Friday, January 3, 2014

The gift ... Submitted by a NBPS teacher


16 comments:

Anonymous said...

The reason why I teach.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful gift!

Anonymous said...

ditto....

Anonymous said...

These are the gifts that teachers keep forever ... They are from the heart and motivate them to continue pursuing the best for their students every day ... Thanks for the inspirational words - a teacher

Anonymous said...

The reason why we do what we do everyday!

Anonymous said...

Congrats and you are right. I keep every single one and basically right in in NBPS this the reason I keep hanging on. You and 99.9 per cent of us are doing the right thing. Thanks for sharing and let's all hold our heads high!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats and you are right. I keep every single one and basically right in in NBPS this the reason I keep hanging on. You and 99.9 per cent of us are doing the right thing. Thanks for sharing and let's all hold our heads high!!

Anonymous said...

THIS should be the S-T's above-the-fold story. Better yet, the NBEA should buy a full page in that rag and publish this letter larger than life. What a powerful gift this child gave to all of us.
We can, and DO, reach our kids. We can, and DO, make a difference. How can we ever consider swallowing the poisonous idea that we aren't effective (or RIGOROUS), when the kids themselves tell them we matter in their lives?
I needed this little boost--thank you for sharing it!

Anonymous said...

Many of these beautiful sentiments fill our desks and hearts...indeed, we DO make a difference. And for those students we do not seem to reach...know that years later, wherever they are....how we made them feel lives on. I am proud to be among the best and brightest teachers in our nation. God bless us all in this new year. And to the teacher who received this beautiful note...YOU are why WE stand together to make tomorrow better. Thank you for all you do.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful and heartfelt gift!
This means more to a teacher, especially during these trying times, than you could ever know. From the mouths of babes!!!

Anonymous said...

frame this and look at it when you are discouraged, it will give you hope

Anonymous said...

The child who wrote this has a great teacher--but he or she isn't alone! There are more than a few amazing teachers in New Bedford. Sadly, we are painted with a large brush and told we aren't working hard enough--but if you step into the classrooms, you'll find professionals who are completely dedicated to helping New Bedford children, every day, against huge odds.
Don't believe me? Then come visit a school and FIND OUT.
The solution is not to fire entire faculty (as just happened before Christmas at NBHS). The solution begins when every parent, community member, and school staff member unite; with the common goal of making OUR kids successful. The blame game is old and counter-productive!

Anonymous said...

Completely agree with above post. This is a second career for me and I have taught in a few different school districts. I am here to tell you that NBPS Teachers are the hardest working, most professional, dedicated Teachers I have had the pleasure of working with. The community as a whole does not know what is happening in our schools. WE are not the enemy. WE are the ones who have the best interests of ALL students in mind. Not sure how the powers to be in this city sleep at night. Teachers should be applauded and thanked for all they do. Not patting myself on the back. I can walk away. I get one retirement already. My hats off to those that have taught year after year hear and have remained with all of the chaos that has been going on. You inspire me to keep on keeping on. Parents....you should know that we need your support. I, like most Teachers have received letters like the one posted here. Not bragging, just the facts. You can take all the data, rigor, and on and on and until you make a CONNECTION with a student, what have you done? I am proud of my fellow Teachers and this blame game has to stop. I am here to help in any way possible to save the jobs of NBHS Teachers. I am at the middle school level but have taught at NBHS before. The mayor, Superintendent and school committee have missed the boat. How about starting downtown and cutting the fat there? Teachers are not the problem...WE are the solution! Hang tough folks.

JM said...

To the poster who suggested that we print this in the Standard-Times as a half-page ad: I suggested we teachers start a fund in each building, people could donate $5, $10 whatever, and it would take just a couple of hundred teachers to raise the money needed for a $1,000 ad. One person in each building--I suggest the building rep--could be in charge of the money and turn it in to the NBEA at the end of the month or whatever date we set. Just a thought!

Anonymous said...

I am against giving the newspaper our money? Lou is right, we shouldn't support any organization that doesn't support us.

Christine Adams said...

Last spring I had a former student who came to visit after graduating 2 years ago. He lived with grandparents in an elderly housing complex. He struggled with many issues throughout his high school career. He gave me a big hug and thanked me for what I did for him. He has his own apartment and attends BCC. This student received support, acceptance, opportunities provided by counselors and the student support center at New Bedford High School. What an incredible gift this young man gave to me. God Bless him on his journey and I feel blessed to have been part of it!