Words cannot adequately express my appreciation for the front-page piece you ran on Dec. 17 concerning the dedication of teachers and how much “the little things,” such as a note from a student, means to them.
Although I’ve never been a classroom teacher, my daughter, who’s the product of the Schenectady school system, taught middle school for 15 years, most of those in the Boston public schools. The quotes from the teacher you interviewed could have come directly from my own daughter, whose students did not come from families who could purchase Christmas gifts for her. Instead, they wrote notes or drew pictures.
Some of my daughter’s students, who’d never thought they could pursue higher education, went on to college, thanks to the encouragement that she and her fellow teachers gave to them.
Some of those graduated from college and are now successful in their careers. They keep in touch with my daughter and her fellow teachers.
I recall when my daughter was 4 years old and would set up her Cabbage Patch kids, classroom style, in her bedroom and would “teach” them. She’d often force her younger brother (also a graduate of Schenectady schools) to sit in her “classroom” as well. Little did I know that one day she’d earn three master’s degrees, stand in front of a classroom and inspire children to learn.
Although my daughter’s not teaching now (She’s home with small children.), she’ll always be a teacher. Thank you again, Daily Gazette, for recognizing the special people who teach the children who are our future.
Wanda Fisher
Schenectady
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Categories: Letters to the Editor, Opinion
