eighth grade English and my favorite thing to do is to have discussions where I can play devil's advocate.  I love hearing students' attempt at defending their point of views in ways they never had before.  It's very enlightening.

I have never forgotton the look on the face of one of my student's when I told her her child would be mainstreamed for the first time in his education (as a 5th grader).  The realization that her child had found success was priceless.

My 9th grade student was doing so well but he promised me that the next semester he was going to "turn over a new tree."  I said, "let's start with a leaf Brian and work from there."

by: Melissa S.

I teach in an area where Spanish is spoken in the home. I have a little 2nd grader in my "English Only" classroom who can't speak English very well at all. She was extremely bright and could understand most everything I said. However I couldn't get her to volunteer in class, ask questions or read. Suddenly last week out of no where this little girl raised her hand to answer a question. Of course I called on her and she was right. From there on out she has been more social, she's reading and wanting to stay in at recess so she can read to me, volunteering, and asking questions when she doesn't get it. She feels so much more comfortable knowing that it's ok if she doesn't speak English perfectly just yet... and that we are all here to learn!

A student I had during my second year teaching came back to the school to find me at the end of the last school year. He was so excited to see me so he could tell me that he was graduating HS (I teach 8th grade) and was preparing for the prom. A few months later, he called to let me know that it was his frist day of school at Delaware State University and he just wanted me to know he made it and thank you. I was so proud of him and just to know that he accredited even a small portion of his "making it" to me just made me so ecstatic.

One of my students said "Oh!  I didn't know I knew that" and then procedeed to teach the other students how to multiply.  

I am a first grade teacher and I will always remember at the end of the year a few years ago one of my students told me "I wish you could pass 1st grade too so you can be my teacher next year" I told her "I sure wish I could but I think I need to stay in 1st a little longer" it made me smile all day long.

by Jaime B.

I sent a post card home to a student in my class telling him and his family to be proud because he has been focusing a lot better, as well as getting his work done on time.

The mom came into the classroom yesterday holding the postcard... she said thank you with tears in her eye....before she left she turned to me and said "Teacher, this is my birthday present... thank you".

It gave me chills hearing that and I got them again sharing it with you!

My most memorable moment as an educator has to be my first day of school. I had always been a really good student in school, so I guess I just figured teaching would come naturally to me. My classroom was beautifully decorated, everyone's name plates were neatly taped on the desks...and then the kids entered! I quickly realized that a beautiful classroom does not always equal a good teacher. Now I've been teaching for over 8 years and feel like I grow and learn every day.

Last year I had a girl in my 5th grade math class. She would always get frustrated with her work so that would turn into being frustrated at me. One week was particularly hard for her and she was mad at me and hated math class and made it very clear to me. The following week she gave me a card. Here I was thinking it was a note from her parents that she needed help or something but instead it was a card saying that you for challenging me to be the best student that I can be. Those are the moments when we remember why we are what we are and why we do what we do.

When I was student teaching, I taught this little girl in my kindergarten group who just could not read. She tried and tried and hard as she could. She was such a teacher pleaser and she just wanted me to be happy. It broke my heart every day when she was again still struggling with the concepts we were working on. Finally, on my last day, success! She was able to read the story we had been working on that would help take her into her journey of learning to read. 6 years later, I still remember Samantha.

The moment one of their little faces lights up with a new thought;  They're 16, they usually only think about boys.

My most memorable/funny moment lately was when I was discussing the different families of instruments with one of my 4th grade classes.  (I teach elementary music.)  I asked my students to name the 4 families, to which one little boy replied, "woodwind, brass, string, and CONCUSSION."  :)

I am a computer teacher and it is so rewarding when a student's parent talk about how their child is actually teaching them things on the computer.  The students are so comfortable with the computers and some adults seem so intimidated. These students love coming to computer class and I definitely have the best job in the school.

My first year of teaching was a horrible one.  I had a class that no one else would take.  Each child struggled academically and behaviorally.  I felt grateful just to survive that year.  A year later, I received an invitation to one of my students' graduation parties from 6th grade. His mom included a separate note saying how much I had meant to her son.  I was touched that he had thought of me and wanted me to come to his party.  I'll never forget that feeling.

I teach Preschool in Arizona at a Private School and the children are all just little sponges and want to learn everything you teach them. I go home each and every night so happy that I have a great class who are all so eager to learn and come to school each and everyday!  

by Maggie S.

Simply put...watching my high school special education students graduate- It was the completion of my first '4 year class'.  I watched them from freshman to seniors.  

I am a science teacher for an elementary school, and I see each class twice a week. On morning while doing bus duty, on her way down the steps from the bus, a little girl asked "Do we have science today?" When I told her she did, her response was a resounding "YESSSSS" complete with arm pump. I love being the fun part of their week!

I've been teaching ESL/EFL for 8 years and there is a challenge in every class with a mix of students from different cultures.  One of the most memorable moments for me was when a whole class created a cardboard of thank you's to me as their writing teacher.  They had nicknamed me the "cookie monster" and pasted a picture of the cookie monster from Sesame Street since I occasionally brought in cookies for them during games. Since then, the name and the cookie habits have stuck.  What touches me most about this was the bond that grew among students and myself as well and how much they grew to love writing.

My first year teaching I had to take over a Kindergarten class that was one of the wildest ones in the school.  Their teacher left in November and I took over in January.  I had the most difficult first few months.  I would go home crying at the end of the day.  After 3 months I finally got the students in order and moving along in thier academics.  One of the little girls came to me and say "I'm so happy that you picked our class to come to.  I like to come to school and be with you."

As a high school teacher, we are asked to write college recommendation letters this time of year.  When students request letters from me, I ask them to complete an "info sheet" to help me write their letter.  A student I taught in both geometry and algebra 2 handed in her info sheet and exclaimed she wanted to be a math teacher, which made me so proud.  As I read her info, I found her finest high school moment was helping other students in her algebra 2 class understand math and see the light bulb go on.  What a great moment for ME to know she takes pride in helping others in my classroom!

I am a teacher of 2nd and 3rd grade students with special needs, some of them with autism, behavior issues, and some with just learning disabilities. These students usually have low-self esteem and already have a bad view on school. Just seeing them make progress, even if it is so minor, and the look on their face when they get something right is worth it.

A student naming her daughter after me!

I teach at an alternative high school. My most memorable moment each year is when I see students graduate who were told they would never make it. It is incredibly rewarding.

My most memorable moment as an educator is more of an ongoing moment.  My passion for math increases every year and it spreads to the kids.  They love it to because I can teach them how it works instead of just the shortcuts.  They know they will learn why the shortcuts work and therefore understand math better.

If you look up preschool in the dictionary, it is followed by "lively moments," "hair-raising experiences," and "funny comments."  

One of my just-potty-trained Head Start students was having bowel issues one day, and proceeded to tell me in earnest "Mrs. A, I have diaries!!!"

Oh the joys... :)

One of my former students unexpectedly became pregnant during her junior year of high school, and had no support at all at home.  She was missing school frequently for doctor's appointments and was clearly very unhappy about this pregnancy.  One day while she was out, a classmate asked if we could possibly throw a secret baby shower for her.  We planned the shower while the student was out for appointments, and then surprised her one day with a shower in my office - complete with baby-blue balloons and crepe paper, blue-iced cupcakes, and gifts from all of her classmates.  She was so surprised and touched, and although my principal would NEVER have approved, it was such a special moment for me knowing that I'd done something to help this student.

When a student reads his or her first book.  To see the eyes light up, the smile beam and the body standing a little taller is just magic!

My dad was a teacher, too, and a student dedicated a book he had written to my dad.

I teach high school students and when I show them how to check their oil or do their laundry and they come back years later and say, do you know that saved me! I love the fact that what I teach pertains to everyday life!

My favorite moments are when I surprise my students by filling in their punch-lines. One of my German students LOVES Southpark, and I have picked up a few sayings from my boyfriend. So when my 7th grade student said, "I'm not your buddy, guy." I immediately responded with "I'm not your guy, friend." He was in shock!! I definitely earned kudos from my students that day. I wish they'd been for a brilliant lesson plan ;P, but I'm still glad we connected :)

It's hard to have one memorable event. My students make me laugh every day, and I had a mother cry at graduation because she said her son would not have gotten out of bed every day if it weren't for me. USUALLY, it's a great job!

I had a student come in to my 9th grade English class unable to speak any English whatsoever.  I pretty much panicked and was terribly afraid, because as a novice teacher, I wasn’t sure how to begin to communicate with her, let alone teach her.  

For a long time, Sua would not attempt to communicate with me at all. I would say hello to her in English and in Spanish, using the Spanish word for hello: “hola.”  Sometimes she would smile, but most times she would not respond.  I know very little Spanish, so I knew that for the most part I would need to communicate with her by the use of gestures.  I tried very hard to use as many gestures as I could when I spoke in class. For instance, when I asked the students to get out their textbooks, I held up the textbook.  I did not make it obvious that I was trying to communicate with Sua, because I was only holding up the book, but she began to follow instructions by watching my gestures.  This was difficult, as I cannot gesture everything that I say, but I was very lucky to have another Spanish speaking student in the class (who is also a fluent speaker of English).  I sat Sua near him and asked him (Eleo) to introduce himself to her in Spanish.  Immediately, I saw a difference in Sua’s composure in class, because she allowed herself to communicate with Eleo.  While she was relying on her language of Spanish, I was happy that she was communicating in some way.  As her time in my class continued, I saw her rely less and less on her first language.

The next step was to get her to communicate with me in English.  One day I held Sua after class and sat down next to her at her seat.  I had a post-it note with me, and I wrote the word “hola” on it.  I then waved as if I was saying hello. At this point she was warming up to me, so she smiled.  Then I wrote the equals sign and then wrote the word “hello” and said it out loud as I wrote it. Then I said hello and waved.  She smiled again and took the post-it note before leaving my room. The next day as I stood outside my room, she said “hello” to me. It was only one word, but I was so happy! I felt like I was actually getting somewhere with her.  

I remember a few weeks later when Sua received a pass to go down to the office.  I stepped outside with her, to avoid the audience of the other classmates, and gave her the pass. She took it but just shrugged her shoulders because she did not know what I wanted her to do. I said the word “office” repeatedly, and finally she responded with “oficina?” Here, she positively transferred a word from her language and used it to make meaning of a word in English.   My heart swelled inside because I knew that, little by little, she was learning.

I love it when a student's faces light up because they are learning a new concept.  I also like when a students tells me that they love second grade and they tell me why.  Little things mean the world to a second grader and those little moments mean the world to me as their teacher.  

I teach four-year-old children in the morning as well as serve at the director of our school. Children always notice something different with their teacher so I tend to try to be low key to not distract from everything going on in class. One day in particular, I changed my hair style and wore it curly--I do not usually do this. In the middle of a very eloquent, and dare I say, enthusiastic lesson, I had a little one raise her hand. I called on her and she responded with an inquiry as to why I messed with my hair. I responded with something to the effect that it was just easier this way. Her response:"Well, I don't like it!" This spurred on a four year old debate regarding my new hairstyle!

What I love the most about that story is that children are always honest and will tell you like it is. However, even if they "don't like it", they still love you!

My most memorable moment in education was when I was working as a SLP in a special needs preschool program.  After many months working with a child teaching them to say their own name the efforts and sweat and tears paid off when we heard her say her own name in circle time.  It was quiet as could be but we all were so excited that this child could now participate with the others in introducing herself in group.  And the look on her face was priceless!

Teachers certainly don't teach for monetary reasons; it's purely the students, the satisfaction of making a difference in someone's (or many) life.  One of my favorite memories is when Johnny sat in the back of the class, telling me he was not going to learn and I couldn't make him.  I sat him right up front, beside me, and commended him first for each day he came to class, then for each answer he contributed, and close to the end of that year, he actually performed the parts of both Montague AND Lady Montague in our class rendition of Romeo and Juliet, making the inflections and actions for each character appropriately.  Just after that, Johnny came to me, tears in his eyes, "Miss - I have to quit school to work to help my mom." He was in 9th grade, and he WANTED to stay.

After having a child in my class after a year, the child was about to leave my room to move up to the next class (next grade).  After saying goodbye, he grabbed his dad's hand, and started to leave my room, then he turned around, ran up to me and said, "i love you."  That's what makes it all worth it.

One of my students sent me an email about getting into a college program titled O, Teacher, My Teacher, playing off the poem.  I was having one of those horrible days where you question your job and it made me cry.  I was so proud of him, but so amazed he remembered me.  

My most memorable moment was when I had one of my high school sophomores tell me that she was pregnant. It is not a happy memory, but it led to a strong bond between the two of us as I helped her sort out how to tell her mom and make plans. It also made me feel good that she came to me and felt comfortable enough to talk to me about such a life changing event.

I received an e-mail from a former student.  She told me she wanted to thank me for all I taught her in her chorus class.  She said she was watching 'Rent'  (the movie) and could understand the musical nuances, dynamics, and fugal sections. She said she was crying at the beauty of it all!!!  I got similar e-mails from 3 other former students about the same movie that week!!  

Sophia B

Everyday is memorable.  Just to see the lightbulb go off when students finally GET IT!!!  Everyday is an exciting and amazing day!  I could never choose just one moment.

It was very simple, really. A 7th grade girl gave me a hug in front of the entire school and thanked me for all the help I gave her. Simple, but beautiful.

The greatest moments are when the students come back and they tell me that I really helped them to be prepared for college and the workforce.  One student, in particular, inspires me all the time because he was one that struggled constantly, but he made it!

As a middle school special ed teacher, I had a student that did not speak to anyone. One day, John came up to me and touched my belly (I was about 6 months pregnant at the time). He remarked to me, "My baby." This was the first words that he had spoken at school. The joke continued until my oldest daughter was born. This young man went on to graduate from high school and attend a special college in Florida. His mother still sends me up dates on John.

Some students just break my heart.  One of students still has no uniform in the third week of classes.  I realized that my request for a calculator is not going to be met, so I gave her mine to use for her assignments.  I mentioned this to my boss who said, " give her from my office".  This kindness makes it worthwhile for me!!

Fran F.

When former students come back to see me and tell me that I was the one who really listened to them and taught them more than I will ever know! It makes my heart happy!

After 20 years in education, I am still be invited to weddings, baby showers, special occasions.  I've even been asked for my approval by former students on boyfriends/girlfriends.  Obviously, I made an impression somewhere along the line and they continue to make an impression on me!

My most memorable moments happen almost daily as I watch my former music students who are now, as my colleagues,  giving inspiration to their music students!

This past year I worked with 8th grade students, most of whom had not passed our state test since 3rd grade. When we got the test results, I was able to share good news with most of the students. One in particular had made a commended score and tears rolled down his cheeks. Moments like those make even the most difficult days worth it.

I taught a boy in the first grade.  Ironically his mother, taught me in the seventh grade.  He was a very sweet boy.  He moved to a different school because it had a gifted second grade classroom.  He is now in the fourth grade and recently traveled to China to practice some form of very special karate.  He won a special award in China and the local paper decided to do an article on him.  His mother forwarded me the article and said that her son really wanted me to have a copy because he still thinks of me everyday.  I thought it was sweet to receive a copy and to still be thought of so many years later.

One of my students announced in class that her older brother, that I taught a fews years before at the high school level, had a huge crush on me and wanted to know if I would consider going out with him even though I'm married with a child.  He didn't care.

I taught children with learning disabilities who were in a regular class all day, except for 50 minutes when I pulled them out for small group instruction. One student said, "I wish we were in here all day! You really care about us!" I loved the relationship I had with my students. I really got the opportunity to know and love each child for who they were!

I teach 8th grade language arts. When these students leave for high school, they are leaving for the "promised land," the land of no more walking in line to lunch and other "freedoms" not given in middle school. Well, about three months into a school year, I had a visit from a former student who begged her mom to bring her to see me after an orthodontist appointment. This young lady came into my classroom and gave me a great big hug; she told me how much she missed me. Because I had a room full of students, I asked her to talk about high school and to give my current students some advice. She talked about everything she learned in my room that helps her in high school; she included how tough I was as a teacher. She finished by telling my students that she learned about language arts but she also learned about caring for people. Her words touched me and brought tears to my eyes. I felt that I had truly made a difference in her life. This moment reminded me that what I do every day matters. I have a role in shaping the future.

Seeing the faces of my choir students sing is always the best memory for me.  Being able to teach them something that at first, they are unsure of and then seeing the reward on their faces through pure enjoyment of singing, performing and learning is the best reward possible!  It is the most amazing gift to teach and to also be able to learn from my students.  I learn just as much as I teach!

I had a student who told me that he wanted to be a general in the military.  I told him that I believed he could do it.  Later that day he thanked me.  I asked him why he was thanking me and he said because I believed in him.  

I teach fourth grade in North Carolina

Having students come back to visit to tell you how much you meant to them. Sometimes it is surprising who you had made a difference to in a school year. I hope I am able to reach every child I meet in the classroom.

Besides the single moments, the best thing is being able to keep in touch with the families whose children I have taught. I have made some great friends and even if they move away, we still get together. The relationships are the best part.

I have helped over 900 students how to read.  This will impact not only their futures but the future of our society.  I continue to work with low level readers to help them love books.

Ann Scott

I teach in the science department at the college where I got one of my degrees.  One of my fine arts professors that taught me when I attended there decided to take my class.  He informed another teacher in his department that I was the best teacher he had ever had and if you didn't get it in my class it was because you weren't trying.  It made me feel good to know that he no longer looked at me as a "kid", but a colleague...and a good one at that!

Actually it was today a student of mine who has a TBI (Tramatic brain injury) saw me and ran over (with his walk only he has) and laid a big hug on me. It was great just to see him finally open up.  

I teach mainly entering freshman at an urban university. The most memorable moment always occurs when you see the look on their faces that they're actually getting what you're saying and learning how to apply it to everyday life.  They're putting it together and learning how to form their own opinions.

My favorite thing to do is keep a journal of funny things kids say.  It helps me remember each kid's personality, as well as memorable moments throughout the year.  For example, I had asked the students what France and England were fighting over in the French and Indian Wars.  Without even thinking, one boy shouted out, "Queen Elizabeth!"

I think one of my most memorable moments was in my 2nd year and I had lost a teacher's guide for math.  I thought it was stolen but it was misplaced.  A student, William, stayed after class and "told me he had my back".  He said if it was taken, he would find out about it.  I apologized to the whole class the next day because I found it.  But having William saying that was a huge compliment.  Loyalty with him was huge and he invited me in.

My most memeorale moment was seeing my special education students score some of the highest scores on the Living Environment Regents last spring

Last year I was gone for the first quarter of school, on maternity leave. My students were a handful that year. The long-term substitute was calling and e-mailing trying to figure things out. Needless to say, even though she did a GREAT job, I had my work cut out for me that year. Although one of my most challenging classes, with behavior problems, special needs, and academic concerns. There is not one student that was in this class that did not tell me how much I meant to them at the end of the year. One student in particular - got on track and made the A/B Honor Roll for the first time in his life! Another student, with special needs, was crying on the last day of school. He had made the best grades of his life, his reading ability increased over 5 grade levels and he LOVED SCHOOL again! He actually cried and gave me a hug at the end of the day and told me that he would miss me all summer until he could see me at the beginning of the year next year. I have seen him this year and every time he gives me a HUGE smile and a BIG wave. His renewed excitement for learning and his wonderful smile every day makes my job worth it!

Any time my students have that "ah-ha" moment when they finally understand something!

I teach in higher education.  It has very rewarding to work with the instrucors I had going through the programs of dental assisting and dental hygiene.  I find it very rewarding to have them give me praise for my teaching abilities and styles.  

It is nice when my students also tell those instructors how much they enjoy my classes and how much they like me.  It makes you feel very good! :)

As a teacher librarian, I work hard to get students to read and learn valuable library concepts.  When I left my job and moved to my new one, all of my students where very upset that I was leaving. They wanted to know who was going to tell them about all the cool new books and teach them all the 'fun' library skills. It was then that I knew what a difference and impact I had made on my students' lives.  I just hope that the librarian who took over for me can keep the love of reading and library a live within them.

Every day in teaching is a new experience, which make is all the more memorable.  Even the smallest thing a student does such as saying hello to you in the mall or offering to do a favor for you in the classroom means that you have touched that students life.  I strive to work everyday and make a positive impact on my students and make positive memorable moments for them.  When I do, I see that light bulb come on over their head or a smile come across their face and that assures me that I made the right career choice.  Each day is filled with laughter, confussion, anger, joy, and pride...as is each memory.

Having former students decide to become a teacher because they had me as a teacher!  Right now a student who went into medical research has decided to take up teaching and I am her mentor.  I see a little of me in her as she is working with the students.  It helps me remember what I have done to help others.  The gift keeps on giving.

I am an art teacher. One of my students came back years later and talked to me about drawing... He wasn't an artist... and he said to me-- "I still remember that drawing class so well.  I remember that you taught me how to really see things I had never seen before."

As a science teacher of 23 years, everytime I have a former student come up and tell me how much they appreciated my class and how they made them want to be a teacher, it touches me.  So far, I have over 100 former students who are teachers!

One of my students is now a teacher in my building and she talks about things I did while she was a student.  It is neat to hear how she remembers an event and what she remembers.  It reminds me that students remember what we do as teachers.

by Cheryl N

I love seeing my students make connections are realize it's not as hard as they thought. Any time that happens it is a special moment.

I teach drama at a very sports oriented school and had several students who were new to the stage and the ins and outs of acting. In 8 weeks the struggled and were nervous, but we opened and they were awesome and nearly perfect! I was so proud! I had a teacher/parent tell me later she really thought it was going to be a bust because no other drama teacher had been able to get the kids to respond and listen. It made me that much prouder!!!

So far, everything is a memorable moment!  This is my first year teaching and I'm learning every day.  The most memorable for me though, aside from the few times I have witnessed the light bulb going off in my students heads when they "get it," has been the moment when I realized the tremendous impact I'm having on my students.  The impact may not materialize for years but someday it will and that thought overwhelms me.

Each day has memorable moments.  It is the little things that only we know or recognize that makes my day.

I just recently left the classroom to get my PhD in Special Education. I went back to my classroom which still had all of my fomer students in there. All of them have severe cognitive disabilities. Two of the students said my name and asked for a hug. They then wanted to show me the latest work that they were doing. They were proud of the progress they made.  I'll never forget it.

Having students, after 31 years of teaching, still speak to me and remember where they sat in my classroom. It makes me realize the impact I have on every student's life.

When one of my previous students called me three years later after having won "Santana of the Year" in her new Middle School and told me that I had a huge influence in her receiving that award. She wanted to thank me for all that I had done for her as her teacher back in 4th grade. What a day of smiles and tears! (happy ones)!

I teach students whom need a little extra help.  Today I spoke to a parent of a student that I worked with last year.  She asked me to please work with her child again this year.  She said that at the beginning of last year her son hated school, hated reading and wanted nothing to do with either.  Today she said that he reads whenever he has an extra minute.  He reads in the car, on the bus, before breakfast, basically any time that he can.  She said that he is now enthusiastic and eager to go to school.  It was such a nice comment and made me feel wonderful.

When they finally get something they didn't understand, I love seeing their faces light up!

This just happened last week.  I teach visually impaired and blind students. I went to visit with a former student of mine who I was her vision teacher for 8 years. She is dying of a progressive disease but is still attending high school.  When I walked in, she recognized my voice and turned in her wheel chair and gave me the biggest hug and kiss.  She can't talk very well anymore but together we pieced together a favorite memory.  She struggled but asked me about my dog.  Wow.  My worst day is terrific.  She has been a blessing in my life.

by Terri B.

I love to see my former students in unexpected places like working at Dairy Queen.  They grow and mature so much so quickly.

I teach hearing impaired kids oral language and it is always rewarding to see them graduate from our program and go onto a mainstream program!!!

I'm an inner-city teacher in one of the poorest cities in America...so when I see a past student rise up and take part in society I am as proud as can be..it also feels great when they say thank you...or tell me how much they learned while in my class.

This is a tough one...

I think the most memorable moments of teaching encompass more than working with the students. I feel like I have so many little memorable moments here and there with my students that mean so much to me. But, some memories that have lasted through the years are the moments with my co-workers when we share our "funny kid moments" of the day and laugh and laugh and laugh. Being able to laugh with my co-workers is so important.

I love when students are learning and they don't realize they are learning.  For example, by playing games or doing activities that they think are for "fun!"

When a parent of one of my 5th graders stopped me in the grocery store to tell me that their child - then a 9th grader wrote an essay about his most influencial teacher - me!

I teach all ages, including adults, in my county.  Therefore, regardless of subject, I find the best part of my job is when I find my students teaching to other students and helping them understand.  I always stress to my students to give back, therefore, I do love finding that they try and live my motto as well.

I teach third grade and have for a number of years now. I'm just at the point where my first students have just graduated from high school. It means so much to me that they seek me out to say hi or email me with college updates. I remember them as well as they remember me. We have left a lasting impression on each other.

I am teaching a severely apraxic child to speak and socialize appropriately.  Every day we make amazing strides.  He is brilliant and curious.  So wonderful to see what a child can do!!!!

One of my FOURTH grade students told me at the end of the first day of school that he was so happy he got me as a teacher. He said I was the most beautiful and nicest teacher ever and that he was really excited about the year. Since then, every morning when entering the classroom he gives me a hug and tells me good morning. At the end of the day he gives me a hug and tells me he'll see me tomorrow. It brightens up my day no matter what mood I'm in!

My most memorable moment as a teacher was seeing my past kindergarten students in 5 grade now...wow! They grow up fast!

I am a first year teacher.  My most memorable moment so far was opening the door on the first day of school and seeing all those sweet,  expectant little faces looking up at me!

teach Learning Support and am often lucky enough to work with kids one-on-one.  A few minutes after I worked with a second grader and took him back to his classroom, he came back and said, "Miss S., that was a great lesson today.  It really helped me.  Thanks."  It pretty much just melted my heart.

by Kylie S.

My most memorable moment was when my class said, "thank you" upon leaving the classroom. I felt a sense of appreciation that they enjoyed my class so much. After 10 years of teaching I still feel that same appreciation when they thank me.

When I got my AIMS results and my students scores was amazing.

My most memorable moment at school was when I was a sub for six graders. One morning during class break I decided to engage the class in open discussion on the topic of Rap music. I wanted to know their thoughts and why they liked or disliked rap music. I knew the topic would stimulate their minds and make for freedom of expression. One student lamented that he like the lyrics and named the artist of the song. Another student responded, that her mother did not permit her to listen to rap music due to the negative the contents. Needless to say, the entire class was in an uproar, everyone talking out of turn to the other to make a point. Fortunately, I managed to calm the class down using my tactful method , thereby making my point. Without judging or condemning my students' opinions, I simply explained that while I wasn't a fan of rap music, I respected their opinions. I knew I had chosen the right profession as a sub teacher ( Currently working on a degree in Elementary education) when the entire class clapped  in my behalf saying "what a good speech, Ms. E", I was filled with joy that I could make a difference gaining their trust and friendship as a substitute teacher. A few students asked " I hope you come back tomorrow because we like you so much" brought tears  my eyes.  

by Carolyn E.

One of the cutest moments was when I was teaching in a preschool class and the sweetest little 3 year old asked me if "tissue" was a bad word??

My most memorable momement as a teacher is seeing a student graduate who many thought would never make it thorugh high school.

When my student’s father died was a moment in my teaching career that had the biggest impact on me. Brandon, an eighth grade at my school, unexpectedly lost his father in January of 2005. He was devastated at hearing the news of his father’s death at school. Brandon is the oldest of three boys and had an extremely close relationship with his father. Brandon really respected his father and even listened to his lengthy lectures on why it is so important to do well in school. He admired him because his father struggled in school and still managed to succeed later in life. Knowing that he and his mom did not get along well had me extremely worried about whether or not he would complete his eighth grade year. His dad helped with homework, took him to baseball and water polo practices, and gave him that special attention he needed. My heart was broken at the thought that he would feel alone and might just give up. Brandon’s relationship with his mother was inconsistent and strained at all times. I knew that it was going to take great effort on both our parts in order for him to get that diploma on graduation day. I think this event made me realize that I was needed more than I could possibly ever have imagined. I know students will ask for help and understand how I am needed in this way. But “being needed” took on a whole new meaning. My classroom became his safe haven. He could cry and not be judged. He could break down and grieve when needed. He could depend on me to stay after school to work on history or literature assignments even though I was tired and wanted to put my feet up and rest. He knew I would give him a ride home so that he wouldn’t have to walk. He knew that I would help him shop for a shirt, tie, and matching pants for graduation. He knew that I would be the one to remind him that his dad would want him to do his very best and that one day he would go to college. Brandon graduated in June of 2005. This experience made an impact on me because it shaped me as a teacher. It made me recognize that I need to be that kind of teacher for all my students. I made a difference in his life; consequently, he made a profound difference in mine.

I taught Kindergarten for the past three years in a low income urban school.  This year I decided to loop with my students and teach them first grade.  I told the news at the Kindergarten graduation.  After graduation I had a parent come up to me and tell me that she had changed her mind about taking her child out of our school because I would be teaching her next year.  I felt very honored that I touched that child and her family so much. :)

I have been a principal for 20 years and have many memorable moments.  I am always in awe of teachers.  Ihave worked with so many outstanding men and women who work tirelessly for the children.  They are never thanked enough, so THANKYOU teachers!

I teach children from birth-3 years old who have developmental delays. So, far my most memorable moment was watching a little guy take his first step and tears running down mom's face. due to a birth defect the doctors told the family he'd never walk on his own. it's amazing what early intervention can do!

At our school we have several clases for the same grade and the other day I was delighted with a note from a student.  It said:  Dear Mrs. _______thank you for letting me in your room this year.  I smiled at her and said you just made my day!  by Cindy S.

I teach junior high school language arts, and one day one of my male students was crying (can't really remember the reason). I told him he can go outside to compose himself. He replied, "Okay, but what is it you want me to do to myself?" Makes me think...just how much of what I say do my students not understand?

I taught second grade and I had a very troubled student in my class. His name was Jessie.  He came to school dirty, hungry and without his assignments. Jessie was also a behavior problem. There were some days when Jessie would drive me crazy with his behavior. However, I saw past all that.  I filled a report with social services about his living conditions and even went to court to speak on his behalf to remove him from his parents. The court agreed and Jessie was places in foster care.  As years past, I would often think about Jessie. Then one day, I was called to the office. When I arrived, there was a tall boy, well dressed, and very poised. I never would have guessed that was my Jessie.  He smiled and hugged me. He thanked me for taking an interest in him.  He told me he was doing well in school and now lived with an aunt.  That was one of my proudest moments. I realized that I had made a difference! That was the reason I taught!

I teach English Language Learners and my students are so thankful whenever I spend the extra time to help them prepare for a test, apply for college, or even apply for a job. They always thank me and that reminds me everyday why I do the job that I do.

On the first day of school this year, my last year's second graders waved and cheered for me when I walked into the cafeteria. I felt like I was on the red carpet! It was especially touching when they said they remembered something I taught them. It solidified that I left a positive impression. :)

I teach Enrichment to all students in my school from first to sixth grade.  In addition, I teach math and reading to one class every day.  Last year I worked with the fourth grade teacher.  This year I'm working with the second grade teacher.  At open house, two of the parents that I'd had last year in fourth, had a child this year in second.  Both of these parents told me how glad they were that their second graders were going to get to have me this year.  It feels so good to have parents recognize my efforts and support me.  by Barbara C.

Last year a group of my students got together and created a photo poster for me that highlighted different moments during our school year together.  The students all signed the poster and wrote little notes to me.  It really moved me to think that they had worked together to create such a nice memento.

My most memorable moment as an educator came during my first few years of teaching.  Bradley was confined to a wheelchair and had a one-on-one assistant.  I enjoyed teaching Bradley science, even though communication was very hard for him, and he seemed to enjoy being in my class.  One day his assistant was absent and he wasn't eating lunch.  I asked him if he needed help and he said no one was available to feed him.  I asked if I could and he took me up on the offer.  It was a very tender moment, as he could not feed himself.  I moved to another part of the state the next year, but Bradley taught me a lot.  He's got a special place in my heart to this day, many years later.

I was blessed enough to have a student one year. He was very troubled and ended up leaving our campus the following year. I had watched him over the past couple of years and tried to get through to him. Being eight years old, I didn't think I had gotten through. Our counselor worked with him and his new school after he had left and told me this: She said that he told her he couldn't control his behavior without the key. He explained to her that the key was at his old school, where people loved him. We had gotten through! To this day, I think about how our words consistently impact our students, even when we think they don't.

I have taught mathematics in grades 7 through 12 for 37 years. I am fortunate in that I have many. many memorable moments. In addition to all my students who have gone into fields that require mathematics, including teaching mathematics, my favorite times are the thank yous. The  one that floored me occurred several years ago.  A student who had graduated came into one of my classes and publicly apologized for being (his words) "a bum in your class"

I am a 4th grade teacher in a low income district.  My most memorable event was when one of my students that was homeless and living in a shelter came back to visit and thanked me for believing in her and giving her confidence to succeed.  She is now in honors classes and applying to college!  I'm so impressed with her!

I was blessed enough to have a student one year. He was very troubled and ended up leaving our campus the following year. I had watched him over the past couple of years and tried to get through to him. Being eight years old, I didn't think I had gotten through. Our counselor worked with him and his new school after he had left and told me this: She said that he told her he couldn't control his behavior without the key. He explained to her that the key was at his old school, where people loved him. We had gotten through! To this day, I think about how our words consistently impact our students, even when we think they don't.

I teach 5-7 graders math. One of my favorite moments was when we were tackling difficult dividing. One of the kids looked at me, got a big smile, and said "I get it, I get it now!".  I was so thrilled at the moment to be with these kids and realize that they were really learning!  It's cool to know you were a part of their mind growing.

I teach music at my church pre-school, Christian Beginnings.  I also sing in the adult choir.  One Sunday morning, as the choir was processing in, I heard one of my students yell out, "Hey Mom!  Look!  There's Miss Cheryl!"  It was nice to have the whole church hear how much this child loved me!

When a student comes back a few years later, still knows your name, and tells you that because of how you taught them, or what you taught them made a difference in their life.  When I leave teaching, it is those moments I will take with me!

My most memorable moment as a teacher was it was just one of those first days when you just didn't want to be at work. The day was awful, the kids were crazy and I wondered, "why in the world do I want to be a teacher?"  When I got home, I had an email from a former student.

Today you officially return to school for the 04-05 school year. Remember I promised you that I would write you in responce to what you wrote in my yearbook? Well, I purposely waited until August 23rd because I didn't feel it was proper to write you until I finally came to the realization that I won't have you in my life the same way that I used to. Last year on the first day of school, I remember it as if it had just happened only hours ago. When I arrived in the building, my very first intent was to barge through hundreds of students and race against the late bell just to see your face and hear your voice. You told me that you had received false information about my return to Douglass and that you were going to write me an email. Isn't it ironic that here it is, the first day back for you one year later and you receive an email from me knowing that my return isn't in the immediate future?

      When I read what you wrote me, I lie to you not when I say that I shed a few tears. Of all the people that have come through my life, I cannot say that there is another person like yourself that has had such an impact on me emotionally. You taught me far more than just geometry and how to grade a paper with an EZ-Grader. You gave me insight on the real world. You GAVE me more than what your job title required you to give. You gave yourself and you showed me love like a true friend. High school memories will last a life time and I'm proud and honored to say that a large amount of mine took place in your classroom and in your presence. From the infamous little green dress that received a standing ovation in the lunch room to the fake severed hand that had you sprinting from your desk to the math hallway within seconds, I will always remember you and cherish those memories.

      There's so much I want to thank you for, but there isn't enough paper in the world to allow me to list it all. For all the future occurrences when you're not around, there will always be a place in my heart for Mo-Jeff. Just never forget me as I will never forget you. I promise to write you often and keep you updated on my happenings. Please do me a favor and take care of Dave for me. Make sure his grades are decent and that he stays out of trouble. And most importantly, never loose your zeal, your enthusiasm for what you do. Not just the teaching, but the way you took care of kids like me.

Love ALWAYS from your # 1 ranked student on the top ten list of favorite kids:

Joe Welsh

P.S.  I forgive you for seating me in the very back of the class, lol...</

E

Right now as a librarian in a high school, changing non readers into readers are most memorable moments. At that age you either love reading or hate reading. Many tell me that it because of me that they come into the library that they could tell that I love reading and it seems to contagious.  Boys are the tough cookies to crack but I am always up for the challenge. I love it when a kid comes up to me telling me that they hated reading before they meet me and now can't wait to read something else.  I kove when they tell me that they used to look at the amount of pages when they chose a book but now they actually check out to see what it is about and use that as the deciding factor instead. It is so cool to watch them recommend books to their friends, hearing the excitement in their voices as they sell the book to someone else.  If I affected one person then I did my job.

I work in youth corrections. I teach male juvenile offenders ages 14-25. I wish I could tell each and every one of you has previously taught my "throw away kids", my gang kids who "won't amount to anything", my kids who came to school and smelled "weird" because you didn't know it but mom/dad had a drug problem and wasn't doing the mom/dad things that these kids needed them to do and provide, my "oppositional/defiant" kids, my kids who brought guns and knives to school that these kids outgrow their labels once they get to the end of the road.  I am lucky enough to teach in a place where these kids drop their guard and stop being so "hard".  When kids reach the literal end of the road, they tend to do well.  I have students tattooed with 13 all over their body who could seem very scary in public but who actually want to learn. The same kids who cussed you out in public are so respectful to me. The same kids that admit that they threw a chair at a teacher in second grade suddenly raise their hands, ask for help and try. Imagine a seriously gang affected youth who was caught with a sawed off shotgun stuffed in his pants and who initally couldn't care less about school, especially school in a correctional facility, actually crying at his high school graduation because that piece of paper keeps him from being a statistic. This same student, through his tears, told his grandmother and the whole audience that he was so glad that he came to jail; it saved his life. This same student is now a role model and a mentor. These are my special moments.  

The look on a child's face when they discover and understand something new & exciting!

My favorite moment as a kindergarten teacher is when a student calls me "mom" (or even) "dad" and they don't think twice about it.  You just know at that moment that they see you as someone as nurturing as their parents are!

I have been in the education business for 30 years now (hard even for me to believe) and I cannot narrow down to just one memorable moment.  I have thousands of stories and one that is particularly funny is that I had a student Jimmy, who struggled a great deal.  He came to school one day and when it was time to take the spelling test he put on a red bandana and said it had power-he took the test to spelling word #19 and took it off.  I said why are you taking it off the test is not over and he said "powers gone".  Of the first 19 he got them ALL right!  The class cheered loudly and I think that was HIS proudest moment.

I teach world geography to 7th graders.  I share the experiences of my travels with my students because I believe it enriches their educational experience.  At the end of my first year of teaching one of my students came up to me and gave me a little VW bug as a end of year present.  When she gave it to me she said, "This is for you to continue you your travels and I look forward to traveling as you have."  I was moved because I was amazed that she put that much thought into a gift that represented what my shared experiences meant to her.  I still have that bug in my classroom today.

I have taught young children for four years and their smiles are what makes it all worth while. There are so many times I can remember thinking "This is why I am a teacher" when they finally understand a new concept or do well on a test because of what I taught them. But, when a student comes back the next year and tells you how much they miss your class, you know you have made an impact that will last forever.

I am expecting our second child this September and I got put on bed rest the weekend before the first day of school. It was really hard for me knowing that I wouldn't start the year out with my class. I wrote them a letter explaining why I wouldn't be there. My students wrote me back saying "That's ok, Mrs. Walden, we hope the baby will be healthy and on time! "I know your're going to be the best teacher in the world when you come back!" Third graders gotta love them!

By Holly W.

I started my 25th year of teaching Family and Consumer Sciences at a new school last year (2007-2008) and fell in love with the kids, community, the whold ball of wax.  Right after Spring Break, I was told that I was being asked to resign (it would look better for me than not be renewed) due to budget cuts.  Once my students and some of their parents heard the news, they went to the Board to protest.  The kids said I had taught them more in one year than they'd learned in all of their years in high school and I was getting them ready for the "real" world.  It made me feel great but the decision was already made.

I had a particularly difficult student one year.  I tried and tried with him but always felt as if I was correcting him.  I felt as though he didn't like being with me.  It was such a delight when his current teacher came up to me and asked what strategies I used with him because all he talked about was me!  I was overjoyed that he spoke so highly of me!

My first year as a middle school choral director, I took several students to audition for a regional honors choir. Getting into the ensemble is a big deal, but placing in the top 10 of each section is HUGE. A few of my students made the top of their section, but one of my baritones, Todd, placed in the top 5.  He even earned a solo for the concert. Todd was a special education student who was often the target of ridicule, but as soon as word got out that he was one of the top singers in the region, that all stopped.  When the event concluded, Todd walked up to me with tears in his eyes. He said, "Thank you for helping me feel like somebody special for the first time in my life."

Well, if that wasn't enough of a defining moment for me, Todd stopped my my room on the last day of school and said that he just wanted to thank me again for making such a big difference in his life. Doing well in chorus gave him the motivation to do better in his other classes and he had decided that he wanted to go to college - something unheard of in his family. He told me that he was going to come and see me on the last day of school every year until he graduated, because he wanted me to remember that I had made a difference in his life.  True to his word, Todd visited me on every last day and always brought a friend. Each time, he'd enter my room, point and say, "There is the lady that changed my life."

Anytime I wonder why I get up at 4:45 AM to work with 300 choir kids, I remember Todd.

It's hard to pick just one moment...Each year this are particularly memorable moments or experiences.  Some of my favorite memories when students from years past return to tell me their favorite things from my teaching. Sometimes it was a particular lesson or project.  It just validates all the time I spend planning and teaching.  I feel so good to know that things are "sticking" with kids and I am making a positive impact on their lives.

When I see a student's confidence and self-esteem rise. It breaks my heart when a student is so down on themselves because the work is frustrating. However through working with the student and helping them improve you see their self-confidence and self-esteem blossom too.  They start to feel confident to take risks, participate, and challenge themselves to become better students.

Two years ago I had an 8th grade student who was completely incapable socially.  He was violent, and disruptive. He couldn't perform at more than an early elementary level.  He didn't have friends.  He wouldn't participate in class.  It was difficult to have him in the room.  At the end of the year, I had the students to a giving directions project where they each had to teach the class how to do something.  This student brought his guitar in and taught another student how to play a chord.  The amazing part was that after he completed his project, he spent the rest of the class period playing for the class, taking requests, playing popular songs.  He had everyone's attention.  I had never seen this student respond in a natural or normal way in a group before.  With his guitar, he was a different person- calm, relaxed, grown-up.  As a team of teachers, we were able to use this experience as a reason to get this student connected with the music teacher at the high school early so he might have a support system he could interact with on a subject he really liked as he began high school.

Over 17 years I know that I have learned more from my students than they have in my classroom.

I have to say that on a personal note it was being a first year middle school teacher when 9/11 occurred.  It really taught me that I had the composure to make it work.  On a more practical side, it is the thank you from kids who you would not expect it from.  It is nice to hear that you did make a difference for them.

My most memorable moment occured on day when a 3 year old boy in my class, had a very active day, When his mother came to get him I explained how he was very wiggly and I just could not captivate his attention. The little boy runs to his mother and says "would you like to hear my song?" and sings to her the song we sang at circle time, when he was not even participating.  It made me realize that children are sponges and even when you think they are not listening they are picking up every thing you say.

Anytime the students are struggling with a concept we just keep plugging away at it. When the students get their "a-ha" moments..... or their "I get it" smiles on their faces it is always a memorable experience.

I have been a special education teacher for 7 years with children on the autistic spectrum.  I have taught children between the ages of 5-14; all with varying ability levels.  Some of my students work on daily living skills or prevocational skills; while others are working on typical academics at different rates and levels of their typical peers.  My most memorable moment is not one specific moment within my years of experience; but the everyday accomplishments that my students make that most people take for granted of.  It could have been the student who initiated to use the bathroom and now is independent in the bathroom, the student who independently walked from one classroom to another, the student who requested an item using words, signs, or pictures, or the student who spontaneously socialized with a typical peer on the playground. As a teacher, I have been blessed with watching all my students make giants leaps towards becoming a more independent active member of his or her community. The memories can never be forgotten with the thank yous that come from their smiles and laughter, as well as the letters that com from the families!

My school has had several students move in from the public schools to our private school.  This week, a few of the students commented that we've already learned more in your (mine) English class than I learned all last year in public school class.  That made my day.

Jacque Y

That I can really see the spark in the eye of a student when they have that "a-ha" moment. It is when everything finally clicks!

About three years ago, a 4th grader came to see me during lunch to "test" his recorder skills.  I was teaching general music in elementary schools.  He read the music notes perfectly and I was amazed!  I thought he had private music lessons elsewhere so I asked, "Where did you learn how to read those notes?"  He said, "From you!"  Because my students only see me once a week for half a year, I tend to think that they don't learn much, but he proved me wrong!  Thankfully, my district still supports a music program!

I am a Media Specialist who absolutely loves her job!  The school I work at in South Florida is a wonderful school with exceptional teachers.  I am truly blessed to work there.  It is a pleasure going to work every day.  My most memorable moment was when a little boy, a third grade student came to me to tell me that the reason that he loves reading so much is because I read to him and his class when he was in Kindergarten, and he saw that I loved reading so much, that he wanted to "do it too."  I so loved that!

One of my students received a positive phone call home as a reward. When I called you could tell that they were busy getting family dinners, homework and every night stuff done. I told the Mom that I was calling about her child and you could hear the concern in her voice. When I told her what a wonderful student her child was and how his curiosity for science was was inspiring others in class, she was in shock.  The next day her son came in and told me that his mom cried.

When students come back and tell me they are pursuing a career in the sciences, and I know that I sparked interest... it makes teaching worth while.

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I recently graduated from college and completed my first full year of teaching.  While everything about the year was memorable one moment stands out in my mind.  We had just returned from Winter Break and I began reviewing the Revolutionary War.  I asked my students "Where was the Treaty of Paris signed?"  Just about every hand shot up into the air.  However, there was one girl in particuar who was just dying to asnwer.  I called on her, where she promptly told me "LONDON"  Having a sense of humor as a teacher is a wonderful thing.  

My most memorable moment as an educator happened when a student came to me with a very personal problem and trusted me to help her solve it. I helped set her up with counselors, DFCS and other teachers to give her the options she needed to succeed in school. I can see a difference in her attitude, schoolwork and life right now and it makes me feel great that I could be a part of it!

After my first year of teaching, I returned to the same school for my second year.  I was overwhelmed by my former students who sought me out, even though I'd moved classrooms over the summer.  I felt so very loved and appreciated to know that they missed me and wanted to catch up.

During Teacher Appreciation Week my students got together (without my knowing) and decorated our classroom door. They created a bookworm (I teach reading) out of circles and on every circle they wrote something to me. While all of the boys and girls thanked me for helping them read better, one worm segment in particular stood out. My fifth grade boy, who was a non-reader and hated reading at the beginning of the year, wrote; Thank you for teaching me to read. I now LOVE reading! How could I as for more?!

I had a student raise their hand and ask if I ever was going to have the chance to get married!

I can't say there was one memorable moment because there have been so many. I have taught for 21 years and absolutely LOVE my job. There are moments went the light went on in a child's eyes as they understood something for the first time or the time when I knew I had touched a child's heart. There were times when I hugged a child or made them smile. Teaching has been the BEST thing I have ever done and brough me many memorable moments.

My most memorable moment was when a student, who I taught while he was in 8th grade, came back to give me a christmas gift when he was in 10th grade.  I was so excited and happy to see him.  We spent about 45 minutes talking.  I finally said, so I guess you're driving now?  He replied, "No, my mom's in the parking lot"  When I went out to talk to her, she expressed such appreciation for making such a difference in her son's life.  It meant the world to me.

by:  Hilary C

This year while readng t my first graders, a little boy raised his hand and said, "I love it when you read to us. It makes it seem so real". At this moment I knew that I had chosen the perfeat career.

Debbie B.

One day I had a student who spoke very little English....I called her Miracle Myriam!  Each day she greeted me with a smile and twinkle of happiness in her eye!  Her parents shared that she would be moving back to her home country, yet they did not share this with their daughter.  Saying good-bye to her was very difficult without sharing that I would never see her again.  As she got on the bus at the end of the day, she handed me a note that read.  Dear Teacher, I will miss you.  I love you like my mom.  Thank you for being there!  Love Myriam.  Indeed, my heart was filled with happiness that she will always remember her learning in the US as a positive experience!

My most memorable moment was when my children actually made it through the entire curriculum and made major growth in their testing for Math at the end of the year.  I knew that they had done it because they were motivated and I had just a small part in sparking that motivation in them for success.

My most memorable moment as a teacher has to be 9/11.  I can remember the looks on the faces of my 7th graders as the first tower collapsed.  At that point, I started using the tragedy as a teaching experience...particularly separating fact from fiction.  I was in 7th grade the day Kennedy was assassinated...so to stress to the kids that they are experiencing history first hand was especially important to me.

A few years back,  had a student in my first grade class,  who every day gave me a paper heart -- either cut out or drawn on paper.  He would quietly slip it in my hand at the end of math class.  He rarely said anything, however, he without fail, gave me the heart.  I saved a couple and when he graduates from high school, I plan to send him one of the hearts.   Nancy S

My favorite moment has to be watching a child in September who can't write their own name be able to write a story by June!

Has to be the day the trombone player said he didn't bring his trombone because it was kind of flat.  (I teach beginning band.)  I assured him that as a beginner he shouldn't worry about pitch so much.  Being a little flat (too low) was something that would fix itself with experience.  He explained that he meant *flat* flat.  The bus driver had run over it at the curb that morning.

One of my classes tackled a project that funded an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to place at their high school, and we were the first school (including universities) to do so in the State of Colorado.  Community service at its finest.

JG

Being a first year teacher and having a student arrive from the Ukraine on the second day of school not speaking a word of English. I left this  long term sub assignment in December only to return in June and have a full conversation with him.  He was such a sweet eager student-I couldn't have asked for more in my first teaching experience.

I am a speech-language pathologist working with K-8 students.  When NY state began mandating state-wide testing in math and English/Language Arts we began working with more students on their written language skills.  Several years ago, after the testing had taken place, my colleague and I asked a group of students if it was difficult.  One boy spoke right up and said no, it wasn't difficult because of all the work we had done to prepare them!

I love to see the smile on a child when they accomplish a skill they never thought they could.

I am a first year teacher at a NYC school in the Bronx. My most memorable moment was when I worked as a Teacher Assistant in an Inclusion room and one little girl inparticular (who was emotionally distrubed- yet extremely bright) hugged me tight and said "Thank you for helping me become a better student".

Today I was wearing a shirt from LOFT and a student told me I looked really good in it !

The most memorable moment I had as a teacher was when I was teaching choir in a tiny town surrounded by large competitive cities.  It was my second year in the district and I had worked very hard to expand the choir program to not only include the existing 8th grade choir, but also to include 7th graders and high school aged students.  The 8th grade choir, in the history of the school, had  never received higher than a division 2 rating.  We worked very, very hard.  We learned the notes, we worked out our tuning, we worked for musicality of the highest caliber, we practiced our stage presence, and had a lot of fun.  Our goal was to receive the first division 1 rating in the district's history of choral music, a very big goal for our situation.  It was competition day and we couldn't have been more ready.  The students performed to the best of their ability and knocked the judges socks off!  Both choirs received a division 1 rating; we had achieved our goal.  It was so meaningful to me that because of their hard work and dedication, I was able to guide them towards an outcome that we all will remember for the rest of our lives.  They learned that with persistence, practice, and a lot of hard work they can achieve any goal no matter how big.  These particular students really needed to feel the success, and I was lucky enough to be the teacher who helped them achieve it.  

Seeing the moment when a kid discovers they can read on their own! And then when the find books they LOVE and read them over and over!

I love the "aha" moments.  The moments when the students faces light up because they finally understand what you are trying to teach them.  I also love it when former students come back to visit; to me, that means I did my job.

I love teaching.  I am a Math teacher @ Little Rock Central High.

When students come back to show me their families, as if to say, Look--I made it!"  

I will never forget a comment written on a Christmas card by a parent of one of my former fourth graders.  The parent wrote how much being in my classroom meant to her daughter.  Her daughter felt special and cared for, yet recognized that I always tried to treat everyone fairly and that I didn't have favorites.  I have always remembered this comment, and it drives me to focus on the important qualities and needs of every child as an individual, so that I hopefully never make any child feel as though another student is favored more or less than she is.

i had a student who had severe emotional problems and this year came back and thanked me....he had no problems at camp over the summer compared to the years before.  I was so happy for him!

i had a student with severe emotional problems last year.  He had problems at camp the summer before as well.  When he came back this year...he thanked me because he had no problems at camp.  His family was so greatful for all the time i had spent helping him last year!

by Janelle B.

I work with teenage parents. Seeing them apply something that they have learned and interact with their children in meaningful ways is amazing!

I'm a theatre teacher in an urban middle school.  At the end of the year, a very talented actor came up to me and said, "Miss, my mom gave me a choice last night.  She said I could go to theatre camp or football camp this summer.  I said, "wow.  that's a tough choice!" and he said, "no it isn't!  I chose theatre!"

We have a student at my school with severe anger management issues.  Over the past 3 years he has run away from his classroom teachers and aides without any warning.  Over the past two years now, when he comes to my music class, he always has a smile on his face and he is content to stay with me and make music.  I hope this means I am making a difference in his life even if in some small way.

The best moment in my teaching career isn't a single point in time, it's ongoing. When a student smiles because he's just gotten a new concept or because she's written or read something beautiful, I understand why I show up to work every day. Being a teacher is hard work, but I am rewarded by the pride in my students' faces when they walk across the stage to accept their diplomas. Every student has a chance to be successful, and I feel privileged to be part of some of those success stories.

I teach eighth grade. I love my students and what they have taught me. My most memorable memories are all the times I see my old kids in the community and they come up and hug me. It makes every day worth it.

I am a Special Education - LD teacher at the high school level. When I work with my students one-on-one and I see the light go on in their eyes, that melts my heart.

My second year of teaching, I got engaged and made the decision to relocate to the same city as my fiance.  As a result, I had to leave the school that was very dear to my heart, especially the 24 students I had that year.  We were a very close group after much work and many classroom meetings.  On the last day of school, I pulled the class together for one more meeting.  None of my students knew I was leaving and I had a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach knowing I had to leave.  When we started our meeting, tears filled my eyes as I began to tell them that I have to leave.  As I looked around the room, the rest of my second graders had begun to cry as well.  I was unable to get out all that I had planned on saying.  I didn't have to ask my kids, they just knew that I needed a hug.  Before I knew it, I was surrounded by twenty four teary eyed children who knew just what I needed.  For the rest of the day, we laughed and talked about how wonderful our year had been.  When it was time to go, instead of cheers of SCHOOLS OUT, I had a line of kids holding my hands and for one last time escorting me to the bus loop.  I waved them off and cried to a fellow teacher and told her, that was the reason I taught.  Those children changed my life and I will never forget our last day together.

I once talked a student out of running away from home. He struggled to get his diploma. He now works at the high school and is excited about possibly attending college next year!

My most memorable teaching moment happened during one of my observations.  My high school principal and I had discussed the week prior how my year was going and what concerns I had.  I told her my 3rd period class was a huge challenge, mainly because of one student, "Rodney", who consistently challenged my every last nerve.  He was intelligent, but fiesty and hyperactive - one of those that you just knew whose brilliance was going to be shown to the world one day, but probably not during this particular year.  Anyway, my principal had just made herself comfortable at my desk for my observation during, yep, 3rd period, when Rodney came bouncing in, went up to the blackboard, did the ol' one-two punch on the day's objectives, then promptly dropped to the floor to start doing pushups.  On the inside I was horrified, but kept my demeanor when I said, "Rodney, I'm glad you're warmed up and ready to learn.  Now please take your seat."  He did, but not before glancing at my principal and asking, "Since she's here, do we have to learn twice as much?"  Needless to say, the lesson went fine and my observation was great, with an extra nod given to keeping my poise.  

I had a student that did not want to participate in an Entrepreneurship competition involving 12 area high schools.  I was able to convince her after pulling teeth and she won 1st place.  the 1st place prize was money, an Ipod, and a book of inspirations.

As I biology teacher, I often hear some pretty funny comments and questions during class. One day, we were talking about E.Coli and this girl in the back says "Oh! I know that! There's a commercial about it with a guy on a mountain with a big horn... E Collliiiii!"  It took every ounce of my strength to not burst into laughter.

A father wrote a letter to thank me for allowing his "special" son to do community service work in the library. His son was not expected to live when he was born and he had just turned 13yrs old! Dad had taken the first year off from work to help care for his son. It is so rewarding to go to work every day and see their smiling faces.

by Julie M.

My 1st year [3rd grade] I had a new student dropped off in the middle of cursive, about 2 months into the year. The VP said nothing, just you have a new student.  He walked in and I asked if he had done curisve before.  "Yes, Teacher" he said quietly.  I showed him what page we were on and told him how to get started, did he understand?  "Yes, Teacher."  When I'd check in to see if it was going ok he'd smile and say "Yes, Teacher." He was a very happy student, with beautiful penmanship.  It wasn't until we started the next subject that I learned, all he could say in English was "Yes" "No" "Teacher" and his name!  It took me by such suprise when I found out.  He walked in on a "lucky" subject for his first day.  By the end of the year he was reading at a middle first grade level! It was really amazing how much how hard he worked, and how far he had come when he left!  His mother cried and he wrote such a beautiful thank you in his still broken, much improved, English when the year ended.

I teach second grade. I had a student who was kicked out of his private school and put in my classroom. He was a very angry little boy. We found a way to work together especially when he became upset and sometimes violent/aggressive. By the end of the year, his outbursts had almost completely gone away. The next year, he went to third grade. He wrote me a letter that said, "I miss you very much. I loved being in your class because you made learning so much fun like a video game. You are the best teacher in the world!" His letter made my day!!! The little boy still comes back to visit me and he is in 6th grade now. His letter reminds me why I am a teacher. I love my job and I love helping the children learn. <3

I teach at the high school level but often have students who read at elementary levels.  One particular student refused to read at all.  I worked hard at finding a book I thought he would enjoy.  When he did read it, he told me, "Reading is almost fun."  Not a miracle, but a step in the right direction.

A few years ago I was doing a poetry lesson with my freshmen students. Some of the students were not getting the concept of what we were working on and shouted out, "Just ask Timmy. He'll know how to do it, he's Asian." Uncomfortable laughter followed from the class and I decided to make a very big deal about the stereotype and generalizations they were painting on each other. I was angry at the students for their trite comments and spent the rest of the hour talking about how stereotypes and jokes such as theirs are like wounds that just won't heal in the context of America and accepting and respecting its many cultures.

When these students reached their senior years, their advisors asked them to write a note of thanks to any teacher from their high school career. I was blessed to receive several notes from that one class, thanking me for either reminding them of the harm stereotypes can cause or for standing up for what was right at the time. Timmy was most grateful. It came as such a shock to me to receive these notes of thanks!

I had forgotten that moment, but was reminded of the fact that many of our most powerful experiences come from the teaching we do outside of our curriculum.

I have taught first grade for many years and love to have my former "all grown up" students come visit me. They look at papers and activities the current students are doing and laugh and we talk about the good ol' days.

I teach at the high school level and year after year, kids come back and tell me that they shined in their new English class because of what I had taught them the year before...and I thought they just tuned me out!

Kate

Because of my husband's job, I had to leave my teaching post in the middle of a year. I had asked my senior AP Literature students to come in to school on their day off to take a practice exam before I moved. After sitting through a three-hour test, the kids opened their backpacks and pulled out a cake, a personalized picture of them holding a sign saying they were going to miss me and a blanket they made with their favorite quotations from our class. They had been planning it for weeks.

My very first day of teaching my first class was a 9th grade Intro to Arts class and the were as scared as I was. It help!

I am a school psychologist who helps children with all kinds of issues.  A parent called about one of my students, Jenny, who had a habit of playing with her hair to the point she was pulling it out.  Was this charming, brilliant girl suffering from alopecia or was it self-imposed stress which ran in her family of high achievers?  I shared that Jenny could self-monitor her behavior and use her hands for another activity when the urge to pull surfaced.  I also encouraged her Mom to ask  what she was thinking and feeling when she started to pull.  Jenny’s Mom emailed me to share that the strategies were working.  However, this improvement did not last long.  Soon the tugging returned.  Baffled, Jenny’s mother brought her to her pediatrician.  My diagnosis was wrong.  It turned out that Jenny had a bad case of lice.  I learned that sometimes the answers are a lot simpler than they seem and you have to have a sense of humor!

by Ivette L.

It's worth the hard work when just one "gets" it.

I am a teacher preschool teacher and it never ceases to amaze me how literal these little tykes are. I had a student who missed school because her appendix ruptered. I told the rest of the class about this because they were asking where she was and then they went on to their computer class. When I picked them up, the teacher wanted to know what exactly happened to my little girl. Apparently, a little boy told the teacher she was out because her "penis erupted." So funny!

When a student you have or a parent of a student writes a note thanking you for what you do.  The last note I received was from the parents of one of my students from last year and it read, "We are grateful to have you in our child's life!  Thank you for all your time and effort...you are priceless!"  Notes like that make you feel great!

I have so many funny stories!  I have taught 27 years and by the way I love Loft clothes.  They keep my young looking and HiP!

One time we had been studying about our governor and at that time we had a woman governor or our state.  For a bonus(extra points on a test) I wrote:  Who is the governor of our state?  My student wrote:  Polly Ester.  I got so tickled. The next day I handed the test back.  When we got to the bonus question I told them the currect governor of our state is Ann Richards.  The student with the incorrect answer raised his hand and asked, "Well, who is Polly Ester anyway?"  It was priceless!

by Elaine S.

Reaching students are my life, especially the challenging ones.

I love the look on a kid's face when they finally understand a concept that you've been working so hard to get across.  That light bulb moment is just amazing.  It makes you feel like you're really accomplished something and helped the child learn.

When I taught 1st grade, somehow a bird had gotten in our classroom and remained hidden there for some time. Our guidance counselor was in doing a lesson and he loved to do magic tricks. As if on cue, right in the middle of the magic trick, a bird flew up from behind a bookshelf and started soaring around the room! We took the guidance lesson outside while our maintenance men tried to get the bird out. Last year, I overheard one of the girls from that class (who was now a 4th grader) telling a bunch of friends about that moment. It was memorable for all of us!

I returned from an archaeological dig overseas last September. I had been allowed to bring back a few broken shards of pottery which were 2000 years old. I passed them around the class and asked them to estimate what they were and how old they were. Most said flower pots which were 100-500 years old. When I told them that they were holding 2000 year-old pottery their jaws dropped. Many parents have told me that this experience made history come alive for their students and that they gained a new appreciation for the subject matter.

I am an elementary music teacher that works with the general school population in addition to those students with special needs.  I had a young student with severe learning and social setbacks who would not make eye contact or speak at the beginning of the school year.  We worked on a series of fun, silly and goofy songs throughout the year in a specific order to help him with consistency.  One day towards the end of the school year, very unexpectedly, this little guy began singing (timidly) every word to every song, and attempting the dances that went along with them.  He even knew which songs were coming up next.  It stopped us all dead in our tracks.  With a tear in her eye, his classroom teacher shared with me that this was the most any of them had ever heard him speak.  "He's never even used a complete sentence before today." she shared with me.  It melted my heart to finally hear the sweet voice that went along with the little person we'd been working with all year, and I have never been more proud of my profession.

I teach college freshman composition. It's a required course that no one wants to take but often becomes their favorite just because I learn their names and I get to know a little something about each person. Every time I hear my students help and relate to each other in class is memorable. I love the human connections they make in my small classroom of 22 because they often feel lost in the 200-person lecture halls.

I started my career as a high school tutor. I ended up working with one of my first students for his last three years of high school. During May of his senior year this student brought a rough draft of an essay he had written for me to proof read. Over the three years he and I had worked together on many of his essays typically beginning with pre-writing activities. This was the first time he had handed me a completed rough draft as our starting point. I was hurt that he hadn't asked for my help on this final paper. Then he told me he had written the rough draft himself using all of the strategies we had practiced over the years together. I couldn't have been more proud of him and I love thinking back to that moment in time.

My students are those entering the nursing field.  I am so happy when former students send me emails, cards, etc to thank me for making them work hard.  My most memorable was from a student's mom.  For Passover, she and  her mom gave me a Star of David pendant and her mom wrote a letter thanking me for all that I did for her daughter.  This letter brought tears to my eyes and I always think of them when I wear my pendant.  The student still keeps in touch with me to this day.  Things like that make it all worth while.

Sharon A.

Knowing that you are educating the whole child (academically, socially, and emotionally)

As a teacher of children of special needs, there are many menorable moments. Most recently, the mother of a student I taught in first and second grade called me and invited me to his high school graduation and get together. After all these year, they remembered specific things we did in class. I did everything to hold back my tears! And of course I went to both!

One year during a parent-teacher conference, a parent had thanked me for the huge turn around his son had made in math.  He told me that his son really respected me and that was because I had shown the students respect in return.  That was an a-ha moment!

by Caroline L.

I am currently in my fifth year of teaching.  Each year, I have several difficult students in my classroom.  This year, one of the students who is identified as having “behaviors that impede” his learning, wrote me a letter.  His letter told me that he didn’t used to like school, but second grade was different.  He told me that he knew that I cared about him, and he knew that this year was going to be different.  This child came up and gave me a great big hug, and thanked me for being his teacher.  That’s something I’ll never forget!

The excitement on a child and parent's face when they hear the news their child went from a projected 1 on the state test to a project 4 in less than 6 months time.  You really know you have become a team!

I have only been teaching for a couple of years. This is my second year teaching third grade. This year has been great seeing all of my students from last year stop by and say hello! It's neat to see how they have grown and matured over the summer. One moment that sticks out is having a parent tell me that her child's reading success is because of me. That makes me feel proud to be a teacher and to be making a difference!

My favorite moment as a teacher, is probably one that we have all had.  Although we wish it would happen every day with every student, it just doesn't.  However, my favorite moment is the look on a student's face the moment that they finally GET something that they have been trying to understand and have just been missing one bit to make the big picture.  Their faces just light up, and those moments make teaching worth it to me.

My most memorable moment as a teacher was when one of my previous students sent me a copy of an essay he submitted for a newspaper competition about why why teachers deserve more pay and should be praised more for the unbelievable impact that they can make on their students.  In this essay he spoke about me.  He said that I completely changed his view about mathematics and his future.  Last year he came to visit me at school and let me know that I had a great deal of impact on his success in high school.  I will never forget this student.  It is amazing what an imact we educators really have on the future of our students.

by Sigal K.

I had a student who had a particularly painful disability.  She was very sweet-spirited and never complained. It was a joy to be able to serve her and know that I had made a difference in her life.

I enjoy watching my Kindergarten student's eyes light up when they finally understand a concept or "figure it out" for the first time!  It's great to see how their confidence blossoms from the beginning to the end of the school year!

by Florence M.

My favorite moment as a teacher happened last year, my first year teaching.  I work with the severely Autistic and I had one student who would not count during calendar time.  After working with her for a few months she finally began to count for me.  It was the HAPPIEST moment in my career to that point.  

I am a third grade teacher and I enjoy the strides that are made not only academically, but socially and emotionally, as well.  Every year, I take pictures of my students engaged in their learning.  Whether we are doing a fun science experiment, learning about Paul Revere's ride to Boston, or just playing "Sparkle"- a fun spelling game. At the end of the year, a friend of mine who is much more computer savvy, helps me make a DVD of all the pictures and sets it to music we listen to throughout the year.  At this moment, I truly realize how important a teacher is to a child.  We are usually wiping tears away by the end of the DVD.

I have been teaching fifth grade for five years.    By the end of fifth grade they are looking forward to growing up and moving to the middle school. Students usually forget about their fifth grade teachers.  However, one year I received a card from one of my students during the summer.  It was just a note to see how I was doing and if I was having a good summer.  It even included several pieces of candy.  It touched my heart.  It just goes to show that you never know how you will impact a life.

Amber S.

I teach fifth grade in a at-risk school and at times it can be challenging, yet the most memorable moment is when a child realizes that they are just as smart as other kids (not at-risk). It changes the way they see themselves and their abilities.

I agree with Courtney D. - It is when they GET it and you see how proud and happy they are.

I had a student who was incredible creative.  One day he came to class and announced that when he had worked on his project the night before he had run out of glue, and so he had stuck all of the pieces of the project on with maple syrup!  

Nancy H

My memorable moment as an educator is when former students return and thank me for teaching them an important life skill that carried them through important educational milestones. It makes you feel as if your time spent teaching was worth it all.

I had a class that was by most people's standards completely wild.  They reminded me how to plan engaging relavent lessons.  They reminded me how to be a good teacher.

Even though there are occasionally days when I wonder why I'm teaching, it is especially on those days when I receive a blessing from a student.  Whether it's a smile or encouraging word, funny comment, or a struggling student finally "getting it," sometimes the most memorable moments come when we least expect them.  And kids have such a way of putting things in perspective!

As a media specialist in a middle school, all of our ELA classes visit me during the first few weeks of school for media center orientation.  One part of my orientation is a Q & A about the parts of the media center.  I was calling on students to answer and had moved on to another topic, but one student continued to hold his hand up.  When I called on him, he told me he didn't want to answer a question; however, he did want to tell me that one of his teeth had come out and held it up for everyone to see.

KZ

I work with 4th and 5th graders who have learning disabilities, behavior problems, and autism.  I am reminded each day that each child has unique talents and interests that can only shine forth when they are acknowledged by loving, caring teachers.  My memorable moments are when my students are able to exceed the expectations that I have for them.  

My most memorable moments are the hugs and smiles I receive from students that I have taught years before. Just seeing the excitement in their faces to see me again is priceless. It's wonderful to see evidence of the impact you've made.

My most memorable moment came as a teacher and a parent.  I was practicing a song with my kindergarten students for our end of the year celebration.  We rehearsed this song so much that I would hear it in my sleep.  I was two weeks overdue and still teaching my students.  One student, who had refused to sing this song, and showed little interest in music, grabbed me around my extremely large stomach and said "Mrs. Harrell, I'm going to sing to your baby boy".  My son was born two days later.  To my surprise, when my son was crying his first night in the hospital, I played the recording of the song my students had practiced, and he fell sound asleep.  He is five years old now and I am still playing that recording for him at his bedtime.  My students gave me a gift that keeps on giving.  

Just today a student told me at the end of the day- "you actually made me think today"- that is why I teach

I can't say that I have only one most memorable moment but many that I remember.  Some of the best are the humorous comments and stories my students tell me.  Children can be so open in their feelings.  I love when they come up to me and hug me just because.

As a college senior I joined Teach for America and was placed in an incredibly low income, high needs school to teach 7th grade math and science.  I was devastated by how low some of my students were, yet inspired by how much they desparately wanted to learn.  The biggest strength of my first year involved investing my students into setting goals for themselves in one on one conferences and constantly referring back to their goals and ways to reach them.  My most powerful moment game with a particular girl named D.  D was a SASSY 7th grader who had failed to pass the state standardized test.  Starting off the year very low she set ambitious goals and worked tirelessly at achieving them.  The day of our last test which would determine if we would meet our goals, she refused to click the last button on the computer.  At last she did and upon seeing her score burst into tears.  Immediately she pledged to me that she knew she could do better and desparately wanted another attempt. She begged that she would stay after school, come before school, miss out on recess, anything for the opportunity to show me and more imporatly, herself that she could reach her goal.  I acquised, and that next afternoon when D took her test her score proved that she had grown 3 years in math (in just that one school year!).  This child so desparately wanted to reach her goal and feel that sense of success she had been missing out on.  That is why I am a teacher!

whenever my old students come to visit me and remind me of a lesson they particularly enjoyed. it gives me a satisfied feeling that my hard work is remembered, even with students as young as second graders.

After about a week as the new band director in a small community, replacing someone who had been there for about 40 years, I had a junior come up to me and thank me for being kind to them and complimenting them on their playing because no one had ever done that before.  My heart broke a little, but I knew I was in the right place, and that I could make a difference there.

This is my first year as a Montessori teacher. I teach 3-6 year old kids. I think my most memorable so far is when a parent came up to me on open house night and said "you know Joan is so happy because you told her that you love the way she traces her letters."

My most memorable moment as a teacher was a few years ago.  I teach preschoolers with special needs who are primarily nonverbal.  One day, just before winter break, I heard a little voice say, "Come on Max!  Play with me!"  I spun around to see who it was.  One of my students who had been completely silent for two years had suddenly started talking.  It was amazing!

I teach students with Autism and one Friday morning I decided to teach one of my students how to tie his shoes. He was in the 5th grade had great fine motor skills and a visual memory but could not communicate by talking. I simply showed him the steps using one black lace and one white lace. Within 10 minutes he was able to tie his own shoes. By the time he went home that day he was tying everyone’s shoes. I wrote a note home to his parents and asked them to practice this skills over the weekend. The student came back on Monday was still able to tie his shoes. Teaching someone to tie their shoes has been one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my life.

As a kindergarten/prek teacher, I have many wonderful stories and memories to share.  My most memorable was when a student from my very 1st class came back to visit.  This child had many hurdles in his life and even though I tried to steer him in the right direction as a 5 year old, he made some bad choices in the future.  When he came back to see me, he told me that he always remembered what I had told him, "to believe in yourself and other will believe in you".  This child had just graduated from an Ivy League college and was on his way to Harvard Law school!  Tears were in my eyes!

I am a first grade teacher and I will never forget a very challenging student I had my second year teaching. This student was retained in first grade because he missed too many days of school due to suspensions. He often disrupted the class and tried to make others laugh. He was very smart and wanted lots of attention from me as well as the class. It did not matter if the attention was negative.  One day, I had to leave work because I was sick. I left school  and went straight to the doctor. I had to stay home for two days. When I returned to school, I had a hand made card from this student waiting for me. The card said "I missed you and I hope you are better. I am sorry for being bad" I was so touched by the card and the thought behind it. I learned that he did care. After that, our relationship in class was so much better, I could talk to him and he would respond. I felt that I was a positive person in his life. I will never forget him and the card.

I teach first grade and in my district the seniors can pick any teacher in the system to give them their diploma.  Imagine my delight when one of my former students came back and asked ME to give him his diploma!  He was class president, and homecoming king, and now teaches middle school in our district!

by Barb G

I love the moments when my kids go "aha!"  It feels great that you have helped them understand something that will enable them in the future.  Also, teaching language arts, I about cried when one of the boys who I have tried everything to motivate to read, finally this year can't put a series of books I put into his hands down.  His mother even said he's rereading it to them at home.  When my students progress, it makes all the difference in the world.

I teach in  a tough school.  My students come from very difficult home situations.  My favorite moment is when students find a book they actually enjoy reading!  To overcome the odds of video games, movies, tv, etc., and get students reading is amazing!

I teach Science to 10th-12th graders.  At meet the teacher night a parent came up to me to thank me for helping her student so much in science.  Keep in mind that meet the teacher night happens 2 weeks into school.  I must have looked confused because she said to me "Sarah" was SO excited because of the way you taught her the new topics you covered in class because she got her first B ever on a science test and she sent me a text message right afterwards.  It really meant a lot that the parent took the time out to tell me and I have seen a huge confidence boost in "Sarah" since that test.

Hearing my grade schoolers shout "Hola Senora Monica" in and out of school and hearing how they try and use their new Spanish skills in the read world.

When I taught ESL students, I had a 4th grader who came from Venezuela. She knew zero english! Needless to say, she spent all day with me (I was a pull out teacher for 3rd-6th). I have never taught anyone to read (that's why I teach upper elementary!), so I had to go get abc/123/colors/shapes books. We started from there and made flash cards, etc. Within a few months she was gaining in confidence, and by the end of the school year, she was talking, writing, and reading English! It was amazing and definitely my biggest educational accomplishment!

My favorite moment so far has been when a new student, who came from a very rough area, passed a math quiz (It was a D, but it was passing!), and he got so excited and proud of himself telling me he'd never made higher than an F before. He gave me a hug and thanked me. Those moments make everything worthwhile.

I teach remedial reading to adults, and the biggest obstacle is not their weak skills - it's their confidence. They have such low self-esteem about their learning abilities that it's tough to overcome in the classroom. Their are moments of wonder, however, like when an older student came up to me after a class novel discussion and said, "I never knew that THIS is what reading a good book felt like. It's like I was lost in the story."  I was so proud of her!

On a particularly bad day when I was thinking about quitting teaching after the end of the school, I was called to the office.  Aggravated because I had just started my 30 minute lunch, I begrudingly walked to the office, knowing it was a parent.  When I got there, it was indeed a parent, with his spouse and his son whom I had in class, holding a vase full of flowers and a teddy bear.  He was moving and wanted to tell me thanks for everything.  I decided that maybe I do make a difference after all.

During my fourth year of teaching, my sister passed away in a motorcycle accident. When I finally returned from being out, I had so many little cards and hand-made projects from my students! They were so concerned about me, they had been so thoughtful. I'm an elementary art teacher so I had such a variety of things, notes and pictures from third graders and friendship bracelets from the fifth graders. It made coming back to work a lot easier and it made me realize just how much of an impact I had on these children.

by Holli B.

Just seeing the excitement in their faces to see me every morning is priceless, and what makes it all so worthwhile. It's wonderful to see evidence of the impact you've made.

I would have to say that one of the most memorable moments in my teaching career was when I was at my lowest moment. Yes, my lowest moment! It was a difficult year, I had a heavy caseload and some very needy students (I teach Special Ed). I was wondering if what I did made any impact whatsoever and if my students even cared.

About 3 weeks into the school year my husband and some friends took my out to bowl. It was distraction and I needed...so they told me. Anyway, we arrived at the alley and we were buying our games and shoes. There was a short line, one lone cashier had the job of this huge amount of patrons trying to get their games going.

As we got up to the desk, the young lady behind the register said, "Hi, Mrs. S". I looked up and couldn't believe who I saw. It was one of my students from about 5 or 6 years before. We hugged and it just made me feel great to see her again. I was so proud of her, this was the girl that could not even count to 20 or read simple sentences. I told her how proud of her I was and she told me that if it weren't for me working with her (and working with her), calling her at home to check on her homework and encouraging her everyday in the classroom, she would have never been able to get or hold onto a job. She felt it an honor to give something to me...she paid for my games and shoes that night. It touched me so much. It was at that moment that I knew...I am in the right place, I am where I need to be. That is a moment that I will never forget.

by Lorikay S.

My favorite moment was my first year of teaching. They always say "There is nothing like your first year!" I was able to provide one of my students with major dental work that was needed. He had never been to a dentist before and needed major care. With permission from his mother, and help from a local dentist, we were able to make this young man a happy and healthy child.

I had a child who had been previously retained and still struggled in reading.  We worked our hearts out the entire year.  I had the time of my life sharing with him that he had passed the state standardized test with flying colors!  He just gave me a humongous hug and cried.  After we both shed some tears he said, "Well I guess my lightbulb finally came on!"

I teach students with severe disabilities. The first year I taught I had a young lady who had Down's Syndrome. She was raised by her grandparents and they were told she would never learn to read. We worked and worked on reading a simple book. At first I thought she had memorized the book because we went over it so many times but when she started reading words on signs and worksheets I knew she had really gotten it. So one day when her grandparents stopped in I invited her to come to the front of the class and read from her textbook. Her grandparents were so happy, and I had to leave the room to hide the fact that I was crying. Whenever I have a hard day at work I remember that student and the moment when I recognized that teaching was more than a job it was a calling.

During my first year of teacher first grade, my students often called me "teacher" instead of my name. This bothered me, as I wanted them to call me by my name. I wanted to be "Miss Harris", not just any old "teacher". Teacher was a job,to me, not a name. I was constantly correcting them. It was when one Spanish speaking student called me "maestra" that I really felt the power of that word, and I knew that yes, I was a teacher! And that was ok!

A.G. from CA

I serve 5 school in the community in a "visiting teacher" role, and I get the opportunity to go to the student's home and interact with them (and their family) on their own turf.  My most memorable moment was when I went to the child's house and saw a lot of need.  They had no beds, and did not have a couch.  Through some work and donations, I was able to get the family two twin beds for the two kids, and a couch!  

I am a Reading Recovery teacher.  I work with the lowest achieving first grade students and teach them how to read and write.  The purpose of Reading Recovery is to catch up low readers to the average of the class.  The most memorable moment for me as a Reading Recovery teacher happens everyday when I see students who have a "I can't" attitude change to an "I can, I really can!"  It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

Angel was a little boy in my fourth grade class. He wasn't turning in his homework and didn't seem to care. I told him I would have to call home. I asked him who would be home his mom or dad? He didn't answer and looked frightened that I was calling home. I thought aha, I am getting through. I asked if his mom would be home, he looked down. "Angel, is your mom at home?" he said very quietly, " My mom is dead." I instantly broke down in tears and he did too. Since that day I called him my Angel  boy. We worked with dad to get Angel on the right track. Then for Christmas that year he handed me a self wrapped wrinkled present and wanted me to open it right away. I opened it, it was a rusted old lunch box and in it was an old bear holding a heart. I cried and hugged him. Then there was more, a hand written note by him explaining I was the best teacher he ever had. Angel holds a special place in my heart, and teaching and reaching little minds is not as important as reaching little hearts!

by Tonya

My most memorable moment so far has been when one of my students last year said they wanted to become a teacher so they could be a good impact on others as I had been to my student.  It made me realize how in today's society for some kids, teachers are their only role models.  

I'm a school nurse at an elementary school (and yes I get to teach puberty and handwashing!).  A funny memorable moment for me was a 2nd grader came to my clinic and said "Nurse I feel so bad, my stomach hurts and my head, I am need to go to the hospital".  I have her some water, a mint and told her to rest.  She had no temp and "looked" ok to me (I see her quite a bit).  The about 10 minutes go by and she asks me what time it is I tell her "Its 10:55".  She jumps up and says "Oh, see you later it's time for recess!".  

A couple of years ago, one of my fourth graders was new to the school and had trouble making friends.  I had recess duty one day early on in the year and noticed she didn't have anyone to play with.  She was watching a group of girls play jump rope and wanted to join in but didn't know how to ask.  I went over to the group and asked for her and the girls included her in their jump rope game.  I didn't think anything of it afterward.  However, near the end of the school year during Teacher's Appreciation week, this same little girl made me a thank you card and wrote about the incident.  She thanked me for caring about her and told me that I made a difference in her life.

By Amy Y.

My favorite moment teaching was when a high school sophmore came to visit me.  He had been a struggling reader in the third grade and I worked with him for many years.  He came to remind me that he would still like me to come to his high school graduation and he is well on his way to graduating on time.

Stephanie H

In eleven years of teaching junior high and high school, I have had many memorable moments! One that come to mind, however, concerns my son who found himself in my English class when he was a senior. He definitely had a devil may care attitude that year and having "mom" for a teacher didn't help. He truly thought that I would carry him throughout the year and do whatever I had to do to see that he passed senior English. Imagine his surprise when his 3rd quarter grade was an F. While it made for some tense moments at home, the decision to fail my own son accomplished more than just getting his attention. Not only did he pull things together for the final quarter of the year, never again were my grades called into question by the administration of the private school for which I worked. My credibility after this situation with my son was fixed after that moment. Added to my reputation of being a demanding teacher was added the favorable adage of "fair." I do not regret my decision at all.

I have been teaching for 30 years. It is a  wonderful feeling when former students, who are now in their twenties and thirties, recognize me in a store or restaurant and tell me what a great teacher I was.  The fact that they even remember me after so long is compliment enough!

Watching one of my fifth graders - who came to me reading on an early 3rd grade level - end the year reading ON grade level, passing his end-of-grade tests, and having a true passion for books he had never known!  These are the moments that remind me why I do, what I do.

Last year, I taught an ESOL first grade class. They didn't know how to speak, read, or write in English. At the end of the school year they were able to read, speak and write in English. I was so proud of them and it made me feel very special.

I am an educator, and as a technology curriculum specialist, I get to enjoy teaching both teachers and students how to use technology and multimedia in the classroom.  It's a very rewarding and ever changing job!  However, my most memorable moment came after the death of my dear father last October who was a foreign language teacher, department head and golf coach for his career. I received several phone calls at my home and notes from former students of his, all stating what a wonderful teacher (and coach) he was and how much he impacted their lives.  My dad was 89 years old!  He had retired at the age of 62!  I only hope I have a fraction of the impact he must have had on my own students - both young and old!

My most memorable moment was walking to the building as a first year teacher and reading the teacher's name on the classroom next to mine.  Can you imagine my surprise when it happened to be the name of my *favorite* teacher when I was in elementary school?!  She and I have been colleagues for the last 10 years.  I cannot imagine a better mentor!

My most memorable moment as an educator so far has to be the looks on my students' faces when they walked into the building this school-year only to see that I had looped from first grade to second grade with them.  I kept the secret to myself at the end of the year last year and all summer.  It was so wonderful to hear their excitement when they walked into the classroom on the first day and saw I was going to be their teacher again.  It made me feel good knowing that I had such an impact on them last year that they were so happy to be with me again for another year.

My single most rewarding moment happened recently.  I teach English to speakers of other languages, and this is the second year I've worked with one newcomer in particular.  He finally was able to read a poem by himself, and was so proud.  He said "I can't stop the happy!"  Great moment.

Mallory D - I've had kids ask the same thing about my freckles!  They always think I have chocolate on my nose :)

I'd have to say watching a little boy come out of his shell. He began the school year making no eye contact with anyone and rarely ever speaking to giving me a hugh hug and yelling " you next year, Mrs. Whipkey" right before winter break.

My favorite moments are when past students come back to visit.  I love seeing them and hearing what is going on in their lives.  It makes me feel like I made in impact on their lives when they come to visit.

A little boy was bothering another classmate, and the child being bothered said, "He's like a turd that won't flush." I will never forget that.  I thought it was hilarious.

by Patty S.

I started teaching a little over a year ago, but already, I've had so many memorable moments. My favorite moment from teaching happened while I was teaching summer school last summer. I was teaching a class of 8th grade special education students who had not passed the state test. My goal was to prepare them to retake the state test at the end of the month. While writing essays about their favorite memory, one student was really struggling. He wrote very little and always had a frown on his face or disrupted the class instead of working. Finally, I had a chance to work with him one-on-one, and I realized that the reason why he wouldn't write was that he had a horrible time with spelling. He couldn't spell basic site words such as "went". He wanted to write about his experiences during Hurricane Katrina, an unbelievably tragic story, so I worked with him on his spelling, and together, he wrote the first 5 paragraph essay he had ever written. On the day that the essays were due, he was the first one to volunteer to read his essay aloud. He was so proud of himself when he read the last words of his essay. It was the first day all summer that I'd seen him smile from ear to ear. What an accomplishment!

I love the spring when we take our sixth graders to Outdoor Science Education Camp. I love seeing my students just get to be "kids" as they explore the outdoors and come to learn to love nature.  It's so much fun knowing that I am helping them create a memory that will last a lifetime, and that they are learning the whole time we are there. It's the most exhausting and most rewarding part of my job.

A teacher commented that my name appeared several times under Most Memorable Teacher in the high school yearbook.  I was so stunned that students thought of me that way!

My most memorable moment as a teacher was my first year teaching 5th grade.  I was new at teaching and completely unsure of everything I was doing.  I felt like the students were running the show and that they were learning nothing.  The following year I received a letter of a teacher recognition board.  One of my students had written a letter recommending that I receive an award for the impact I made on her life.  I couldn't believe that I had actually made an impact on anyone in that class.  Her parents credit me with giving her the confidence she needed to excel to her abilities.  She graduated last June from University of Pennslyvania!  I credit her with giving me the confidence to continue teaching.

I love going on field trips with my students and getting to watch them experience the outside world. It's great to watch the world through their eyes!

My favorite moment was receiving a letter from a previous student thanking me for teaching for, and most especially for teaching her about life and not just English.  It made it all worth it!

I had a little girl who spent her 2nd day in the US in my classroom.  She had grown up in Brazil and came to school speaking Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese, but not English.  We had a writing assessment that day and she filled her paper with words from posters around my classroom.  We worked very hard that first quarter, her and I, just learning to communicate with each other.  The day before Winter Break, she presented me with a jelly jar full of tiny paper cranes (origami) and a paragraph entitled "The First Snow".  She had never seen snow before and used everything she learned those first few months of school to write a paragraph for me.  It is framed and hanging on the wall behind my desk.  I show it to any student that complains about something being hard.  It is my most treasured teaching tool and is a constant reminder that I am making a difference.

My favorite moments as a kindergarten teacher are when my little students always tell me how much they like my new hair-do or how they think I look pretty that day.  Their little

"compliments" are so sincere and they make my day!

I work with a student in special education and he always has a positive attitude.  He comes in every day with a smile on his face and there is no doubt that his wonderful spirit affects everyone in the class!

I have taught 5th grade for the past 10 years.  It is sad to send my student off to middle school, however, I love when they come back to visit me!  The first year it seems like I have a visitor every day!  As time goes on, the visits get fewer and fewer.  I always make time for a former student (even the ones who were not pleasant in 5th grade), they stop by too!  I was overcome with emotion when a boy who was a challenge came to visit me at the end of his senior year.  He wanted to let me know that he was going away to college, and he said that he was sorry for all hte trouble and headaches he gave me when he was in 5th grade!  He said that I was a teacher he would never forget!  he was pretty unforgetable too!

I feel honored to have the ability to reach students who feel like no one else cares or understands. I had a student who was notorious for causing trouble. He liked to stay after school with my extra-curricular club, but when he gave me a hug, I realized that he knew I cared.

I love teaching!

I love teaching and be around with kids, they are so funny and creative.

By Rocio Luna

I have taught many different grades, but my favorite moment remains the same - when my students just "get it"...the "lightbulb" moment.  I love when I know that they are learning and understanding what's going on!

My favorite moment was when I was substitute teaching in a bilingual 2cd grade classroom.  I was taking the attendance and called out one of the student's names.  No-one answered.  Upon calling the name again, to be sure, I heard a small voice from the back say, "She's abstinent!"  I laughed for several minutes and then kindly told the girl thankyou for letting me know...

Chrisitne B.

    My most memorable moment so far is when I worked with a student (8th grade male) who really struggled with writing and he was in my 8th grade general English class. He had taken our state's standardized test many times and always failed the writing section. I decided to make him my project two years ago because we were both determined to make sure he finally passed. He worked his butt off for the entire school year. In April he took the state's standardized test and he told me afterwards that he didn't think he had done very well. The scores came in the next school year and he came running into my classroom with his results in hand. He was so thrilled and proud of himself because he finally passed the writing section of the test. As a teacher, I had never known what it was like to experience that kind of pride in a student and I was amazed at his gratitude. Finally, I understood what it truly meant to be a teacher.

I think my best memory of teaching ever is hiking through a swamp up to my waist with 20 special ed students (and lots of chaperones!)

I work in special education so it's the little things that always leave a lasting impression on me.  Last year I had a 14 year old student who successfully used a verbal sentence to let the adults in the room know he was frustrated rather than having a "melt down".  The same student also learned to greet his teachers and friends when he came to school and said goodbye.  These two teaching moments were the happiest of the year for me.

This student this past year left me the most wonderful message on the white board. It was a comment that all teachers aim to hear at least some point in their carreer. She told me that the had learned a lot from me, and that it has been her pleasure to have been my student. That comment brought tears to my eyes and a chill down my spine.

I teach accelearted Biology at the ninth grade level.  At my school every year the senior english teachers have the students write a letter to a teacher that made a difference in their life.  Four years ago I got one of those letters from a young man (I've gotten others bu this one was the best).  The content isn't necessary to go into but the impact on me was tremendous.  I did  make a difference in this young mans life and he thought it was important to tell me.  I carry this letter with me in my purse and on those days when I wonder why I do what I do, I pull out that letter and read it and remember why.  I do love my job but you know how some days can be, not just with students and their parents but with administration or fellow teachers even.  I think of this young man often and I really would like to reconect with him to see if he has kept along this positive path.

I am a  middle school computer teacher.  This past June I received a thank you note from a fomer student who was about to graduate from high school.  She wrote:  Thank you for your heartfelt concern for my academic achievements. Thank you for your words of encouragement,  for your support and for being a leader and someone that I can look up to.  

Debbie S.

My most memorable moment is has happened during co-teaching learning support students. It is a great feeling seeingthem succeed in the regular ed classroom and the regular ed curriculum!

Most memorable moment, has been the picture book unit I did with my 8th grade Language Arts class.  After we finished our projects, I took the class to read their books at a local elementary school.  Some of the students got so were so excited and they had so much fun!  A few of them have now decided that they want to become a teacher when they grow up... this is all because they felt after reading to younger kids.  

I work with center based middle school behavioral students that are mentally retarded and autistic.  I can’t tell you the feeling that I get when they “get it”, or when the “light bulb” comes on.  It’s amazing and I love my work.

I work with center based middle school behavioral students that are mentally retarded and autistic.  I can’t tell you the feeling that I get when they “get it”, or when the “light bulb” comes on.  It’s amazing and I love my work.

September always seems to be too busy to be memorable!!  However, this year, election discussions with the seniors are turning out to be fun!

The best teaching moment was when a struggling boy who hated school actually asked for an extra worksheet that might help explain "place value" better.  I jumped right on it and made the worksheet for him.  

Teaching is the best emotional indicator of your self from day to day..Children instantly pick up on your mood. One little boy I had was celebrating 100 days at school. Apparently when I smile I have one hundred lines on my face when I am happy....none it seems when I am serious!!!!!! Being serious is good for my skin but not for my mood. I love how children really are able to teach us too!!!

by Belinda J.

My most memorable moment as an educator was the first time that a student told me that they felt loved in my classroom.  It is something that I try to recreate every year.

Always, always my greatest thank you is sitting at graduation and seeing my students walk across a stage.  To see their achievement is my most memorable teaching moment.  The wonder of it all is that I get to experience that moment over and over again!  What a job...I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I ws teaching Kindergarten at a low socio-economic school still using a record player with the 78 sp. records.  One of my students was astonished at the size of the "CD".  He had recently moved from Chicago and said, "I guess they're right, everything is bigger in Texas!

by Ellen W

My most memorable moment in education was just the beginning of this year.  My own daughter was crying to go to K.  She said she wanted to be in my class.  I told her she couldn't because I teach third grade.  She said she wanted me to teach K.  I told her I could not teach my own daughter.  Digustedly and through her tears, she said, "I know how to sing my ABCs,  I know how to write my name, and I know how to draw!!  Why do I need to go to K?"  I had to bite my lip not to laugh!

A second grader in my class asked if we could bring lunch to the homeless man on the bench on our way to the park. We started to bring him lunch every day.

Some of my most memorable moments occur in September. As my seniors head to college to become freshman they always come by my room just one more time. This year especially, I have kept in touch with many of them via the internet. I received a message about a week ago that included one of my previous students elated that she had scored the highest without the curve on her first biology 101 exam. Knowing that what I do everyday facilitates my the success of my students' future, makes the time I put in to my job worth it.

One of the most memorable moments for me as a teacher was when I had a class made up of students who were not successful in the class I taught much less school.  Throughout the trimester I spent time not only focusing on what needed to be taught but trying to get them to believe in themselves.  At the end of the trimester just about everyone passed the class and for many my class was the highest grade on their report card.  For me finding a way to get my students to see they can be successful was one of the best moments.

I am a speech therapist in the school system. It is hard to pick one most memorable moment. To take a child that has never spoken a word (at an age where they should be speaking) and get them to a place where they can express their wants, needs, and ideas is pretty amazing. To see children who are hesitant to speak in class because they are embarrassed grow in self esteem because you helped them correct speech problems is incredible. To have children  who don't have support systems at home feel safe and respected in your classroom makes me feel like I make a difference. Every child, even the ones that have challenged and tried me, has made their way into my heart and has shaped who I am and how I teach. I hope that I may have helped to shape who they are too.  

One of my most memorable moments as a teacher was when a graduate of mine, who had struggled in my junior high math class, came back to visit me as he was graduating from high school. He told me that he was going into teaching because of my influence upon him and that he was inspired by me. You never really know how much you inspire those in front of you.

by Christina M.

My most memorable moment as an educator was when one of my former students (who was working in a movie theater) saw me, and thanked me for helping him learn how to read when he was little.  He proceeded to introduce me to his manager, and informed her that I was the reason he was able to hold a job now, and that without my help, he wouldn't be where he was today.  I was so touched to know that I meant that much to him.

I teach kindergarten - everyday is different, challenging and rewarding. Every year, I am amazed how fast and how much my children learn. Children I taught in kindergarten years ago are now in high school and college. At a recent High School graduation, I had several graduates tell me that I was their favorite teacher. One student remembered exactly how our room looked and gave details of their favorite activities.I can't imagine any other job as rewarding as mine.

by Louanne J.

After almost twenty eight years of teaching, the best memory is and will always be that I was privileged to be a part of so many children's lives.  Especially the ones whom I knew felt they had little value. I was honored to see them change and realize how much they truly were worth!  Many have written to me or contacted me as they entered their careers or gotten married, and several still stay in touch.  Being an educator is not a job, it is a life long blessing for which I will always be grateful.  

by  Debbie S.    

My most memorable moment is when I had a child who didn't have a home. She had a great attitude and desire to do better though. She was eventually set up with a temporary living situation and had to move to a new school, but I will never forget the adversity she faced with a postive outlook on life still.

I teach at an amazing school in an urban area of Manhattan.  Most of my kids come from less than favorable homes.  When one class started calling me mom, it made me see I was more than a teacher, they were looking to me to not only teach them science, but manner, right from wrong, and give them a positive self image so that they can reach their highest potential.  To this day, I teach each kid as if they were mine, and in a way they are.

Halfway through the school year a 2nd grade student that was a bit challenging asked me, "When are we going to get prize box?" (I don't believe in paying students with tickets, prizes, etc.) I told him he was getting the best prize of all: Learning. He just looked at me for with a puzzled face, so I followed up with, "How does that sound?" and he responded with, "That does sound pretty good."

One year, I had a student that brought me fresh cut flowers from her yard every week.  I always had a vase of flowers on my desk.  Whenever it was time to throw them out, she would show up with new ones.  

I have a wealth of memories from over 20 years of teaching.  I have been blessed with students who have made an impact on my life!  However, the most memorable event in my life as a teacher occurred 3 years ago.  I was returning to school after taking a leave of absence during my treatments for *** cancer.  I wore my favorite blue scarf and was dressed head-to-toe in blue.  Upon entering school, I was shocked to find the entire school dressed in pink - administration, staff, and students!  To see my junior high boys in pink shirts (some of which they borrowed from their sisters) is a memory I will always treasure.

My most memorable day was on 9/11.  I was in my first year of teaching.  I live on the West Coast and was listening to the radio when I heard about the Twin Towers going down.  I remember feeling very conflicted - should I turn around to be with my kids and go home or should I continue on in to work.  About that time, my husband called to tell me that he was with the kids.  I voiced my concerns, but he reassured me that it was okay to go on into work.

Many of my students wanted to talk about this tragic event.  Many of them were worried and scared.  Some told me that they wanted to come to school because it was something normal.  My presence in that classroom with them that day, I think, reassured many of them that even though our country was experiencing a national tragedy, everything would still be okay.    

Every time I meet up with a former student and they tell me they learn more than math in my class. They have thanked me for making them a more compassionate peace seeking person who respect all cultures. It warms my heart and soul that I have instilled values that will be passed on to their children ,hopefully making this world a better place to live in.

I had a 1st grade student in my class that had been in our country for about 2 1/2 years. Before that, he had been in an orphanage where he pretty much stayed in a portable crib except for eating and pottying. Needless to say, everthing in "the real world" was new to him. I was 8 mth pregnant and a baby was crying in the hallway- he shouted "Teacher! your baby is crying!" That was big for him to even say anything, but it was really cute that he thought it was the baby in my tummy! I will never forget that special little boy!

My favorite moment was when a former student came to my classroom one day after school to talk. He had been an extremely difficult student behaviorally, but he was very bright. He didn't have much interest in school, didn't put forth much effort, and didn't have any support from home. He used to sass me and challenge me on a daily basis, in front of the other students. I remained consistent with my rules and kept my expectations high, even when he would fight against me. After several years, and many sighs of relief later, this student showed up at my door to apologize for how he had treated me in school years before. He wanted to let me know that everything I had tried to tell him was true and that he regretted wasting so many opportunities. He said that, due to my influence as his favorite teacher, he had since raised his GPA to a 4.0, joined a school athletic team, and was on the straight and narrow path to college ~ the first in his family. This really inspired me and reminded me that though things may be difficult, and sometimes we don't see the growth we hope for, the impact that educators have on young lives is tremendous. The student whom I thought absolutely hated me made me his hero and changed his life for the better. Since then, I've taught his sister and hundreds, if not thousands, of other kids. I'll never forget the lesson he taught me, and that is to never give up on a child because we really do make a difference!

by Michon D.

I work with special needs students in high school.  When one of them passes a portion of the state exams, I feel as if I have made a difference in their life.  Sometimes the continued encouragement is all that is needed to let them see that they can be successful.

My most memorable moment was getting the only stading ovation for a concert shared with other musical groups.

Last year one of my seniors, Nicholas, gave me his "proud parent of a marine" bumper sticker.  He told me that I was as caring as a mother with regard to the standards I set for him as a student and as a human being.

As a school counselor, I enjoy talking to students about what really matters to them and what is going on in their life, beyond the doors of the school.

One of my students made me a poster that read "Mrs. ________ is the world’s greatest mom."  I thought it was funny since I am not a mother, but I am viewed that way by one of my students.  We wear so many hats in this profession.

I love teaching and have been doing it for almost 20 years.  I think the most precious things to me has been having parents that I taught in high school come with their preschool age children and love that I am their child's teacher.

Ms. L.

I work with 3 year old's and they are not always the quietest. After a hectic day the most rewarding part of the day is hearing a child say " I Love You Mrs. Woods" and giving me a hug around my leg. It is the best feeling and just makes whatever has happened during the day just disappear.

My most memorable moment as a teacher has to be the day one of my students accidentally stabbed me with the pencil he had just sharpened. He turned around in a hurry and my belly was in the wrong place at the wrong time! I thought the led mark might disappear after a while or pop out while I was pregnant, but it looks as though I'll always have something to help me remember that little kiddo!

WOW, what a question.  I would have to say right now as I am a first year teacher.  I teach 2nd grade and it is one of the most rewarding experiences.

I took out books for my students from a local library to help them write their "All About Books."  A student who had been a problem child all year told me that I was a great teacher for doing it.  My heart melted.

My memorable moment is the last student in final days of vacation send to mi mobile this message, Teacher I love you and enjoy your vacation, I miss you this year because finish high school. Don't forget your  chemistry class. Dorado PR

There are so many to choose from. I feel like every day something memorable happens and though I know I will never remember these day to day moments, I will remember the students who made them happen.

My 4th year teaching (I am now in my 7th) I was blessed to have a group of children (though they were in 7th grade) that took my breath away on a daily basis. That year my teammate and I decided to get team shirts to help boost unity within our classes. We had several students who could not afford the shirts so we appealed to the parents. At a parent's night, we asked them to donate whatever they could to the students who needed shirts. We did not tell them how much we needed but instead just asked for them to give whatever they felt was right. My teammate and I never thought we would collect all the money but we decided to split the difference so all our students could wear their shirts proudly. At the end of the open house, my teammate and I counted out the money. We needed $114.00 to be even on the shirts. To our amazement and surprise, we had in our hands $114.00 to the penny.

That was a defining moment for my career and my life. I learned that night the power of an honest request for the children that I love.

Melissa E.

I so enjoy teaching, my most memorable is from last year. A previous student of mine, who couldn't write a complete sentence the year before, showed me a poem he had written that summer. I was so proud of him. He worked so hard on the poem and couldn't wait to show me. All of our hard work paid off and I really began to see the effects of my teaching.

The most memorable moment of my life as an educator had definitely been when one of the grades students that I work with did not hit the "Falls Far Below" level in their disability areas of Reading. The geberal education teacher who told me that said that I should be proud because my special needs kids did better than some of the "non-labeled' kids. the teachers get compliments or kudos from their students almost everyday as they think that their teacher knows everything but its hard to get a compliment from your fellow teacher. When I heard from the other teacher that I should be proud, that brought a tear to my eyes and made it into one of the most memorable moments of being an educator.

This happens a few times a year and I love it:  the bell rings and the entire class is still engaged in the activity.  No one was looking at the clock.  Despite the chaos that ensues with the bell, I know it was a meaningful lesson when I get 100% engagement from my students.

One of the most memorable moments as a teacher actually just happened to me the other day at Open House.  I am a 6th gr. special ed teacher.  A previous student that I had 6 years ago came to visit me and he is graduating this year.  He wanted to say thank you for helping him further himself and have the knowledge that he can overcome educational difficulties.  It brought tears to my eyes to know that I made a difference.  He is going to college and is going to play basketball!!  I am so proud of him for being all that he can!!!!

As a middle school counselor, my days are always exciting. Some days, they can be downright stressful. Yesterday, I dealt with a sexual abuse issue, a parent that stabbed their wife, and a dad killed in a car accident. As strong as I think I am, I went home feeling the weight of the day. I went to the gym, put on my headphones, and just ran to hopefully "let go" of all this tension. I struggled coming to work today. I didn't know if I could do another day like this. But then, right when school started, a girl came in my office that I don't know all that well. She surprised me by saying, "You're not like all the other counselors I know. I feel like you are my adult friend. I hope you will let me come in here occasionally and let me release my stress in here. I'm so glad I know you and look forward to seeing you everyday." Words like that; just a simple sentence, help me get through the day.

I had the priviledge of teaching the same group of students for four straight years: from the first day of 5th grade to their 8th grade graduation. Shaking their hands as they crossed the stage and received their diplomas was definitely one of my most memorable-and proudest- moments as a teacher! by Patricia G.

When a students come back after leaving the school, and say they learned so much in my class and I prepared them well. That is my favorite moment as an educator, I know I am doing my job!

When I returned to school the week after my first grandchild died of SIDS, my students gave me an envelope full of money they'd collected to help my daughter and her husband pay for his funeral.

During fall conferences, a first grade parent was telling me about how her she had adopted her son three years before from an orphanage in Mexico.  He hadn't been exposed to any language, not even Spanish, so she was extremely worried about his ability to progress at the appropriate pace.  Her son had been successful in Kindergarten and she worked side by side with him a great deal.  As the mom started tearing up while telling his sad story, we both heard him reading a Biscuit book (an early reader) on my reading rug.  We both turned our heads and couldn't believe our ears - there he was, reading perfectly.  Hearing a child read for the first time is always a great joy, but this time it was truly an amazing moment.  He ended up acing first grade and improves every year.

The surprised look on my students' faces when they realize that I'm not just dropping them off for Gym Class but I'm staying to play.

Many years ago I had a student who was struggling in my class.  He did not do homework and was an organizational disaster.  He happened to have study hall during my conference period and I wrote him a permanent pass to my room in hopes that he would do his homework.  Not only did he begin to do his work, he began to open up and share his life stories.  Two years later, I was invited to his high school graduation party where I was introduced to everyone as "my favorite teacher ever".  

I am a special education teacher in NC. I teach severe and profound kids grades 4 to age 21.  Last year one of my female students had turned twenty one and was set to graduate.  This particular girl always had a smile on her face that would light up a room.  She is nonverbal and dependent on assistance in all areas such as feeding, toileting, ect.  However, she communicates by facial expressions, and like all other 21 year olds she loves boys.  She always enjoyed getting her nail painted and make-up on her face.  Her home life is very hard and yet she continues to smile.  Well, I could say so much, but to get to the meat of the story... The day came to order her cap and gown my assistance and I stretched her out on the floor to measure her and then we measured her head for her cap.  We talked about her getting pushed down the aisle each day and every time we talked about it she smiled.  I also wanted her to look pretty and make it a time she would never forget.  Every morning she came in with her hair in little girl balls and braids, and many days with out it even being washed.  So I made a phone call and arranged for a stylist to come to the school and wash and style her hair.  I knew it would be a hard task but well worth it.  So the stylist came, and we took her out of her chair laid her on the counter and began to wash her hair.  The biggest smile that I have ever seen came over her face and tears ran down my face.  The stylist straightened her hair and made her look like the most beautiful girl that I have ever seen.  Her face was shinning.  We took her out of her chair and put her cap and gown on to take a few pictures.  She did attend graduation and she love it.  This made all of the hard work of changing diapers, lifting heavy students, getting pinched, scratched, hit,ect all worth every min.  This made my life!!!! I love you girl.  Callie Turman

One of the most heartwarming moments in my life as an educator was when I received a standing ovation from my students and their parents. We had just completed our end of the year ceremony when several parents came forward with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a very generous gift to an expensive handbag store. They thanked me for all my efforts on behalf of their children. Everyone stood and applauded. I became very emotional. Several parents in the audience were also crying.

It hit home. I love what I do. I teach with passion and that was acknowledged. I was given a wonderful and unforgettable compliment by my children and their parents.

I returned to school after my Mom's funeral and one of my students gave me a doll that she had made so that it would remind me of my Mom; I still have that doll on my desk. Everytime I look at it I remember the kindness and compassion of kids which makes me return kindness and compassion to my students.

R.P.

I had a student who struggled all year with reading, to the point of hiding under desks during reading time, and at the end of the year, she passed the CRCT and we were able to celebrate her success together.  

As a music teacher, I only see students once or twice a week, so the amount I can actually help with their behavioral issues is limited. However, I had one second grade student who was very difficult in all of his classes, and music was no exception. The days he was absent, class was a dream, and so much more got done, but the days he was there, he frequently had to be removed from class by another teacher just so I could work with the other students. One day, though, I brought in a folk tale from Puerto Rico that we were going to turn into a musical play. His family was from Puerto Rico, and suddenly, he was completely riveted. He listened attentively, followed directions, and was one of the absolute best performers. He told the class stories about Puerto Rico. It was an amazing experience, just to see the real him come out and to discover that he was one of the most talented students I'd ever seen! It completely changed the way I dealt with trouble students.

I was teaching 1st grade in Michigan - The Great Lakes State.  Everyone lives on or near a lake.  After Labor Day weekend, we were talking about things we did over the weekend.  One girl very enthusiastically raised her hand to share.  She went boating with her Dad.  I asked her if she went on a lake nearby or did they go far way.  She paused a minute with her finger tapping her head when it suddenly came to her - "I know!!! We went to lake called 'Boat Launch'!"

I was so excited and moved to see a student finally pass our state high stakes test after I had been able to provide tutoring for about 4 months for him. He and his parents cried when he got his diploma! Christine

Every day can be memorable.  Today at dismissal a Grandmother of one of my students came up to me to thank me for having such a positive impact on her grandson.  Apparently he has shared with her how much he enjoys school.  I teach third grade so many of my students don't always express gratitude so hearing that made my day.

Teaching is something I always knew I wanted to do. Now, after doing it for 15 years, I know I made the right choice. I have good days and bad days...don't we all?  Those days though that a former student runs up to hug you and says they miss you make it all worth it!

I teach English as a Second Language.  The majority of my students are Mexican and few of them are told (outside my classroom) that college is even an option. One of my seniors was told flat out by his counselor in June that with his math grades, he wasn't going to graduate and that college "was never going to be his thing." He and I worked for hours during and after school to push him a few points higher and get him to graduation.  He made it on the last day.  At graduation, I clapped for him but I couldn't take my eyes off of his proud humble father who was beaming but wiping away tears when he thought no one was looking.

I teach kindergarten.  The children were just returning from Library and we stopped at the drinking fountain to get a drink.  One little boy came up to me and said he had a cut on his leg.  I turned to one of the boys who was at the fountain,  who could find the office,and said, "Stephen, when you are done, would you please take CJ to the office."  He raised his head, looked at me , smiled and said "Anything for the teacher."  I laughed inside and could not wait to tell others after  the kids left for home.  He made my day!  

Jackie S.

Last year after having a real rough day outside of the classroom with a death in the family, I was telling my students about why I might have a rough day.  While talking to them I begun to tear up, and one of my students who constantly needed all of my attention started crying as well.  I was so touched to see how much he really cared for me.

by Kristi W.

I am a Reading Specialist in an elementary school. My most memorable moment this year, happened today. I was watching some students get off the bus this morning, and a third grader said to me," See you in Reader's Workshop!" That meant so much to me since the students are looking forward to learning.

by, Michelle W

I teach English as a Second Language and it is an honor everyday to see the progress they make in all areas.  I have students who are now in college and still keep in touch. I could not imagine teaching any other subject.

My most memorable moment as a teacher would have to be following my 4th year, I was nominated for teacher appreciation at our high school.  I teach 7th grade Social Studies.  I soon found out that 6 students had nominated me.  I learned that the reason they chose me was that I had taken a personal interest in their own lives.  I let them talk about their family issues and was able to connect that to our class.  Whether it be the country they were from or a language they spoke or just issues they were having.   It was an amazing moment that I learned they really were listening and I was having an impact not only on their education but their lives.

Katie P

I teach first grade and we were discussing who could be president for Presidents Day.  I then asked the class to raise their hand if they wanted to be president when they grew up.  The typical response is that everyone raises their hand. (It's first grade.  They always want to please their teacher.)  One little boy did not and I asked him why.  He told me he couldn't be president - he was black. (He was looking at the poster of presidents.)  I told him that you never know what will happen, and if anyone could be president, it could be him. His comment really broke my heart, because he really was a smart little guy who could already  see that the grown up world was not color blind like his first grade class.  The little boy is in fifth grade now.  I wonder if he still thinks he could never be president?

I am a Special Education teacher at the high school level.  One of the most memorable moments I have experienced came from a student whom I constantly seemed to be at odds with trying to help them live up to their fullest potential.  One day they walked into my room and told me they loved coming into my room every day.  When I asked why they replied, because it feels like coming home. I know you may not always approve of what I do, but you never judge me and always make me feel loved.

I teach English and I love it when students get attached to the characters.  When a ninth grader is actually weeping over Lennie in "Of Mice and Men" or Morrie Schwartz's death, it gives me hope that they are tapping in to a level of emotional maturity not many students their age have yet reached.

I teach kindergarten and just today (actually), I had a child tell me he was in love with letters. He wanted to marry the alphabet b/c he knows all of his letters and sounds now and he will be able to read for his Aunt's wedding. They love to ramble and switch subjects so quickly at 5/6 yrs. old. By the way...the wedding is in "Junetember" according to his calendar. So made for a great Wednesday!

It was this summer...about 2 weeks before going back to work.  I was going through the summer blues...you know, you love your job but you're just not ready for summer to be over and go back to work.  At that point, I received an email from a former student.  I teach high school English and one of my male students, who did not enjoy English class no matter what I did to make it fun, emailed a thank you.  In addition to other things, he thanked me for putting up with his stubborn attitude and making him learn to write.  He's a junior in college now and said that his English professor had called him into his office to ask him how he learned to write so well!!  He told the professor that it was because of his 10th and 12th grade teacher that made him write even when he didn't want to!!  He thanked me because of how hard I made him work.  I have kept that email and when I have a bad day (because we all have them sometimes), I look at it and remember why I love my job!

I have been teaching for 10 years and every year has had a memorable moment, but I would have to say that the most memorable experience occurred when I was teaching in the inner city Jacksonville, FL.  I had a retired Navy captain who volunteered in my room and came in once  a month.  One time he brought in sea shells from his collection for all the students and to see those students light up because they had never seen a real shell before was unexplainable.  I was a bit sad because we lived a hope skip and a jump from the beach and they had never been.  That year we went on a field trip and were able to take them to see a real beach.  It was great.  It is the small things that really matter and make a difference.

I work with students with learning differences, often for at least 2-3 years in a row. Students are often reluctant readers in the beginning, and complain they don't like to read. Two years ago a student who had told me he would NEVER like reading starting checking books out left and right. He said  "I don't know why, I just love to read now-I read all the time!"

I write grants to implement substance abuse and violence prevention programs. I loved to see elementary  school students as peer mediators

Being able to be a mother role model for a student who lost her mother to brain cancer.  To watch her barely graduate from high school and move on to a 2 year college where she is thoroughly enjoying herself and thriving.

Hearing the parents tell you that you've made such an impression in their child's life and that they will never forget  you

One of most memorable moments was a couple of years ago. N was new to my class and got into some trouble in his old school. One day during a science experiment we were testing if air took up space. N completed the experiment with his group then ran up to me and grabbed me by the shirt. Startled..I turned around to face him as he shouted, "Did you know that was going to happen?" It was his first science experiment but not his last. He moved a year later and I cried saying good bye

ggg

Each year students receive a memory book created by parents as a way of closing out their years at the elementary level. In order to assure that all students have signatures from their peers I do an activity where students pass their book around and they get to sign each book without being left out. Just last year I added my book to the mix and the kids left these wonderful little messages. One of my students left the most heart warming message, "Dear Mrs. B, thank you for a fantastic year. Even though I am legally blind, you made me feel like I was just like everyone else and that I didn't have an impairment. I will never forget your smile and laughter. I will miss you." When you receive a message like that, you know that what you do as a teacher impacts the lives of students in so many ways.

Some of my most memorable moments of teaching first and second grade...my students complaining when writing was over because they were so into it...talking one on one with each student to get to know them...greeting each student at the door every day because they all have smiles and are so excited to be at school...seeing students in public at stores or festivals because they are amazed that I am somewhere besides school and that I actually have a life...watching students take off in reading and become so excited about it...working with low income, diverse, ESL students who truly appreciate the small things...and the list goes on!  Teaching is such a memorable, meaningful, rewarding career!

I just started teaching Kindergarten after teaching second grade for 14 years.  It is nice to be reminded how they come with so much eagerness and excitement evryday.

There have been so many rewarding experiences ranging from the former student who found me years later - in a different state - to tell me of the impact I had on her life to the student who dashed in after the last bell on the last day of school to press a note into my hand. It simply read, "Mrs. Wallace, you always treated me with respect. Thank you." I carry that message with me always to remind me that everyone deserves respect and you never know what impact the simplest gesture will have on a young heart.

by Dianne W.

I remember teaching "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein to a group of kindergarteners.  I asked why the tree keeps calling the main character "boy" even after he grows up and a boy named Matthew whispered, "Because she loves him."  I thought, "Wow... they got it!"

Working as a special education teacher I see the challenges my students face each day.  I work with them to overcome these challenges and find their smallest successes extremely rewarding.  My students have taught me a valuable lesson of life: life is what you make it, if you work hard, feel good about who you are, then you will find your happiness.

I teach Adult School.  HSD-GED students.  The most memorable teaching moments occur when I see a student develop an overwhelming drive to to succeed and want to become a Dr. or Lawyer, or some other prestigious position.  These are students who have failed at high School once, but who are now ready to live their dreams with a second chance at a good education.  Some of my students are my inspiration.

Joanne H.

 Today I researched a free clinic so that a student who does not have health insurance can get her cough taken care of.  Then I saw her wandering the halls during lunch and after talking to her found out that she does not usually have money to buy lunch.  I now am checking with her case manager to find out how we can get her  help.  Teaching also means being aware of their needs.  How can students concentrate on learning if they can not get basic needs met?   Dy S.

My most memorable moment was when a child asked if I could be her mother.  

My favorite moment as a high school educator is seeing the students I have taught walk across the stage at graduation.  It is the culmination of all their hard work and determination.  

A few years ago, one of my students surprised me by writing an essay about me.  The prompt the kids were given was to choose a person to nominate for the NJ Hall of Fame.  In his essay, the student included quotes of things I had said throughout the year and how it made him a better person.  I will always keep a copy of that essay to remind me that what I do does really impact the lives of my students.  

Some of my most memorable moments have been when parents have thanked me for having faith and/or just believing in their child.  Just knowing that I'm appreciated by a student or a parent is a very rewarding feeling.  It makes a teacher feel good when a student cries for joy when they find out they passed a state test.  Or when a child draws a picture or writes a sweet note just to tell you that you are the BEST TEACHER they've ever had.  (Even though they probably tell all their teachers this.)  It is a privilege to go to school everyday and to be the person that might make the difference in a child's life.

One of my top memorable teaching moments was while I was teaching a kindergarten class at PE, the new pre-k class (which I had only had 1 time so far) walked by and several of the kids said "Hey, can we come play with you again today?" As new and young as they are it made me smile to know that I had already made an impact on them!

Meg S.

When I had a parent call me one year after having her son in kindergarten. She needed help and told me how much it meant to her that I had done so much for him.

There are really so many moments that I treasure it is hard to pick just one but my most memorable moments as an educator had to be when at my wedding last year a student who had contracted meningitis come walking in (I had seen her a week before that and she still had not gained her ability to walk back).

My most memorable moment as a teacher of an autistic child who had never learned to communicate was the day he saw his mother walking toward him and said "mommy."  Both is mom and I were stunned, thrilled and brought to tears.

I remember the time when I was teaching Literature Circles.  One boy said he hated to read.  After assuring him that he would like the book I choose for him, "the Library Card,"  he thought he would "try it."  He loved the book and actually stole a copy from the school library.  Only after I bought him his own copy did he return the school's book.

I think that I've always wanted to know I wanted to be a teacher. I started working with kids when i was 15, working at my mom's childcare. Although I work with middle school and high school kids now, some of my best moments were working with kids under the age of 5. Helping them learn incredible things and watching them grow and become individual people. If I didnt know then, I think that did it for me.

I remember the first time, when I was student teaching, that I observed the students responding thoughtfully and creatively to a prompt I gave them.  I was so moved, I actually cried!

One of my most memorable moments was when one of my 4th graders brought me a mango.  He said, "I wanted to give you something, and teachers get SO many apples.  I thought you'd like a mango!"  It still puts a huge smile on my face :)

It is so inspiring to read the comments that have already been posted here.  It reminds me that teaching is not about the things we tend to get bogged down with, like writing objectives, reflecting on test scores and attending meetings; it's about the relationship we build with individual children.  That relationship is what the student will remember/cherish long after objectives and test scores are forgotten.  Students who return later to thank you for making them feel safe enough to speak in front of a group or let you know that you were the one who inspired them to teach, that's important and memorable.

In my second year of teaching, first year at my current school, I had a student who gave me the highest highs and the lowest lows of teaching.  I don't think he had passed a test in my math class all year long and his behavior wasn't always the best.  He was at risk of being held back in the 7th grade and his score on the state math test was going to influence that decision.  The morning I had the test results I told him in the hallway that he had passed the test.  He cried and hugged me so hard that he (inappropriately) picked me up off the ground.  He credits me for the fact that he made it to the 8th grade and now high school.  I have his little brother this year!  

Every time I have a graduate contact me to thank me or when they tell me they are majoring in the subject I have taught them make my heart proud to do what I do everyday.  Although I might be having a hard day, I know that I'm impacting someone and that thought helps me keep my chin up.

by Ana G.

There are so many memorable moments. One of the most memorable was when a student in my special education section of English turned in an amazing final project. That may not sound memorable, but listen to the backstory.

This student had been in foster care, and was recently placed with his aunt, who was at her wits' end, because he was doing so poorly in school and talking back to her nonstop. He was argumentative and surly in class - to me and the other students. Many days he came in and put his head down. Sometimes I tried to get him to sit up and engage in class, other days I let him put his head down. Somedays he seemed like he hadn't showered and his clothes weren't clean. I talked to the aunt, who again, seemed helpless. I spoke to the social worker who had been working on the case.

Later that semester, I heard from the deans that he'd gotten into a fight at lunch and was suspended. He came back. I tried again. Much of that class was spent with me reading books aloud and students reading along. We would stop, talk about vocabulary and ask questions. Towards the end of the term, this boy kind of perked up. He started paying attention to the reading. And when I assigned a multi-genre project about the book he created a detailed timeline of the events in the story and wrote journal entries responding to the text. It was wonderful. What was heartbreaking was that it looked like it was written by a young child, not a 16 year old. But the fact that he did this work moved me. This boy did not have a real home or parents. He did not feel engaged in school - it was primarily a place for contact with people his own age. School constantly reinforced the negative him that he saw. He was ALWAYS in trouble. Yet, he listened to this story and responded. That's amazing. Books and stories - and the teachers who share them - have the power to save lives.

I feel rewarded when there is a child that everyone has 'written off' that I just click with. It changes their whole perspective towards school and it makes me feel like I have really accomplished something!

We've been in school five weeks now.  This is the most challenging group of fifth graders I've had in quite a few years.  I have to be out tomorrow and told the class today.  Usually, there are cheers that the teacher won't be at school tomorrow!  This year's class was actually disappointed when I told them I would be out.  It was nice to know I would be missed.  

My most memorable moment is more a realization that as  a teacher I touch the future and that there is not day that passes after being in the classroom that I look back upon and say what a waste; each day is an incredible opportunity and responsibility!

One of my 4th graders "hates" school. In the first few weeks of school he didn't hesitate to say "When can we go home?" more than a few times. Yesterday, after math, it was time to pack up for the day, and he said "Man, I'm going to miss school." I was so surprised to hear it coming from HIM of all people that I pretended I had a recorder and he said it again. Then we went together and he told the special ed. teacher that was working with him, too! That will definitely put a smile on a teacher's face at the end of a long day!

I started out teaching students with learning diabilities and I loved it. As I progressed through my career I have become a special education administrator. We have had some "difficult parents". I remember being in a meeting with this difficult parent and her advocate and she looked at me and said, my son told me that he wished you were still his history teacher, he said you made it fun and he really understood what you were teaching. Why can't his other teachers reach him in this way. It was such a wonderful compliment knowing the mother and student, it helped remind me that we are in this for the students and they are always the most important.

Martha S.

The most memorable experience for me as a school counselor was watching my my first graduating senior class receive awards and scholarships at our Senior Awards Night. This is a special evening for our parents, students and teachers and I could not have been more proud of all of their accomplishments!

I am a 4th grade teacher in an urban city in Massachusetts... I have one little girl that is in a wheelchair for her whole life... but it's not stopping her! she is amazing. She never stops smiling and laughs all day with the rest of the class. A real joy to have in class. She comunicates through her computer which she controls with her eyes! She loves school and she inspires our days!

I remember when Darius first realized that he was a writer.  His brother had been shot the year before, and he was rarely in school.  On the days he did show up, his head was down, and it was like pulling teeth to get him to put a pen to paper.  Midway through our mystery story unit he showed up, out of the blue.  At first his head was down, but when he heard other students discussing their plots and ideas, he began to perk up, little by little.  Later that day I looked over, and there he was, writing of his own free will.  When he handed me that completed story, I read it fervently.  It was violent, yes, but it was also detailed and suspenseful - everything a good story should be.  When I told him how much I enjoyed it and what I loved about it, I saw him truly smile for the first time.  I hold that smile dear to this day.

I am in my 5th year of teaching science, and I always hope that I can make a difference in at least one student's life each year.  This past summer I ran into a student from my first year, and she got such an excited look on her face!  She hugged me, and then told me that because of my 8th grade science class, she has decided to go to college and study science!  I was so moved - THAT is the reason I teach!

Although I am still new in the profession as I begin my 5th year I have had many memorable moments.  One that sticks out to me is the time a spider came down from the ceiling directly in front of my face.  I started laughing along with the class.  This moment and many others like it always remind me to go with the flow and be real.  The students seem to really respect this about me.

by Nicole S.

I love this story!!  It was the first year that our school went to full day kindergarten from a 1/2 day program.  As the students finished lunch, a new kindergartner went back to his class, grabbed his bookbag and walked to the office.  The secretary questioned him about what he was doing.  He told her he was ready to catch the bus because kindergarten was over.  He thought he was only going 1/2 day like his siblings before him.  The secretary and principal very nicely explained to him that kindergarten was now a full day.  His response, "Who signed me up for this crap?"  

I am a 3rd grade teacher in Las Vegas, NV.  I taught at an AT RISK school for 12 years and had the opportunity to touch many lives during my time there.  One memorable moment, one that actually made me cry, began my second year of teaching.  I taught a little boy with ears that stuck out, his name was Mark.  He was such a smart young man, but wasn't one of the "popular" children in class.  I saw something special in him and really pushed him that year to be the best student he could be.  10 years later, I was teaching in the same room and I looked into my door to see this TALL kid, with big ears that stuck out looking at me.  He was wearing his cap and gown.  He walked over to me and told me that I was the reason he graduated from high school and that he wanted to see me on the day he graduated with in his cap and gown.  I cried like a baby, my students had no idea why I was crying, but Mark and I knew.  It was the proudest moment I have had as a teacher to date.  This is now my 19th year of teaching.

I think one of my many memorable moments was last year when several of my fourth grade girls wrote a letter telling me that when they grow up, they want to be great teachers, just like me, and that they want to teach fourth grade too.  I think I'll keep that note forever.  Not to mention, they added how to be an even better fourth grade teacher on the second page... less homework and more recess!  That just made the note even better! = )  I also love making my students happy, and include smiling on their HW every day!  They love to show me when they are doing their "HW" in class!  = )

As many of you had already said, teaching is incredibly rewarding. There are so many moments that are heart-warming and some heart-breaking. I have one of each that stands out in my mind. One of my past students, who happened to have failed his junior English class with me 5 years ago, just emailed me to tell me he got a degree in Education in English and is coming to interview for a position in our school, I had pushed him to change to a great extreme. There are also those moments that sadden me deeply, like when I had a student who was bi-polar and had many issues at home. One day he just didn't come to school and I was informed that he had attempted suicide, but fortunately did not succeed. When I later spoke to him several times, he had promised to never do it again. I saw him a few years later and he was doing very well and thanked me for our life-changing conversations. There are so many amazing things that happen in this line of work and although there are struggles from time to time, the benefits outweigh them greatly.

As a special ed teacher I teach mainly life skills to my kids.  Last year I was able to potty train a seven year old in only a week.  Parents were so excited because they no longer have to buy diapers anymore and he has been able to be so much more independent.  

My most memorable moment as an educator happened this summer, after 11 years of teaching.  An eighth grader that I had last year emailed me over the summer to tell me how much she missed my class.  What really stunned me though was when she told me that I had given her back the passion she once had for writing and reading.  Her mother then followed up with an email to tell me how touched she was to see the impact I made in her daughter's life.  She said a "spark" had been ignited in her daughter and it warmed her heart to see such a change.  My student, Anne, confided in me her fears about high school and her disappointment in not being my student anymore.  Since she has started high school she has visited me twice and she is more confident and poised than ever.  She always had a gift and I always felt blessed to have such a talented student in my class.  I am glad she too benefited from the experience.  Moments like this one make the tough days completely worth it.  And I am proud to say that this is not the only moment like this I have experienced.  I love my students and I know I am doing something right because they realize my commitment.

This is my 8th year teaching and I love it so much!  Teaching first grade, I feel that I really teach my students how to read.  We learn about phonics, comprehension skills, and how to blend sounds together.  My most memorable teaching moment was about two years ago when I was working with a student that was really below grade level.  We worked every morning before school and most days after school.  One day we were working on reading a short story and she read it...she read it all by herself.  She looked up at me with tears in her eyes (of course mine were already filled with proud tears) and said "I read it...I read it without you...I can read!"  I will never forget that feeling that I gave that student a gift that she will use every day for the rest of her life.  Her family and I still keep in touch and on those really rough days...I remember our "moment".

by Nicole O.

I was walking my 8th grader students down to recess and we came up behind one of the kindergarten classes. They walk very slowly and they hold hands with eachother and some with their teachers. I jokingly said to two of my students (one who is almost 6 ft tall!) "Let's hold hands like the kids in front of us." They both said "Okay! " We walked hand in hand to recess. The next day, although the little guys weren't in front of us, one of the students asked if we could hold hands again! Made me remember how much 8th graders need  nurturing too!

Last year I had a student who entered my classroom reading only 8 words in a minute. He was new to our school and was a behavior problem. There was something about him though that grabbed my attention. I spoke with his mom and she told me that at his last school his teacher told her he belonged in special ed and she couldn't help him in her class. The mom said that he never tried and could care less about reading. I couldn't accept that a school just a few blocks away from mine would even think this thought. I took him in and worked with him. He gradually started to smil in class and want to read to other teachers. By the end of the year he read 69 words in a minute. He came in class everyday smiling and asked to read to the rest of the class. This year he's still progressing and I'm so proud of him!

My most memorable moment was in my first year of teaching. I was hired to teach first grade and after setting up my classroom and getting into the groove of things...four weeks later my class was cut and I was asked to move to third grade!  I did and knew that there was a plan for me and that these kids needed me.  About a month into school, I recieved a letter from a mom that said, :My daughter never wanted to come to school before there was you.  She is so excited every morning to get to school!"  I knew at that point that I was meant to teach and I had had my defining moment as a teacher!  If I can make just one child want to come to school and learn because it is FUN and it is, I've done my job!  Learning is FUN!

I've had so many memorable and inspiring moments, it's hard to choose just one.  However, one moment that stands out is the time that a 10th grader asked me a question that to this day I am not entirely sure of the answer.... if pi is the circumference of a circle divided by its diameter, why is it an irrational number??? any ideas???

My best moment is having former students come by my classroom and help me current students.  I cherish the relationships I have bulit with these students!

Just yesterday I had a hazardous 2nd grade day.  While asking a student to stand up so I could sit down to help clean out her desk (yes, already)  she pulled the chair out as I sat down (just confused).  Now that was one for America's Home Videos.  Have a great school year everyone!!

I think one of the most memorable teaching moments is when you have students that you have taught in past years come back to see you and let them know how successful they are. I have taught 1st grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade and it is very rewarding to have students still share with me their success, in even the smallest thing.  First graders who are now reading chapter books, a fifth grader who was able to conquer pre-algebra, or my sixth graders who have graduated from high school now and want to become teachers because of me. It is definitely a rewarding profession!

I had a  memorable moment happen just last week.  A sweet little boy with a contagious smile and a playful attitude struggled with reading in the first grade classroom across the hall last year.  I worked with him after school for a short time and liked him immediately. Even though he received many interventions, he was just too far behind.  He spent part of his day in kindergarten to help  him with his basic skills, so when the team decided that it would be best for him to repeat first grade, we all felt it was the right thing for him. However, when he walked into my class the first few days, he seemed unsure.  He looked a little sad and  I had his first grade friends asking if he "failed". I always said, "No" and gave a "sweet" explanation, but....  After taking our first spelling test where he received 100% he came up to me and asked, "Am I smart now?"  I was so happy for him!  I told him that he always was smart and he just beamed!!!  I know it won't always be easy for him, but if he feels good and feels "smart" I think he'll be just fine.  I am so happy for him!!

I am only a 2nd year teacher so the memorable moments are few. The one that sticks out in my mind is with a student that had been bounced to my room. I had a 4th grader bounced to my 5th grade class. The student who was bounced stated that he really hoped he didn't get me as a teacher because he thought I was mean. One of my 5th graders replied that he really did want me for a teacher because he would definitely learn in my class and that I really wasn't mean.

I am a high school theatre arts teacher.  I have so many wonderful memories including all the special gifts I have received after directing a large production:  hand made scrapbooks of the show; shadowboxes made by parents as thank yous, flowers galore.  But my favorite memories are the letters students have written describing all they have learned and what their dreams are.  The icing on the cake is when I hear from my students years after they graduate!

by Julie B.

hi

I love seeing kids really get it. The light behind their eyes change. They give you a coy smile. They are a little shy about it, but also bursting with energy and excitement. I especially love seeing this from some of my less fortunate students. I'm not sure what they have when they leave my classroom, but I know they have a little more then when they came in.

After teaching for 32 years and still loving it, there have been so many memorable moments. Seeing the joy in a child's eye when they kn how that they can really read; teaching those who have just arrived to our country how to speak English; receiving hugs from children you know are not getting them at home; hearing from past students how I have made a difference in their life and now they want to become a teacher too. But one that has always stuck in my mind was when a child asked me what I did for a living.

Lori G

As a high school principal I oftentimes had to discipline students for various things.  One of my most memorable moments was when a graduate, who had been in my office for various offenses,waited on me in a store. He reminded me how "bad" he was in school.  I told him that while I remembered his name and his face, I did not remember all the "bad" things he had done.Through our conversation it was evident to me that he had become a productive citizen and it reminded me that our abilities to affect "kids" always goes beyond the classroom.  by Jackiekaye

My most memorable time teaching middle school math was when I gently tugged on the sleeve of a student to wake him up.  This resulted in the student accusing me of hitting him which led to a hearing with the parents and admin and I almost lost my job.  It was great.  It is great to be a teacher.

My most memorabe experience this year was when my Spanish only speaking student and I (who only speaks a little bit of Spanish) finally connected and he ran over to me and gave me a huge hug!

Each year at the end of kindergarten, we have a special kindergarten celebration in which we celebrate all of the childrens' accomplishments throughout the year.  The children put on a little show for their parents.  I teach them a song in sign language that is about the beautiful person that each one them is.  Year after year it still puts a tear in my eye, even with the toughest classes that I have had.

Kim D.

I teach first grade, and my favorite moment is the day that reading just "kicks in" for a student.  I have had students who, one day, struggled to read anything and the next day they come back and come has just clicked for them and they are reading up a storm. It's truly inspirational.

By Jess L.

My most memorable moment(s) came to me just at the beginning of this year.  This is my second year as a teacher in a high needs urban district.  My first year proved to be the hardest thing I've ever done; on top of learning how to be a teacher, I got married, bought a house, and coached girls track and field!  It was a whirlwind that left me completely exhausted.  I spent all summer trying to figure out how to make things better for my students.  I adopted a reading workshop program in order to improve the reading and writing test scores of my students while still giving them the freedom to choose and love their own books.  I was very nervous to start this because it was such a change from the normal curriculum.  But...so far it's been a HUGE success!  The best and most memorable moment, comes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, when I look out over my classroom of 35 ninth graders and see them all engaged in reading, in "the zone", loving the books they've chosen for themselves, and guiding one another to great books by discussing the literature they've read.  There could be no better reward!

I started teaching mid year, replacing a teacher who passed away. The 2nd Grade class was sensitive and obviously grieving still when I joined the room. I met them one afternoon, a day or two before I was going to start full-time. I sat in a chair in the corner and they on the carpet before me. The principal introduced me and we began answering student questions. We told them who I was and what I did and that I'd lived overseas for awhile. Just the normal small-talk. One student though, brought us back to the point. Raising his hand confidently and waiting to be called on he firmly looked me in the eyes and asked, "Yeah, but when are you going to *teach*?" The other students looked at him and nodded. Despite the agony this class had endured through the loss of their teacher, they still knew they needed their education. It reminds me regardless of what a child is going through, I need to help them be the best student. We need to do the best we can with each moment. It was a humorous moment, and a poignant moment: one I will not forget.

great job!

My second year of teaching I taught reading intervention to 8th graders who read at a 4th grade level.  By spring, the class had improved to a 7th grade level and were on track for promotion to high school.  Due to budget cuts, I received a Reduction In Force notice in March.  I came back to the class very upset and when the students found out why, the quietest kid in the class stood up, slammed his fists on the desk and yelled "but you have to teach my brother to read too!"  I did not get "reduced" and on the first day of school my third year, my new students walked through the door with a slew of greetings from older siblings, relatives, and friends who all swore I'd teach them to read and sent their "thanks" from high school.

I am an elementary music teacher, and one of my favorite memories are compiled of the students that come back and see me, especially the ones that you thought never would!  :)  I love watching them from first grade to fifth grade.  It's so much fun watching them grow up!  

My most memorable moment in teaching actually occurred outside of school. It was the start of a new school year with a particularly tough class. I was honestly at the end of my rope in trying to connect with and motivate this particular group of kiddos. I just couldn't get that group connection that makes a class feel like family to everyone.

At the end of the day, a former student and her sister came to visit me. I was almost moved to tears when in coversation that older sister said that I had been the teacher of a lot of her classmates. As eighth graders, students were asked to write an essay about a personal hero in honor of Veteran's Day. One of my most challenging young ladies from a class two years prior chose to write about me. In her essay, she said that I had taught her the importance of being a good person and making good choices.

In this day and age of movie stars and rock stars of questionable character, I was moved to tears to learn that I had made a lasting impact on the character on one of my pumpkins.So many times teachers leave their school completely devoid of energy because they have given everything to their students. That was the day that I learned all of my efforts do make a lasting difference in the lives of my students.

As a first year teacher,I taught 2nd grade and Spanish during my students' Specials.  I had a girl in Kindergarten who didn't speak or even make eye contact.  Now I have her as a third grader.  I was so worried on the first day that it would be difficult to make a connection with her.  To my surprise, she remembered me well, and even gave me a hug.  Even, better, as I have the children count in Spanish as they line up for lunch or Specials, she counts right along with them!  It just makes me melt! :)

I had a student who had severe behavioral issues. The year was a battle. I never thought I was getting through to her. I used every strategy that I knew how. At graduation she came up to me and sobbed thanking me because she felt I was one of the few people in her life that truly cared about her and her future. Now that is why I get up and do what I do every day. Jodi L.

Last year I made a career change from recreation to education. I began my new career 3 months after school had already been in session. The particular school that I found my myself starting my career is a very tough school even for being an elementary school. I was teaching first grade and was thrown in to getting these students all to be able to read at grade level by the end of the year. There were a few that I was not too sure would make it to the next grade level, they were so far behind. One child in particular had everything going against her. She had poor hygiene, was very obese and lacked any self confidence. All these traits made her an easy target for the other students. I noticed this right off the back and put and end to it. I was able to help build her confidence and was able to see her make strong gains with her reading and math skills. By the end of the school year, this little girl who was overlooked emotionally was able to blossom and find her way. She was reading just beyond grade level and was smiling more everyday. One of our reading coaches noticed her accomplishments and had her visit her in her room. When she came back she had a bag full of goodies. All the other students were asking how did she get all of that? She was just so proud of herself and I could tell that she knew she was special and was capable of doing anything with a little hard word and support. Even thought my first year teaching was a very rough experience for me, knowing that I was able to be there for at least one child that never felt a connection to anyone, is one of the best experiences that I have had in my very short career.

It was my first year as a teacher. I taught two year olds.  That year most of the children in my class were Japensese speakers.  That year I learned  how how to the power of a smile to communicate to children

Last year I was given the tough challenge of teaching a large number of students who had not passed the previous year's state assessment. I had such joy in my heart when I was able to tell almost all of them that they passed the test for the first time. Seeing the look of happiness and pride in their eyes was a great reward for me. Helping them to achieve something they thought was unattainable reminded me what teaching is all about.

I teach a self-contained third grade ESL class (English as a Second Language). I am a new teacher, so every moment is memorable but so far, one stands out most. In just the first week of school, as everyone is getting to know each other, we had a lesson on how writers think about moments when they are sad, upset or angry to collect entries. One student stood up to share. Amidst sobs, she told us how her uncle is now in jail awaiting deportation. Several students crawled over to her (we sit on a carpet), to hug her, and then told us they also have uncles and cousins in jail awaiting deportation. I then decided to take her to the guidance counselor, and the moment that sticks with me most is when she told her she wanted me to stay in the room with her. It was then that I realized how much I mean to them - I'm more than someone who gives lessons. I protect and care for them, too. I'll never forget that.

I have taught high school students for the past 28 years.  I teach Sociology and one of my initial projects is to have the students interview their parents to get their parents perspective on their arrival into this world and their future life.  In class we explore the possible questions to ask of parents.  This interview is video taped.  Sadly, one of my students passed away one year after graduation from high school.  His parents wrote me a letter thanking me for allowing their son to participate in the project.  The parents continued to express to me how they will always cherish the interview with their son.  They told me that if were not for my class assignment the conversations they had with their son would not have taken place.

Although, my heart was heavy and tears filled my eyes, I realized how important this activity became to one family.  

After 28 years in public education and often thinking "why" or "how much longer" I know that what my students accomplish in my classroom not only helps them realize their future goals, but can often be a comfort to everyone involved.  I thank my district for hiring me and trusting me with the ones that I love the most.

Kinta Noble

A few years ago I worked at a boarding school for middle school students.  I was able to teach, coach and be a dorm parent.  While I was there, I had a student from Korea in my dorm.  When she first came to the school, she did not know much English and was in my ESL class.  Throughout the year, we worked very hard together, and formed a great bond.  She did have difficulty with English as well as many of her other regular subjects, which she took with all of the English Speaking students.  We worked for two years together, and in the end, she was able to make honor role.  After I left the school, I stayed in touch with this student as well as many others.  This past year, I got an invitation to go to her high school graduation.  She decided to stay in the states and attend boarding school.  When she graduated, she graduated with Honors.  It was such a great feeling to know that I helped her at the very beginning and have been able to see the progress she made.    This made me feel so happy, and also made me hope that I have been able to help, and will continue to help other students in the same way.

I teach Grade 11 & 12 English at a local Vocational Technical High School. In all of my English classes, my students write for 5 or so minutes to begin each class period. My writing prompt on September 11th twas as follows: "September 11th is a Day of Remembrance.

As we honor those who lost their lives on this day 2001, make a list of everything in your life that you are thankful for."

After students wrote, we discussed the memories they had of that day: where they were, how they felt, what they saw, how their parents and teachers reacted.  One student mentioned her cousin went over to Iraq 2 months ago; she knows her cousin is there in part because of 9/11. Another mentioned how her teachers were crying and another said that when she saw it on TV it seemed like a movie, not real life. We also talked about how other countries are jealous of our lifestyles and freedoms.  When September 11th happened, my students were in 4th and 5th grade which would have made them 10 or 11 years old.

At the end of the day, I looked through all of my class composition books. I was blown away by what had been written. These teenagers were overwhelmingly thankful for their families, thankful to have a home, have food and have friends. Some were thankful for socks and others for music. Many were thankful for God. One student was thankful for everything (good and bad) that has made him what he is today. Wow. Another was thankful for freedom. A number of them were thankful for school. I could go on and on.

It was a terrific way to stop and reflect about the day and it was a wonderful teaching memory.

I was teaching an honors class in an affluent high school. A very gifted but poor boy, whose mother had cancer and whose dad had substance abuse issues, asked me to write him a college recommendation to an exclusive and pricey school in California. It was his dream school and a bit of reach. I worried that he might be disappointed, but I wrote the recommendation anyway. In it, I explained that this young man had maintained excellent grades in spite of the many issues at home and that this demonstrated his strength and character. Not only was he admitted, but he received a full  four year scholarship worth about $100,000 at the time.  He returned to visit after graduation, bringing with him a small gift to thank me. Apparently, his advisor had told him that my recommendation was pivotal to his acceptance and scholarship. I wish I could do that for every child, but it is enough to know that I did it for one.

My most memorable moment was when we had an outside assembly about character education and my school did the best of any school and the students said it was because I helped them learn and follow the Golden Rule.

I am in my 3rd year of teaching 2nd Grade. At the beginning of every year I have the kids fill out a pesonal survey. One of the questions is why they think this year is going to be great. One of the kids this year responded by saying, "I heard that my teacher is awesome". If I have that reputation with the kids then I knwo i am doing my job. To me it means that my students over the past two uear had fun learning in my class. I get hugs from many of them on a daily basis and it makes it all worth while!! By. Bekah M.

I am now in my 10th year as an elementary speech therapist.  I just love to watch students grow in their learning and speech/language development.

by N.S.

I will never forget the rally that students and faculty had to try to save St. Augustine Academy from closing her doors. Unfortunately, financially the school just couldn't make it anymore, but I will never forget the pride and strength everyone had.

I have a million "best" moments, but some of the more memorable times have come when I have buried students I have taught. There are few experiences worse than the death of a student; each instance leaves a void in my heart. The last funeral I attended was for a former student who had died of a drug overdose. I had him in class seven years ago, and we grew close -- since I taught all his brothers, I was able to keep tabs on him. I knew things weren't going well; still, his death was a terrible shock. At the funeral, the young man's mother told me, "My son loved you. You were a bright spot in his life." The fact that our lives had intersected, and we had established a connection, is nothing short of a miracle. Although this memory hurts, it is no less important than the sweet ones I have made in my ten years working with high school kids.

As E. M. Forster wrote, "Only connect...and human love will be seen at its height."

Teaching is my second career, I transitioned into it because it is important for me to feel a direct connection to the difference I make in the world.  My last career paid more, and I nearly quit after my first year.  I had five subjects to teach, four classrooms, 350 students that I saw that year, a case of mono, averaged 4 hours of sleep a night, no new teacher support, all in an affluent district who told me 8 weeks before school got out that they chose someone with more experience for their permanent position, I was devastated!  Now, three years later, I have a beautiful classroom, nice kids, two subjects to teach, and my classroom management is so easy!  There are still many injustices and complaints, but I'm glad I'm out there making a difference.

I teach high school.  Last year one of my students was shot in an attempted car jacking.  When he returned to school several months (and several surgeries) after the shooting he made a special effort to make up the work he had missed.  His courage inspired me.  On the last day of school he gave me a big hug and thanked me for supporting him and helping him make up the work.  

I've had so many memorable moments in teaching, it's difficult to pick one. I teach high school English - juniors and seniors. I get the unique opportunity to see students finish their last two years of high school, to witness their maturity as they begin stepping into their young adult roles. I'm so lucky to live in the community in which I work, so I see students, past and present, almost on a daily basis when I'm shopping or running errands. I love seeing them outside the classroom when they can see me as a "real" person, too - no makeup, flip-flops, and my own children in tow.

One of my most memorable moments was when a five year old students said to me, "We want to be just like you, Miss N."  

I teach sixth grade, and am always taken aback when after the first week in junior high, many students come back to visit.  Most of my visitors are street smart who come from poor, tough neighborhoods.  One of the things they tell me is that they come back because they know I respected them and cared for them while they were "mine."  I try to stay connected and offer them a "life line" should they need it even though they have moved on.

by Rose S.

My most memorable moment was when a student emailed me to say thank you.

As a special education teacher it's always amazing to see the growth that my students have made from September to June, not only academically but also socially.

As an ESL teacher, each school year I have the pleasure of working with English Language Learners.  I love working with this population of students because it is truly amazing to watch them overcome the obstacle of academics and language.  It is extremely memorable and rewarding watching my students grow.  They grow from being very shy and not knowing how to communicate in English to taking steps acquiring a new language.

I teach kindergarten. It is a thrilling experience every day! They are so fun to work with. My favorite thing is teaching them how to read. Throughout the year the children evolve from non-readers to readers and they end up being most surprised by that.

by Jodie B.

When I had a 20 year old special education student cry because he had not only learned to read, but also cried because he finished his first book ever

I have really enjoyed teaching.  It has been a wonderful and crazy experience so far.  I enjoy helping children enjoy social studies, helping them to love learning about the past and the future to come.

by k.l

Many of my most memorable and rewarding moments are when I can look across my room and see my students working together respectfully and taking pride in their own learning.

My high school biology teacher had a huge impact on my life.  He had a way of talking about science that opened my mind and set off a passion for science.  I would actually do research to find out more about what he had taught us.  This was my first introduction to what education should be.  Because of him I majored in science, worked in conservation for many years, and finally became a high school biology teacher myself.  I strive to be this inspirational teacher for my students, and can only hope I am half as successful as he was.

I teach middle school science and my most memorable moment is when a student told me that his least favorite subject had been science, but since he's in my class I have made it fun and interesting and easier for him to understand and that now it was his most favorite subject.

When I used to teach 10th grade World History and Language Arts (all one class) I had some students that were completely apathetic about everything and especially school.  I had two girls in particular who never seemed motivated.  I made my classes participate in National History Day and saw for the first time "signs of life" in their eyes.  The first time I recognized it was when we went to a local university library on a class trip and - gasp! - they were actually doing research.  These students did their projects on the "Chicago Seven" and advanced passed the regional competition to the State competition and although they didn't win they had such of look of pride on their faces...I will never forget that moment.

I am a middle school and high school choir director in a very small and very low income town in Virginia.  For a field trip, I took my students to the closest theater (1 1/2 hour bus ride) to see Phantom of the Opera.  I had no clue each of them would just fall in love with the story and music.  A year later, we raised enough money to take the students for the weekend to New York City where they got to see the live Broadway show of Phantom!  Most of these students had never even left the state of Virginia.  I will never forget the ooos and ahhs as we drove into the City and the kids saw all of the sky scrapers.  We worked so hard to get there, and I was so proud that I was able to offer that opportunity to the kids!

One of our students that struggled through high school due to her fathers illness announced one day that her dad wasn't expected to live long enough to see her graduate in May.  Along with the principal we planned a private graduation ceremony in March and she invited her family and friends to attend.  Her father watched her cross the stage to be awarded her diploma. We had a reception for her and her family afterward.  Her father was very thankful and he did not live to see May of that year.  This student has come by to see me many times after her graduation and aways thanks me for the gift of letting her dad see her graduate.

I am a special education teacher in an elementary school.  I have been working with a boy on the autism spectrum for two years.  He is very shy and doesn't interact well socially.  He usually repeats movie lines as his attempt to have a conversation with someone.  Over the last two years, whenever I said hi to him in the hallway, he would look the other way and keep on walking.  During the first week of school this year, he saw me in the hall.  He had a big smile on his face, said hi using my name, and ran over to me to give me a hug.  He had never done this to anyone before.  I got tears in my eyes and knew in that moment that I had made a difference.

I am a brand new teacher (career change).  I have an absolute passion for reading and I am trying to pass that along to my fourth grade students.  Our open house was tonight.  At the end, one of the parents came over to me and asked me how I did it.  She went on to say that her son can't stop reading stories about the Presidents.  She said he hated reading up until now.  She couldn't believe it.  That is what it is all about!

In my first year of teaching high school, I came in about halfway through the year after a teacher who had quit. It was challenging, but I won them over. Toward the end of the year, there was one day whenI was coming down with something, and I could barely talk by the last period. My students in my last class told me to sit down, and they proceeded to take turns leading the class for the entire rest of the period. They did a great job. It was amazing!

I had been teaching 1st grade for several years and had been looking for a change in grade levels.  A 3rd grade teacher had decided to retire midyear, so I jumped at the chance to switch grade levels.  Several weeks later, I overheard one of my 1st graders tell one of his friends that "I wasn't his teacher anymore because I had graduated to 3rd grade!"

After sharing a special bond with one student and then being transferred to another classroom, I received a letter in my school mailbox from that student on Teacher Appreciation Day.  He wished me well, shared his proudest moments with me since we last spoke, and wrote me to ask me stop by for a visit.  It was that letter (that is still hanging on my refrigerator) that proved I would continue to reap the benefits of my interactions for years to come.

My most memorable moments happen everyday during my first year as a preschool teacher. I look forward to going to school everyday because I know that something new and exciting will happen with my students. Being a teacher is a wonderful job.

One of my most memorable moments of teaching happened today!  I have a student in my 1st grade class who is very active. Today was one of his more active days. Everywhere we walked in line, he jumped liked a monkey.  On our way to the playground this afternoon, he looked at the other children and said I was such a blessing to him.

Shirley G

Last June I had the privilege of seeing the first class I taught graduate from high school!  This was a special class because my brother was also a member of the same graduating class.  

I am a school psychologist in Arizona.  A part of my job is working with children that may have emotional or behavioral disorders.  I LOVE these kids!  I have one student that I have worked with since Kindergarten and he is now in 3rd grade.  Every year he tests the limits and needs to be removed from class (he's usually under the table).  Every year I go and get him.  In kinder, that was all I did with him--get him out from under the table.  In first grade we had issues throughout the year, but it was better than Kinder.  In second grade, we had a few incidents in the beginning but he pulled it together and had a great end of the year.  Now he is in 3rd grade.  So my phone rings, "can you come get ____?  He's under the table."  I go down to get my friend for the first time this year.  I walked in and scanned the floor for him.  When I spotted him, he was coming out from under the table and walked over to me.  He says, "you're STILL here!  I was just checking to see if you would still come and get me.  I'm going to finish my work now."  I walked out of the room and just roared!

My most memorable moment while teaching high school has been that I was asked to be my students godmother and my husband was asked to be his godfather!

Jw

Two years ago one of my 4th grade students made me realize how important it is to allow students to standout in particular subjects instead of forcing them to be "good" in all subjects.  My student E. was a wonderful writer.  Her stories would make you laugh at loud and would touch your heart.  She observed the world around her and reflected on it in a very adult way.  Yet she struggled miserably in math.  Her fear was such that she would tremble during tests and forget the basic skills she had mastered.  Well, after months of working she came up to me one day after dismissal and gave me a "Best Teacher" frame she had purchased and said to me:  "Thank you for making math words..."

I'm fortunate to have many "best moments" throughout my teaching career.  Last year, I had a phenomenal student teacher.  She happened to be an alumni of mine from my first year teaching. Once I got over the fact that I was *old* enough to have a former student now in college and training to be a teacher ~ I found out that apparently I inspired her to go into the field. :^)

Today at our Professional Development, we were shown a speech by a ten year old boy.  I was left with tears in my eyes, and an inspiration in my heart.  This reminds me why I love being an educator.  Children touch your lives in some way, each and everyday.

Stephanie M.

One of my most memorable moments as an educator was when one of my first grade students learned all their high frequency words, and I told him that I was so proud of his hard work and how smart he was. But then he told me that it was not him alone that did all the work, it was me that really helped him to learn what he knew and he thanked me for it.

While teaching third grade, I had a student who was particularly struggling with fractions.  We worked and worked and I could see his frustration.  He kept at it and one day he said, "I get it now!  I didn't get it before, but now I do!"  It was one of my proudest moments as a teacher.  He is now in 11th grade and I am still his mentor.  I'll never forget that moment when the light bulb came on for him!

by Kim H.

My first year teaching I was fortunate enough to meet a young man who I did not know would leave an impact on my career and life.  He left my classroom that June and 6 years later, as I am a grade level advisor, our 6th grade students government leaders planned a charity event in which the students were to pick the charity.  They came to me and advised that they would like The Make A Wish Foundation.  When the representative came to meet with us  he explained what the charity was all about.  "Turns out, as unfortuate as this sounds" he explained, "That you have a child on the list from right here in your High School!"  I was stunned as were my students.  Turns out that student was the young man from my first year of teaching!!  He was diagnosed with cancer and on the list to receive a wish.  Words can not explain how tirelessly my group of kids worked to raise money to make this wish a reality.  It truly hit home for them.  I can tell you that very shocking news of learning a former student was so sick was overshadowed by the relentless drive that the others had to make a difference in his life.  Good news, is he is now cancer free and all ended extremely happy.    This year our photos were used as a welcome back to our staff of 600 plus teachers during a slide show on the Superintendents conference day.  There was our photo with a caption that read..."It is said that a child rarely listens to adults......but never fails to imitate them"  What a proud day for all of us when we realize not only are we producing good students, but quality people who realize giving back is so important.  Kudos to the kids!!

by JoAnn L.

I had taught elementary students for over 15 years.  One May I was attending high school graduation and one of the student speakers said, "And, of course, we will never forget Mrs. S. reading James and the Giant Peach in second grade.  I was shocked that my reading aloud had made such an impression.

by Patty S.

One of my students decided that she wanted to comment on my hair...haha...She asked me why it was straight last week and curly this week...I told her that I didn't like getting out of bed in the morning and taking the time to fix it.  She then told me she was going to do that too, so she would have curly hair too.  She came in the next day upset.  I asked her why and she told me that instead of her hair being curly, she got in trouble because she wouldn't get out of bed.  I thought it was so cute.  I  called the mother of the little girl and explained the situation and her mother just laughed, stating that she thought her daughter was telling a story.  It's the life of a first grade teacher!

Most memorable moment-I work with children who have been referred to our private non-profit school for autistic learners, by their public school district.  My students are significantly challenged learners...but they are learners.  One student, age 8, arrived and we were told that this child had never acquired receptive language-meaning that he never understood what was being said (including responding to his own name or recognizing family members).  The district happily turned him over to us.  One year later at his IEP meeting, with the district present, we were reviewing what this student had learned over the course of the year and the district representative turned to our team and asked to go observe the student.  She watched for over 1/2 hour and when she returned to the table all she said was "WOW!!!"  You bet wow!!! was all I could think to myself.  He could respond to his name, learned to follow many important one step directions, could identify his family members both live and in photos and had acquired as many as 20 object labels!!!  He was using a system to communicate effectively and was able to participate in community settings as well as his classroom activities because his behavior was much improved.  Just goes to show you-NEVER doubt that any student is a learner!!

by M. M.

My most memorable moment was last year in first grade when I had a student who refused to talk.  I put a teddy bear in his hands and asked him to tell "Teddy" the answers.  He whispered the answers to "Teddy" and eventually began talking louder and louder.  Now he has confidence to talk to the whole class, thanks to "Teddy."

by Sandy

I teach children with special needs.  My most memorable moment is one in which one of my students who never used her arms or hands to participate in any activities began using an assistive technology button to play desired music.  This entailed her having to move her arms and hands and independently pressing the button to hear her music.  It was so reinforcing and memorable to me to see her motivated and independently using her arms and hands to participate in our classroom, something she had never done before.

by Lesli Ann H.

As a fairly new teacher, I find that I have little "nuggets" or memorable moments all of the time.  The best times are when a student comes up to give me a hug, or tells me good morning with a bright smile.  Working in a urban school and having kids that still show up and are willing to give 100% makes me want to do the same.

I work with special needs kids and they have such conviction and strength that anything that is going wrong with my day does not matter anymore.  They strive to challenges and do their best everyday.  They have taught me to smile and be strong.  Also, don't sweat the small stuff!

rosemarie k.

dix hills, ny

A student from another class was walking by my room and she looked at me and said you are beautiful in Spanish.

By Maria

My most memorable moment as a teacher was when I ran into a student that I had had in class a few years before and she introduced me to her mom as "that really cool art teacher."  This threw me for a loop, because the girl had been a tough student to deal with, and I fought with her constantly just to get her to do the minimum amount of work to pass my class.  I thought she hated my class!  As we were getting ready to go our seperate ways, I heard her tell her Mom, "if it hadn't been for art class, I probably never would have stayed at school."  Now, whenever I am having a tough time with a difficult student, I remember what she said.

Touching the life of a student

My first year began at a High School in the Bronx and being that I grew up in a very rural area of Long Island, I felt that I would not be ready for "city kids".  I met a young lady in my history class who taught me so much more than I could ever teach her in class.  Her mother was diagnosed with cancer and she had hidden it from her daughter until it was too obvious to mask. Asherie had no other family members at home and a father that had taken another wife when she was a baby.  Therefore, the only relative she had was a dad that she didn't know. I helped this student apply to colleges and figure out what payments she would be recieving from her mother's social security (and other important things that she would need to know when becoming completely self-sufficient).  I went to the hospital with Asherie to visit her mother.  I couldn't believe how strong this young woman was and she still attended school while all of this was going on.  Her mother passed away on Christmas Eve.  Asherie's classmates were very supportive.  To this day Asherie is in touch with me.  She is in her third year of college and was able to be successful even though she grew up in a crime and gang ridden neighborhood.  She survived high school through her mother's death and learned how to be an adult quickly.  I am honored to have had the opportunity to be her teacher.  She is truly a success story.

At 49 I'm now in a new career teaching Pre-Schoolers.  I don't have any children of my own, so I feel blessed to be a part of the wonderful process of helping shape these young minds.  I'm pretty sure I get as much out of it as they do, perhaps even more.  I especially enjoy working in a Christian School where I'm free to be affectionate with the kiddos.  I have friends that work in the Public School System and are limited as to how and when they can give hugs.  The greatest feeling in the world is having a child nuzzle up against your chest with arms around your neck for no reason whatsoever and being able to freely reciprocate!  

In the morning after my students unpack I always say "Ready spaghetti?" before going to morning meeting. The other day, a student of mine decided that all of the students should respond by saying "Yes, Meatball." So in the morning, she told everyone the plan, and as soon as I said it, they all responded appropriately!

I teach Kindergarten and have been doing so for the past 2 years. My favorite moment is when you see the light bulb go off in their little heads once they understand something you are teaching them. They grow so much in 8 months and I love knowing I am helping them. We have the best job ever!

Almost deciding to leave teaching to follow a different path and having students "petition" to keep me there!!

-Erin

One of my most memorable moments as an educator, was when I walked into the elementary school I attended as a child.  I was now their assigned county math resource teacher.  I was there to conduct a faculty meeting.  As I introduced myself as an alumni, I pointed out my first grade teacher, who was still teaching at the school.  She began to cry and simply stated, "I am so proud!"

How many 1st grade teachers get to see what their students accomplish as an adult?

Any time I see the "I get it" look on a student's face reminds me why I teach.

When I taught 5th grade a few years ago, I tried to get the students to understand the concept of taxation with out representation, and the idea of no voice, no choice.   I told my students that I had become the "queen" of our class and that as my subjects they were required to do as I demanded.  I had them use only crayons to write, took their chairs away, and had them pay me our classroom currency to use their own books.  After about 15 minutes, the children started to understand what the revolutionists were thinking about.  They started a "revolt".  When I finally came out of character, we discussed what had happened and why they felt unhappy.  We had begun the year as a very democratic community and they did not like being subjected to a "monarchy".  About a year ago, I had an 11th grade student come back to me and tell me that she used our class example as a talking point when she was giving an answer in her American History class.  She said that she and her classmates would always remember what it was like to have no choice and no voice.

I teach Pre-Kindergarten at a private school that goes Pre-K through 12th grade.  In my second year of teaching, I had one little girl in my class who was so sweet.  In the years that followed, this little girl would find every opportunity she could to come to my room to say, "Hello".  She would only stay a minute, but would always say, "I'm coming for a hug".  As a teacher of very young children, my little students are usually very much "in love" with me and are very excited to see me in the following couple of years.  However, once they hit about 3rd grade, they soon seem to forget about me and I will get only an occasional hug or hello.  This little girl was different and continued to seek me out up until 6th grade when she informed me she was leaving to attend another school.  I was so sad to hear this, but wished her well as we both shed tears.  A couple weeks later, I received a beautiful letter from her mom explaining that her daughter had been severely picked on and ridiculed by other classmates for the last few years and that her daughter's frequent visits and hugs from me had kept her daughter going.  I had NO idea any of that was going on in her little life!  The mom thanked me for being there for and being such an encouragement for her daughter.  Over the next few years, this little girl and I kept in touch.  Just last year, she returned to my school as a high school junior and will be a graduating senior this year.  She still finds every available moment to come visit me.  My little Pre-K students love when she comes as she plays and visits with them too.  She will tell anyone that listens that I am her "favorite teacher".  It is amazing to me to think that my time spent loving a little four year old child for one school year can have a lasting impact on that child's life.  As a teacher, we are asked to be moms, dads, judges, jurors, janitors, disciplinarians, cheerleaders, and so many other things.  We bring our work home with us.  It is a tiring, demanding job, with very little pay.  The little victories and smiles on students' faces carry us through and make us continue on in our job. Just as my story shows, we never know when a smile, a hello, or a hug will change a child's life forever.  My student may think of me as her favorite teacher, but she will never know what she has done for me.  She has made me remember why I wanted to be a teacher in the first place!

My first day... I was so nervous and a little boy held my hand.  It was also his first day in a new school and we made it through it together!

I had been teaching for many years when I had a little boy who was very shy and kept to himself.  He loved to read & do artwork all by himself, and never talked much at all.  One day he ran up to me and told me "Ms. Darlene I love you" and hugged me with all his might!  When his mom saw this even she cried, it was such a wonderful feeling that this little shy boy was able to come out of his shell and tell me how much I had touched his life.  It is truly a wonderful feeling when you are able to touch a childs life in such a mannor

One of my 8th graders came to school all excited the morning after attending a high school volleyball game (she was a member of the 8th grade team).  She was so impressed by a 'senior night' tradition in which senior players invite the person that has impacted them the most to stand on the floor with them and be recognized.  Even though she was four years away from her own 'senior night,' she made sure to invite me to stand beside her.  What an honor!!

I'm a 3rd grade teacher and need comfortable, yet professional clothes...

That most memorable moment so far has been after having a boy in my classroom for two years who could not match my pitch when singing, he finally matched what I was singing! Instantly it brought tears to my eyes to know that someone I have worked so hard with (even though he did not know it) was able to sing like all the other students.

I am a fourth year teacher who works in the inner city of San Diego.  I would have to say that working at my school is one of the most memorable rewarding gifts.  My school is unique as we have mnay different natioanlities and languages spken on campus from around the world.  Most of my students are from war torn areas of the world such as Somalia and Mynamar.  Watching my students grow througout the year is rewarding fascinating!  My students love looking through his/her portfolio throughout the year to see how much they have grown in various subject areas.  Wow!  Togther WE made a difference.

One of my most memorable moments as a teacher includedworking with a young student who had suffered a catastrophic stroke at age 13. This young student worked to her full capacity, was cheerful every day, and never gave up. This student taught me so much about gratitude and perseverence. As a mother of three, I had enormous compassion for her but as a fellow human being, I felt incredible respect for heraccomplishments.

One of my most memorable moments as a teacher was when I was teaching 6th grade at a charter school.  During a social studies lesson one of my African American boys shared in front of the class that at his last school a teacher told him to stop practicing the math problem because he’ll never understand it.  He looked up at her and she told him that he’ll never get it because he is black.  This kid was precious.  He was intelligent, sweet and had a great sense of humor.  Right after he shared another student raised their hand and shared a similar experience; then a third.  I stopped the S.S. lesson and told the class we needed to have a discussion.  We proceeded to have a half hour talk about race relations, how to not accept racist comments and actions and what we can do to help combat the narrow minded ideas that still exist in our society.  Being a white female teacher I extended an apology that they would probably never receive from the women that spewed such hatred.  They cried and thanked me.  I thanked them for never giving up.

by MicheleM

I teach students with special needs at a local high school. It is a great feeling when the students I have who read at a first grade level are making progress and are enjoying  reading  books. I feel I have accomplished a great goal in helping them to reach this goal. My students never wanted to read books because they could not read and I am so thrilled to hear them reading in class and outside of class and tell me about what they are reading. They just light up.

by Teresa S.

I teach severe special education to multi-handicapped students and have been doing so for the past two years. Watching the struggles my students face each day doing tasks most take for granted is inspiring and humbling. The enthusiasm they have for learning is contagious. It is impossible to pick just one memory as my favorite, but if  had just one wish it would be to have just a fraction of the positive impact on my students' lives that they have had on mine.

by Laurie G.

One of my most memorable moments as a teacher was when one of the most difficult students that i have ever had gave me a big hug one the last day of school and said "I will miss you."  

by Kelly H.

I have been a teacher in three different grades. My wow moments are numerous!! Each child makes a lasting impression on me. Being nominated and votes teacher of the year by my colleagues was definitely a highlight. It takes a little bit to impress the young children. But to impress my colleagues that much is priceless!!

I am a teacher of the deaf. I teach children how to think, listen and talk. The most memorable moment is when I sat in the audience of a 6th grade graduation and hear my student, who I had taught in preschool, talk about his school experience. His speech was so clear and everyone in the room understood what he was saying. Knowing I was part of his journey is memorable!

Watching that light bulb go on when kids GET IT!  Third grade is year filled with metamorphosis.  My caterpillars turn into butterflies and migrate to 4th grade.  Watching that miracle is my fulfillment.

I've been an educator for 17 years in the same challenging, inner city school in Phoenix. It has been difficult and I work a second job. I stay active in local politics and love to read and travel I'm single and it's often hard to make ends meet or buy nice things like Ann Taylor clothes, hence the second job. However, I love what I do and the kids can be so sweet. One little boy constantly gives me little cards and happy notes. One year a mother brought me flowers for mother's day but I said that I wasn't a mother and she said "Yes you are! You help to take care of mine!"

I'm a pre-k teacher at a private catholic school. Every morning we have prayer/pledge time as a whole school in the lunch room. After our prayers, the students were asked, "what is something you're thankful about" and my student raised up her hand. She looked at me with a smile and I smiled back. When she was called upon to speak, she said "my teacher" and when she was asked "why?" She said, "because she love us and care about us and she's my teacher!" I couldn't stop smiling at that point. At that moment, I just wanted to say thank you to her. (which I did later on in the classroom)

I have had numerous experiences in my few years of teaching so far.  I think my most memorable moment to date was this year at the beginning of the year.  I have a student in my class who is brand new to the district.  He moved from far away and is a rather shy kid.  I have a student in my class who goes out of his way every morning to say hello to this child and includes him in group activities and games.  I am just amazed at his compassion and his desire to be friendly to this child who so desperately needs one.  

I am a high school math teacher, which definitely has it's challenging moments.  I love those times when you can see the light bulb turn on and you know that a student has made an important connection.  However, I think the most rewarding moments are when former students come back and ask for help because their current teacher "doesn't explain things like you do."  

Andi M

Teaching is a second career for and I am starting my 6th year teaching middle school science.  I cannot imagine my life without being in education.  Each day brings about new memories to add to my mind.  One of the most memorable I had was this year when one of my students from last year came to deliver me a letter she wrote.  In the letter she told me how she wished I was her science teacher this year.  But the best part of the letter was when she wrote, "Thank you for all you did in science and you have given me memories that will last forever.  I almost started crying and I am not one to cry.  It is the most fantastic feeling in the world to know you made a difference in a child's life!

The most memorable moment of my teaching career was when I was really discouraged and wondering if I was really making a differnce in my students lives. It was on a Monday morning and I was teaching as usual when two TV camera men walked into my room and informed me that one of my students had wrote a letter to them explaining how I had touch his life because I had tutored him for free. He went on to explain the things that I had done for each of my students. This young student had nominated me for Golden Apple Award and nominated to be Teacher of the Year on that televsion news program. It was the biggest high light of my year because I realized that the things that I had done for my students was not going unnoticed.

I had a student that would get frusterated very easily.  When he got frusterated he would get out of hand very quickly.  I worked with him all year trying to get him to calm down before he blew up, and to explain his feelings.  His parents had a hard time with teachers past because he was sent to the principals office at least once a week for his total loss of control.  When the end of the year came, he had not been sent to the principal's office a single time and he'd made superintendent's list for the year (straight A's the entire year).  His parents were so proud and so grateful that his mom kept hugging me and telling me what a difference I had made for them and their son.  That for the first time he truely seemed to enjoy school.  I think all teachers agree that that is exactly what are goal is.

Jaimee H.

I had a student who I never thought listened to my music teaching and was very solemn. He recently came up to me after moving on to middle school and was laughing about how excited he was to join the band. He told me that if it weren't for me teaching him how to read notes, he wouldn't be able to play his new trombone. He offered to come back to our elementary school and play for other students when he practices more. I couldn't believe he thought I had made a difference to him and I never even realized. It makes you think about the impact we have even when we don't think we do!

My most memorable moments as a teacher are those when students sneak me little "love" letters.  They tell me I am so nice and the best teacher ever.  It makes me think I am doing something right, especially on those days when nothing seems to go right!

by Stephanie C.

The most memorable moment in education was when I was asked by a fellow to teacher to mentor a special needs student.  He is with me for one hour everyday.  He truly makes my day and inspires me to do my best.  It makes me feel even better that I was choosen by this teacher to mentor him.

I have been teaching for a few years now and there are just certain students that you will always remember.  During my first year, I had a very shy 5th student who was having a difficult time with her parents separation.  She was enrolled with the school counselor and also saw someone outside of school, but nothing seemed to help her open up.  So, I decided to invite her to lunch with me once a week, where we would eat in the classroom and talk about things that were going on.  During that time she kept a journal and often read it to me.  I could see that these meetings helped and she started to grow more confident.  As the school year finished, she was a totally new student.  The following year, I received an envelope in the mail from the middle school language arts teacher.  The students were asked to write a piece about their hero, and this girl decided to write it about me.  The most striking line in her piece was when she said "my teacher listened."  Needless to say it took a few times to read the piece due to all of the tears.  We are still in communication today.

This is my second year teaching high school math in my current district.  I taught multiple freshmen classes last year and have now become their class advisor as sophomores.  The best thing that I have experienced from them is when they get excited to introduce me to one of there friends.  There comments are always "This is Ms. L.  She was my math teacher last year and was so good.  You should definitely try and take her class."  I must have done something right that they would recommend me to one of their friends!

This is my first year teaching. I switched careers after 12 years in advertising/marketing to fullfil my dream to teach. Most days I'm scared stiff - it's unlike anything I've ever done. But as soon as those students fill up the desks and we begin talking, reading, learning, writing, laughing...I know I wouldn't want to be any other place in the world.

by Cat S.

I had a student who was often suspended, and every teacher in the school had to warn me because she would be in my class for 3rd/4th grade.  During 3rd grade, she had her moments.  However, during 4th grade, she made such a turn around and could recognize how much she had changed.  She was so proud, and I looked forward to seeing her each day.

All year I had a little girl in kindergarten who wouldn't speak.  Her mom would have to tell me things about school she liked or didn't like.  At the end of the year, she moved. I was upset she moved away because I would never know how she was doing. The first day of this year she made her mom drive to our school to show me her new bunny.  Her mom said no, she's busy.  the little girl threw a fit and told her I had to see it so her mom brought her.  When she came, she talked to me and told me she hoped her new teacher was like me and had "yellow" hair too.  It brought tears to my eye.

I have had so many memorable moments in my 30 years.  I love all the hugs from my kindergarteners.  The wonderful complimentary notes written to me by parents are something I will cherish forever. But, this year is very emotional for me.  Three of my former students's children are in my class. It is so rewarding to see how they have grown up to be such responsible adults.    

Teaching is not a job, it is a commitment from the heart to fill young minds with the desire to be lifelong learners and productive citizens. I love watching young children soak up knowledge like sponges.  When a child learns to read and begins to read to learn...that moment is like winning the GOLD MEDAL!  by Jann C.

My first grade student told me that if her parents died, she would want to live with me.

I had a parent request me to be her daughter's 8th grade language art's teacher this year.  I didn't know this happened, but another teahcer told me about it.  Then this other teacher smiled and said, you know her son, "Tom" had you two years ago and now he wants to be a language art's teacher, because of you! WOW!  What a shot in the arm.

kjk

This is not a heart felt story... this is one day I will never forget!  One day I was sitting at my guided reading table in the middle of teaching a group.  One of my boys came up to me to tell me that another boy had done something.  I didn't quite understand what he was saying and had him go back to his seat.  About 2 minutes later, another boy came up to me to tell me the same thing.  This time I listened and was told that one boy had put a shark tooth in his ear.  My response was "Oh don't believe everything you hear" and went over to check on the boy.  He DID have something in his ear, so I sent him to the nurse.  We both thought it looked like a tick, so we called the parent to take him to the doctor to have it checked.  Mom called later that day and confirmed that the boy had the smooth side of a shark tooth in his ear (I mean down there where you could barely even notice there was something in there when looking)!  He ALSO had something farther down behind that!!!  The doctor was able to remove both items and the boy was fine, but my goodness... listen to your students because they "silly" ideas or stories may be true!  : )

I taught for three years in an urban school system. Last year was a trying year for one of my very smart, sassy, and beloved students. I was leaving work and remembered that I needed to get gas. I began rummaging through my purse, feeling for my badge holder. I discovered quickly that my badge holder was not in there. Among the items in the badge holder were my debit and credit cards. I began to panic and almost immediately thought of one particular student. She had stole my dry erase markers earlier in the year because she admired them and did not have pencils to write with at home. I walked to the student's house, playing out the conversation that I would have. I did not want to outright accuse her. When I got to her door, I knocked on it. She opened the door and saw me. I asked, "You know why I am here, don't you?" She nodded and went upstairs. When she came back down, she handed me my badge holder. I peeked inside, and everything was there. I was infuriated and felt betrayed and disappointed. I asked her why she had stolen my badge and my credit cards. She was wide-eyed and said she did not mean to steal my credit cards and didn't know they were there. I asked her why she decided to steal my badge holder in the first place. She replied timidly that she liked school and felt safe there. She wanted to use my badge to get inside the building after school was out because she did not like being at home.

I was so taken aback, I did not know what to say. My disappointment faded and was replaced by shame. We discussed solutions she could have taken instead of stealing. I did not tell her mother. I did not tell the school. Instead, I let her stay at school with me and arranged for her siblings to stay at school, until it was time for me to leave.

We forget that school is often a safe haven for our students. We forget the circumstances that they come from, and sometimes, assume the worst. That little girl taught me a lesson that day that I had forgot. She taught me to think before I speak. Now, when I approach a problem or situation in any arena, I seek to discover the other person's thoughts behind doing something. I am also much more proactive in learning as much about my students as I can. Even though I no longer teach in that school system, I still remember that little girl. She is still my very smart, sassy, and beloved girl. I check up on her from time to time. I hear she is doing quite well...still loves school. :)

Ii have touched students' lives

There are so many things you learn the first and second year of teaching!  But one of the most important is how SPECIFIC you need to be with little ones.  At the beginning of the school year, when students are trying to get into their routines, many children come to school sleepy and weary.  On my very first year in second grade, I notice this and started to make comments about how  important it was to go to bed early.  The next morning, a mother politely asked me to define EARLY for her son.  Apparently her son, JD, had gone to bed at 4:00 pm!!!  She said the entire family had been looking for JD and were suprised find him covered from head to toe on his bed.  He told his parents that his teacher had said it was very important to go to bed EARLY and they couldn't get him UP!!!  I was tickled, of course, but I made it a point from then on to be as specific as possible when talking to little ones.

I don't think that I can choose just one moment, but but two years ago I had a wonderful child in my classroom who was autistic.  There was not a day that went by that year, that thischild did not make me smile, laugh out loud, bring tears to my eyes or just amaze me... just to share the world through his eyes was a joy.  I know that I will never forget this child.

Helen M.

I have had many memorable moments since I have been teaching for 20 years, but one of my fondest memories is this past summer being invited to one of my first grade students wedding.  What a thrill to see him all grown up and getting his first teaching job!

by Dixie M

I teach kindergarten, so I have many memorable moments.  This is when everything comes together and my students begin to read (what an aha moment)!!!

Joan H.

In the mid 90's I worked in a low income area of our town.  The kindergarten children had trouble identifying simple zoo animals. After working there a few weeks, I realized no student had been out of our city to visit a zoo.  I headed a team of teachers and parents to raise money to take the entire grade level of kindergarteners to the zoo.  We traveled in school buses over 125 miles to the nearest zoo.  Parents followed along in cars since most had never been themelves. What a great day to spend with children and parents!! Needless to say-the day was filled with great excitement!!

I agree w/ the other posts about how hard it is to choose just one moment. For me, it's the moment when my kids 'get it' in speech therapy and really start to progress. And, its the day that I get to dismiss them from their current IEP!

I currently teach 5th grade but started my teaching career in 7th grade math. I had some pretty tough classes and soon discovered that middle school was not meant for me. During my first year I never really thought I did that well other then just survive  Until about a few years ago I received a phone call from a college adviser asking me questions about a student I had. I answered the questions the best I could and by the end of the conversation I learned that the student applied to the same college I went to to become a teacher just like me. Soon after, I met with my student and she explained to me that I had patience and taught her so much about life, responsibility, giving back and math. The least she could do was become a teacher and give guidance to children just like I did to her. It was very touching and reminded me why I got into this profession to begin with...the simple rewards from my students.

As a school social worker there are hundreds of students and families who have touched me and moments that I should write down for a memoir. A recent experience was talking with an elementary student whose family did not have adequate food or furniture in the household. I asked all the necessary questions and assured the student that his family would get the things they needed. When he reported to his mother he stated that "his lawyer came to see him at school and she was gone take care of him and make sure he had his favorite foods-potato chips and ham". It really doesn't matter what they call me, as long as they know I am there to help!

I am a high school teacher.  In my first years of teaching when I was only a page ahead of my students, I sometimes cried myself to sleep due to the overwhelming amount of work and the struggle to keep the standards that I set for myself.

One day, a girl who missed the deadline to take a quiz came to talk to me.  I naturally assumed that she wanted to give me whatever the excuse she could come up with so that she could take the test.

To my surprise, she simply said "I know I missed the deadline. I will take it as it is because you have been so nice and I let you down".

To this day, this is one of the most rewarding things anyone has said to me.  I am so proud of her for taking responsibility for her action - not many students or adults seem to be able to do.  

By Keiko K.

For me it's when years later students come back to visit and share with me their favorite memory from our year together.  Also when I had two students on the first day of school the year after I had them show up to my room hang up their stuff and try to stay for the day.  they told me they had such a great year with me that they wanted to do it all again.  It really touched me to see how much they enjoyed their year.  First grade is the best.

I teach high school mathematics- and the best moments for me are when the students "get" the math.  Sometimes it takes some work but eventually with practice everyone can learn to like math.  I think math is fun, and I love when my students learn to have a positive attitude towards math too!!

This is my first year teaching and so far it has been a very rewarding experience.

After 16 years of teaching English to high school students, I often wondered whether or not I'd been making a difference.  Last year several students who I had the previous year came by to tell me they heard my voice in their heads as they took the state mandated graduation exam and tryed to apply what they had learned about writing  on the essay portion and reading sections.  They said that they heard me reminding them to do specific things when they wrote  and that they passed with flying colors!  As a high school teacher especially, you never know if what you teach them actually sinks in!  For these students, it had, and I remembered why I stay to make a difference in their lives.  I have a quote on my desk that reminds me that students may never remember what you teach, but they will always remember how you make them feel!  

Washington, IN

by Kelaine H.

I taught in a migrant education program.  The third day of school the gym teacher brought me one of my first graders and told him to tell me what he did wrong.  The little boy looked at me and said, "I'm sorry I peed on the grass, but there was no weeds." The little boy did not know he could ask to go inside to use the boy's room!  My heart broke as the gym teacher thought he was being fresh.  Every year after that I remembered on the first day of school to tell my kiddos about how they could use the indoor bathroom whenever they needed to- especially if they were out at recess or gym or not with me :-).

I teach first grade and my most memorable moments often come at the end of the year when I show the students work they had done in September and they realize how far they've come in reading and writing.  No matter what level they are at they see that they are readers and writers!  And are very excited about it!

Seeing my students read and write at the end of the year is the most rewarding part of teaching first grade.

by Nicole B.

One of my most memorable moments as an educator was when a student that said he wished that I was his mother and he wanted to come an live with me.

My most memorable moment is when my third graders were so worried about me when I went to a regular doctor's visit during my pregnancy.  Rumors had spread throughout the school that I had given birth (I was only 7 months pregnant at that time).  So, when I got back, later that afternoon, the students asked me about my baby.  I told them that she was safely in my womb still...waiting to be born in about 2 more months!!   I loved that group of students. They just worried about what I ate, drank, and were very sympathetic if I was in any pain or discomfort!!  Many even would get inspired to write to me after I gave birth...and gave me some advice on what I should be doing with my baby to be a good student in the future!!  LOVED IT!!!

My most memorable moments come when my graduates from the past years come back to tell me how being in my classes has helped them succeed in high school, college, and even beyond. For a few, its also about the little things that they remember that I did for them.   It makes me so proud of all they have accomplished and humbles me to think that they want to share some of the credit with me!  Teaching truly is the gift that keeps on giving:)

I live and teach in a rural community.  I was excited to take my first group of high school students to Europe, and still get excited as I continue to take kids abroad.

My most memorable moment is the day I saw my first group of 9th Graders graduate from High School. Many of them did not remember me, but the ones that did came over to me and gave me a big hug! I remember one telling me that she did not think I would remember to come to graduation since it was four years ago that I told them I would, but she was happy that I was there. Seeing the kids graduate is the greatest feeling of all!

By Gina G.

My most memorable moment was when I got to move up from first to second grade with my students.  It was wonderful to be able to see them improve in EVERY area the next year and to already have a relationship with them and their parents.  I have many memorable times and moments that make me laugh just because of their comments.

I am a special education teacher for students with mild to moderate disabilities, grades 1 through 6.  I give my cell phone number to my students and parents because I believe that our class is a family - a community.  Well, this summer I had some surgery and I received two phone calls from students to inquire about how I was doing.  Life is so good...

Joyce M.

At the end of my first year of teaching, I was completely exhausted. I had learned so much about my teaching style, how to deal with students on a day-to-day basis and being busy all the time. The head of the graduation committee came to up me on the last day of school, which was an in-service day, and said he was surprised when he found out I was a first year teacher because of all the great work I did with the students. I was not expecting that, and I appreciated hearing it from an experienced teacher.

My most memorable moment is when I recieved a photocopy of a poem in my mailbox from another teacher.  One of my students had written it in her English class.  The last line said Mrs. D means the world to me.  It was really sweet!  

I just completed my first year of teaching and I was really worried about my testing scores.  We found out that our scores for the entire 4th grade were the top in the entire school.  I felt that my first year was so difficult but to hear that my kids scored so high made me feel good.  We decided to buy gifts for all of our students to open the year and their smiles made a difficult year worth it.

I'd never envisioned myself as an educator, even as a graduate student required to do some teaching.  But, as life would have it, I'm now a teacher and enjoying it.  My most memorable moment is an unsolicited letter I received from a student thanking me for a great class and for helping her choose to continue her education in the sciences.

My most memorable moment when I was selected as the school district's teacher of the year after my second year of teaching.  It really made me feel I had chosen the right career since many of my peers had nominated me for the honor.  

by Kathy D.

I remember when I was teaching fifth grade in Orlando we were studying England and the monarchy.  I asked the class "Who can tell me the name of the Prince of Wales?"  One boy who rarely answered any questions, raised his hand and proudly responded, "SHAMU".  I suppose he was correct.  There is only one king of "whales" in Orlando.

by Bev  

My most memorable moments come from watching my students function successfully independantly of me; acting on their own ideas, solving their own problems, helping their peers, and functioning as a community, this is when I know they are ready for first grade.

It was Christmas time and I was triming our tree, with ornaments from many students I have taught in the last 24 years when out of the blue the phone rang and it was a student from my first year of teaching. He was calling from his base overseas and had found me online and just wanted to say hello and thank me for making his sixth grade year the best! The last time I had seen him was when he was in seventh grade and had come to visit me at the new school I had moved to with his basketball team. It was a very heartfelt conversation and came at a time when I was struggling with how my school year was going and he made me feel it was worth the struggle knowing just reaching one student is enough.

by Lynne F.

I come to my classroom every day with an agenda - the moments I remember most are when my students come in with their own.  Sometimes they are good, sometimes not so much, but every day is something new, something different.  It reminds me that life is not all planned, and that those little ones sometimes have more perspective than I do.  

It is those days when they hold me accountable, when they remind me to check off something new we learned.  It is when they take their education into their own hands.

I have many memorable moments, but the best are when a student comes up to me and makes a connection about something we have learned in class and something they do outside of school.  I am a middle school science teacher and I love it when kids come up to me and say they went on vacation and saw something we talked about in class, or they did something at home and understood the science behind it because of what they learned in my class.

by Marty S.

One memorable moment I have is when I student came to visit me from college and said, "Your English class made me a better writer. Thank you."

When students come back the next year and are excited about something they heard on the news because they understood the science behind it.

I am a Special Education teacher. My most memorable moment? I began working in my district as an instructional assistant, 12 years ago. My first assignment was to work with a little girl who has Down's Syndrome. She was SO adorable and was mainstreamed in a general ed. kindergarten class. When I first began working with her, she was non verbal, non responsive, and did not interact with her peers. By the end of the year, she was smiling, laughing and saying "Hi Hon!" I had the privilege of working with her for 3 years, before she moved into a different setting and I was given a new assignment. I began teaching in a middle school 8 years ago and she was one of our students!  It was so wonderful to see her again, see her progress. She was learning to become independent, cooking, learning self-help skills, community based instruction, etc. AND she remembered me, and said "Hi Hon!!"  Oh it was such an amazing feeling. Now, I work at the district level in the special education department, as a teacher on special assignment.  I still have a mug that she made herself, when she was in kindergarten.  It is a reminder of how far she and I have both come!  ;-)    

My most memorable moment was when I received a note from one of my students at the end of her 4th grade year.  It was her first year in the U.S.A. and she was grasping to learn English.  Her note thanked me for really helping her to learn English and being understanding about her struggles.  She told me she loved me and would never forget me.  by laura n.

"L" was a student that none of the teachers wanted. He regularly teased others, fought with his classmates, and disrespected his peers.  When he came into my class in 3rd grade, he expected me to treat him like his previous teachers had everyday- send him to the office, take away recess, or have him sit at the "time-out" desk.  Instead, I gave him more responsibilities and made him my special helper.  Though he still had not exhibited "perfect" behavior, he started changing, and most importantly, he smiled a lot more.  He enjoyed learning and his grades improved drastically.  By the end of the year, he had become my favorite student. He is someone that will always remind me that it makes a difference when you believe in a student.

One of my memorable moments was when my reading intervention class begged to take home The Freedom Writers Diary over the Memorial Day long weekend and voluntarily gave themselves a 15 page homework assignment. Monday morning, one very reluctant reader walks into my room before school and proudly declares "I read it!" - she had read the ENTIRE 320 page book, plus a second book that weekend!  

One of my most memorable moments as a teacher is having that dreaded student in my class and being the teacher that he warmed up to and made a difference in his life.

One of my most memorable moments came when I took my students on a field trip to a nearby marsh to study the ecosystem there. This particular student had never really found his niche in school, and was only there because he had to be. While at the marsh, I noticed how involved he was and he ran up to me with glowing excitement to explain what he had just found, and how important it was to the ecosystem. It was then I knew I opened his mind to learning.

I will never forget when one day I was teaching my heart out when I asked if anyone had any questions.  One of my students looked at me and said, "Mrs. G. How do you get your hair light and the end and dark by your head?"  I knew it was time to visit my beautician when the kids started asking those questions.

by Mrs. G

My most memorable day as an educator was my first day of teaching.  There were 36 children in the class and I said to myself, "Wow".  I hope they learn something:)  During the course of that year, both I and the students learned a great deal.  That class of students are now in their second year of college and are performing well:)

I have had many memorable  moments in the 32 years that I have been an inter-city elementary teacher in Michigan.  So many in fact, that I could write a book after I retire!  

Nowdays I'm teaching a 2nd generation of children in which I taught their parents. It is very rewarding to have so many former students tell me that they requested to have their son or daughter be in my 1st grade class because I had been their favorite teacher.  I guess I must be doing something right!

by Darcy S.

I teach in a low income middle school where students seldom get out of the neighborhood.  I planned a field trip for the students including lunch at a   mexican restaurant.  The students were so well behaved and excited about all that they saw on the field trip.  When the food arrived at lunch students could not believe that the food on their plate was just for them. They immediately wanted to take some home so they could share their dinner with their family. I still have students tell me about the day we went on the field trip when they come back to visit or see me at the high school.

I teach in a low income middle school where students seldom get out of the neighborhood.  I planned a field trip for the students including lunch at a   mexican restaurant.  The students were so well behaved and excited about all that they saw on the field trip.  When the food arrived at lunch students could not believe that the food on their plate was just for them. They immediately wanted to take some home so they could share their dinner with their family. I still have students tell me about the day we went on the field trip when they come back to visit or see me at the high school.

My most rewarding day was when three of my college seniors, who hadn't planned on becoming educators, told me they were applying to the School of Education to become certified to teach.  They said I had made a difference to them in the classroom and they were inspired to teach others.  Dr. W

When students come back after high school and thank you for what they learned in your class!

A former student came up to me in Target and asked if I remembered him from five years ago. Of course I did, he was the biggest handful I had ever taught and his mother had made such a fuss about me “picking” on her son that she convinced the school system to allow him to change schools.  He proceeded to tell me about how he is working for a local welder learning the trade and that he is on a twelve step process of apologizing to people he has hurt or been mean to in the past.  He said that he wanted to THANK ME!!! (I was confused!) He thanked me for; I quote, “ridding his a_ _” so much that it made him start to think about his life. He said that he may not even be here today if it were not for me and that his mother finally started believing his teachers after a while. Once in high school, she kicked him out of the house and he thought many times of the advice I had given him.  He is 19 now and seems to be making some right choices in his life. This was the nicest apology I have ever received.

by rebecca m.

It was during my fourth year of teaching.  I had 12 students on my caseload who I monitored for the past four years.  Each one of the them graduated.  That was four years ago.  They still come back to visit me!

I completed my student teaching in a high poverty area of Las Vegas.  On my last day, one of my little second grade girls came up to my desk and set down a small jingle bell.  She then ran back to her seat.  I called her back up to thank her and she said that she wanted to bring me something for my classroom.  It's a bell that I can ring to call my students.  It still makes me tear up and hangs by my desk to remind me that it's the little things in my day that will change my life or those of others.

As a first grade teacher you have a lot of parents that school is a new experience.  I had a little boy, adopted from Russia with neurological brain damage.  His mother was told he would never be able to function or learn at school.  I was fortunate to have him in my looping class, and by the end of second grade he was reading at grade level!!  The family was never happier for their son!!  

There are many memorable moments in my 11 years of teaching.  I think some of  the most profound memories come from me being "human," and making some mistakes with my students. Apologizing to an entire room of 6th graders for my "senile moments" is humbling, but when they say, "We forgive you," without anyone telling them to was remarkable.  It reinforced in me that when I make mistakes, kids are so forgiving when I own up; it builds relationships in the class and helps kids to be honest with me when they need to fess up as well.  

Every day is a memorable moment...students walking into the classroom and giving me a hug to say good morning, students almost in tears at the end of the year because they will miss my class, students seeing me years after they've graduated to thank me for caring so much, students who tell me that they love my class and I'm their favorite teacher. I'm a high school English teacher in Louisiana and I feel very blessed to be in education. Children just need a lot of love and education to feel complete.

The best memories happen when you're least expecting them, and they are the easiest to slip out of your mind. I need to carry a small notepad just for memories!

My best moments happen when I am helping two children solve a conflict and they actually make an agreement, to do better in the future.

The first year I taught middle school I didn't think I reaced any kids, but when one of my students, the last one I would have expected, wrote me a letter and said how much he had learned both about English and about being responsible, that made my day.  Since then I have received more letters and still stay in tough with many of my students.

The first year I taught middle school I didn't think I reaced any kids, but when one of my students, the last one I would have expected, wrote me a letter and said how much he had learned both about English and about being responsible, that made my day.  Since then I have received more letters and still stay in tough with many of my students.

I am a speech language pathologist in a small town in Georgia. I work with a wide variety of kids. I also coach the varsity cheerleading squad at our local high school. The truth is the kids I come in contact with teach me as much as I teach them. It's a win win situation.

Christa

Thank you Ann Taylor for your wonderful clothes and recognizing teachers!

We were having some IT work done in  our school building and I went to consult with the engineer sent by the contractors.  Turned out that the site supervisor was a young man who was in my very first homeroom group.  He had been in my homeroom for three years, but then he moved from the neighborhood and I lost track of him.  Ricky had come from a really racially isolated community in Chicago and had earned his master's degree from Purdue University in electrical engineering.  He picked me up and swung me around the meeting and it was a joyous reunion.  I also apologized for the job I had done as a rookie teacher - a job that I now know was not worthy of him and his classmates.  Apparently kids survive in spite of us!

I am a first grade teacher and I also use to coach girls softball at our local high school. The most rewarding comments that I have gotten from children has been from both high school and my first graders. One of my first graders told me that I was his best friend and had changed the way he felt about school since he was in my room. My high school student had told me that I had been the only coach that had ever cared about them and showed them that they were important and wanted to make a difference in them.

I work with preschool children who have special needs.  So every day has memorable moments with them.  The most rewarding thing is to bump into a parent of a child with whom I have worked with and get brought up on their progress and how the time I spent with them helped to form the foundation to their education career.

Tracy

I am an elementary school teacher in South Carolina.  I have a student population from a very low income community.  I will never forget one year I had a student who came to me.  The guidance councelor came to me to tell me he might be a challenging student.  He was a foster child and had been in 6 foster homes within the last year and a half.  The parents had not been able to handle his behaviors.  His first day, he ended up running away from the school during recess.  As I ran to get the principal, two other teachers chased after him.  The principal was very calm and strolled out to the baseball field where the student and teachers had made it to.  By that time the teachers had caught him.  I was very apprehensive about having him the next day, but this child truly from the next day on touched my heart.  He has the best personality and truly made me laugh and love my job.  He was a challenge, but I think he helped make me a stronger teacher and touched my heart.  I had the privilege of having him for about 4 months.  Then he was sent to prospective parents which were going to adopt him with all of his challenges.  I made sure he had a positive memory and a keepsake to know there were people who did love him and he had touched their lives.  I took pictures of him with all of the faculty members he had touched their lives and made him a photo book to keep.  I made him a packet with all of the addresses he could write to the faculty and students he had met.  Soon after that he sent us a letter to let us know how happy he was and how much he liked his new family. He did assure me he would never forget his time with me and my class, and he did miss us.  It made my heart fill with happiness to  I think about how I was able to have a positive influence on him as a teacher, and at the same time he taught me as well.

As a 9th grad English teacher, there are really too many to count.  But there have been several moments where a student finally recognizes their ability and decides to "turn it on" so to speak.  ...Watch internal motivation spark and begin to run is my goal for each of my students....

I work in a high poverty high school, where students have to work to pay bills every day and night.  Some of them have two jobs to help their families make ends meet.  It is very tempting for them to skip school because they are so tired from working until midnight or later.  When I have students tell me "I was going to skip school today, but I decided not to because I wanted to come to your class."  that is what makes me proud to be a teacher.

I had a student last year who was on medication for ADHD and had a very difficult time focusing.  He had gotten suspended a few times for making bad decisions on the playground and getting baited by some kids out there.  He has a heart of gold, but still struggles.  Last year as the year was coming to a close, he came up to me and said, "You're a really good teacher".  That was it!  He made my year!

I work with children who are at risk of failure...and failure is just not an option at our school!  One child in particular came in 5th grade with few math skills and low self esteem. She worked hard, learned to have confidence in herself and celebrate all success! (even little ones)  At the end of the year, she received commended on our state assessment test.( This is no easy task!)  

The most memorable moment for me was my second year teaching and I was lucky enough to have a student in my class named "Kris".  Kris couldn't read when he came to me in third grade and he was very stand-offish.  We worked together everyday on reading and by the end of the year, he was able to read the third grade text.  The smile on his face when he finished and the huge hug I got from him on his last day was enough to keep me going for a lifetime.

The most beautiful thing when you are teaching, is to see the smile of all your kids around you, that'really worth it.

Vilma M.

At the beginning of the year a girl cried everyday at school. She cried in every class, in the counselor's office, in the health office, at home.  Her mother said it was because of stress since she did not know any English as well as having 7 new teachers in junior high classes she does not understand.  A day came where my students needed to get up in front of the class to present their poster.  I was worried about this one particular student.  She got up said her one part with her group. Everyone in the room cheered, clapped, and praised her for making a BIG step.  She beamed with a huge smile.  Ever since then she has not cried but instead smiles at school.

The most memorable moments in teaching is seeing my students promoted to the next grade.  Whenever you see them the next year, they still tell you how much they miss you and being in your classroom.

by Annie J.

   I teach in an inner city Massachusetts school, where money is tight and parental involvement and proficiency of the english langauge is limited.  The last unit I do with my students is a poetry book that we type, illustrate and publish.  We do a poetry reading for parents, and I write a poem for them.  On the first day of school the following year, one of my  struggling students thanked me for that poem and told me he laminated it, and keep it in his bag to read when he gets "down", or thinks he may be making bad choices.  He then thought I was a freak when I broke out into tears! I was just so honored that my writing had this affect on him!

Jeanie G

I am a recent graduate and for right now I am substituting in the school where I'd worked part time while I went to school. It's nice because I know all the faculty, the students and most of the parents too so it really feels like home. One of my favorite memories so far this year was with one of our 5th grade trouble makers. He had gotten in trouble for the way he spoke to me one day and the A.P. made write a letter to me appologizing. I read the letter which said at the end "I hope you can forgive me." After reading the letter I said to the student "don't worry I forgive you" and said "I already knew that you've been forgiving me since Kindergarten." I couldn't help but smile!

I met Brandy her first day of school sitting in front of my door. She was sleeping as she rested her head against the concrete doorway. Hair tattered, sleep in her eyes, and a face that I thought must have not been touched by a human hand. She stole my heart...We got to know each other really well, since she was there early every morning. She would come in brush her teeth, her hair and help me get ready for the day. We spend most of that Kindergarten year sharing smiles, stories, and just girl talk. Our time was interrupted  by a custody battle between her parents and the state. On the day she had to leave, we walked to the book fair to get a book for her to take, she didn't have to say anything. Her smile showed fear and uncertainty and she just squeezed my hand the whole walk.

Brandy taught me that children carry and endure things that many adults couldn't imagine going through, as adults. Yet, her grace and  strength were unbelievable...A memory etched in my heart!

x

My most memorable September memory was when I got stung by a bee while walking one of my class down the hallway.  We had really bonded in first grade and second grade was looking to be a great year as well, especially when you are going to have the same group of students for three years.  My students were so scared when they saw me jumping up and down, running up and down the hallway.  All I kept feeling was "BUZZ, BUZZ, BUZZ!" in my chest.   We impact our students in so many ways.  by Trisha B  

My first semester as a college instructor was the most memorable.  I had great candid comments from my students and also some very touching stories.  I introduced several new theories and techniques for managing stress and actually had a student come to me at the end of the semester to tell me that he really enjoyed the new technique and signed for the course dedicated to it the following semester.  I couldn't believe that I actually got through to them and opened their minds.  Absolutely amazing.

27 YEARS...I can't believe I've been teaching that long and still love it! I could tell you all sorts of funny stories but I think the best stories are the ones of the ordeals the children have to deal with on a daily basis.  This year I have a delightful little girl who, when I asked what her parents did for a job, told me they were dead.  Her father shot her mother and then himself.  How can a child learn when there is such tragedy in her very young life?  

Why do I teach?  NOT for the Money, Vacation, Xtra Furniture....

No, I teach to help America's Future, Our Greatest Natural Resource, Our CHILDREN.

BY

PRISCILLA F.

I am a para and work with handicap kids, very rewarding

Trish

I have been a Primary School secretary for 19 years.  One of the most memorable moments is when I saw one of our Kindergarteners @ a local grocery store and she looked at her mom and said "Hey, that's the office lady, she lives at my school!"

At times, I feel like I do,but at least I know that the little ones notice.

I teach Kindergarten and of course the children love to play with their toys.  I asked one little boy to take all toys out of his pockets.  I saw him take one toy out of his pocket but did not think about the other pocket.  When we were in line to use the bathroom I noticed spiderman legs sticking out of his pocket pant.  I asked him if he had another toy in his pocket and he said no.  I just had to laugh because the evidence was clearly there in plain "red and blue."

Andrea P

I love working with middle school kids

C.Hutton

My most memorable moments as a General Music teacher are the programs we put on in each grade level. Seeing the kids work so hard on the instruments and the parts makes all the hard work I put in so worth it. Watching them blossom on stage and finding a love for performing is what it is all about for me.

I teach Kindergarten and my most memorable moments are when my kids say funny things. I had one tell me the other day that he liked blueberries the muchest! :) They make my day by the things they say

I teach 1st grade and love what I do; however, there are moments that I can't help but think, was this the grade for me?  During class one day, I had a parent come in the room to ask a question.  As we are talking, one of my special needs students continued to pull on my shirt and say my name over and over.  I asked him to use his manners and wait his turn.  As I continued to speak with the parent, the child decided to get me attention at any cost and preceeded to grab my chest.  When I stopped him and said that it wasn't appropriate, he said sorry and laughed!  The parent thought it was as funny as the child did.  I was embarrased to death and to this day, I remember this child's method of getting my attention.  When I am speaking with another adult, I make sure that I ask the child what they need quickly and to go sit back down.  Talk about embarrassing!!!

My very first year of teaching, I had a student who told me the first day of the year that he really wanted to pass - it was his 3rd time trying and he really wanted to pass Physical Science so he could graduate with his class.  I told him I'd help him, and together we did work after school, during tutoring time, and in class.  I will never forget the day he said to me on the way out of my class "Thank you for not giving up on me."  I told him I would never give up on him, and he said "Yeah, but other teachers have."  He passed my class, and the next year always came to show me his report card.  I almost cried the day I saw him get his diploma.

My favorite moments are when I see children excel in areas they never believed they can excel in.

I teach a high school Parenting Class.  The students prepare lessons and teach these lessons to elementary school students.  At the beginning of the term I talk about characteristics that make a successful teacher. This particular student said that she was not interested in teaching!  After her " student teaching" she said that I had allowed her to have this experience and I had helped her make a career decision.  She had no idea what she wanted to study in college.  She is now in college pursuing a teaching career.  What a great feeling to know that I had made a difference in a students life!

One year I decided to stop dying my hair and let it go to my natural "grey."  One of my students asked "Who put that grey in your hair?"  I told him "God did!"

Claudine T.

I work with students who struggle reading.  I see 50 students each day and to watch them learn to read is amazing.  There are so many dots to connect when learning to read and when you see a student make a connection it is awe inspiring.  

By Ann C

I had a student that despised coming to school everyday! He didn't think that school was a fun place to be. His days consisted of arriving at school and getting into trouble and receiving bad grades. He didn't see school as a good place to be. One day I was sharing a story about my dog "Frank". He LOVED animals! I think this was the only lesson so far in school that he was actively involved in. He asked several questions and told the information he knew about the breed of boxers (which was the breed of my dog Frank). This formed a small bond between Sam (Code name) and I. Sam couldn't afford to have a dog, so I made an aggreement with him. If he could bring up his grades and participation in school I agreed to bring my dog to school for a day. I kept a picture of my dog on his desk for motivation. This was the key motivation that I was looking for- I saw an amazing change in Sam's attitude and academics. After seeing remarkable changes in Sam, I brought my dog to school for a day. The bond between Sam and my dog was awesome. The other students enjoyed him there too! I continued to make arrangements to bring my dog to school several more times throughout the year. I ran into Sam at a local store and he is now in high school and still doing very well. He said that he is working hard so he can get a scholarship to a good college and become a vet.

I have been teaching for 23 years in Indiana. This year my 3rd grade class is known as the"international classroom".  I have students from India, Mexico, Columbia and one non speaking student from Jordan.  She speaks arabic.  On the first day of school her mother and father dropped her off at the classroom.  I explained to the class how difficult it must be for her to not be able to understand or speak our language.  I tried all day to comfort and help her, but felt like I had failed.  When putting her on the bus at the end of school there was a former student that I had a previous year that was from Russia.  I asked her if this little girl could sit with her and reminded the russian student how she felt when she first came to school.  The new girl motioned for me to come near and I thought she was going to whisper something in my ear...she then kissed me on the cheek and gave me a big hug.  Of course I was surprised and got tears in my eyes.  It always pays to go beyond what is expected.  The benefits are far more than money can buy.

When a student is really convinced that you truly do believe in them and their ability to succeed.. that is priceless.

Lynne O

One of my memorable moments involves a lesson on rocks.  We were discussing rocks.  I mentioned flint and one student asked if it was the stuff you find in the dryer.  It was quite amusing.