A letter to a friend about making a difference

I wrote this note to a friend who was discouraged about the state of teaching.  I thought it was worth sharing here:

I can honestly say I know I’m making a difference every day I teach. Yes, even as a substitute. Sometimes I know it because I could see the lightbulb light up on top of their heads, sometimes the kids tell me, sometimes they write me, sometimes the teacher communicate that , and sometimes, the parent would come forward. Perhaps we don’t dwell on that in our communications as often as we should. With limited time, we tend to vent our frustrations. Because, the rewards outnumber the frustrations so much.

I believe everyone want the best outcome for the kids in the education system. However, we all have different ideas on how to go about it. And wherever or whatever industry we end up working, we will always encounter differences of opinion. Understand and be confident in your worth. If your gift is of genuine value, no one will be able to take it away from your students. If you focus on them, I don’t believe you can go wrong.