A former student visited Mr. TMAO, a seventh-grade teacher, to show him an essay he’d written about him for a sophomore English class. It’s a story of help and hard work.
On the first day of school Mr. [TMAO] gave us a reading test. I had really low scores, at the 4th grade level. I felt like retard. But Mr. [TMAO] encouraged me to do my best. Every day I would have to read at least two books from my grade level.
After a few months I had improved two grade levels. I felt really good about myself. I felt smarter, confident, and proud. When I went home I read books, too. My favorite book was House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros. It was really hard work because I had problems reading. But I wanted to learn badly enough to read at my house! I didn’t want to fail, and I wanted to show Mr. [TMAO] that I could do it.
When school ended I achieved my goal of reaching my reading level. I got a B in Mr. [TMAO's] class thanks to his help and my hard work.
I think this is why people become teachers.
Bravo.
A teacher who knows the difference between giving a student justified self-confidence…versus the modern cult of self so many experience.
awesome