The last day of school we had our annual talent show, and some of the acts were pretty good. It made me think again about how there are so many important things that kids can learn at school – about themselves and each other – that don’t come from books. One of my favorite moments came when the kindergarteners sang “My Girl” by the Temptations to 3 teachers who retired this year. The teachers sat in chairs set up directly in front of the kindergarteners, and the kids each handed them flowers, one at a time, until the teachers all had bouquets to hold. It was a great moment.
When they came back to sit in the audience, I told one of the retiring teachers – a woman I’ve worked with for over 20 years, and who worked with two of my own kids – that the performance was so moving it nearly choked me up. Five or six people who overheard my comment burst out laughing. It was OK; I knew it was funny.
This video of Mark Knopfler singing Romeo and Juliet had a similar effect on me.
(h/t TBogg)
3 Comments
Good Morning,
I just learned my two daughters kinder teacher, who moved schools a few years back from mine to the plushier Beach setting one, has put in to retire. She made a lot of difference in their lives. Somehow reading and listening I thought of that this AM.
Speaking of being choked up, I just went to an awards thing where a daughter , my second, got awarded valedictorian, but I think the thing choking me up, because I was crying, was knowing that both my kids had good teachers and really great experiences. You can’t ask for more than that, but it’s really hard to thank people for it. Her math teacher taking the time to tell me how much he appreciates my kid for asking everyday how he’s doing.
Such a nice generation of teachers is going out of the profession, makes me feel humbled.
Oh that song is presently kllling me.
It’s a wonderful song.
Congratulations, Sarah, on your daughter’s accomplishment. Those things don’t happen by accident. You’re right; it takes a group effort, and a special kid, to make that happen.
I feel lucky to have worked with many, many of the teachers I’ve known over the years – mostly retired now. I am humbled, as well.
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[...] When they came back to sit in the audience, I told one of the retiring teachers – a woman I’ve worked with for over 20 years, and who worked with two of my own kids – that the performance was so moving it nearly choked me up. Five or six people who overheard my comment burst out laughing. It was OK; I knew it was funny. Borderland [...]
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