Let me cry here. Let me cry now. All you teachers will understand.

[riff]

This morning I lose 4 students. Tomorrow I lose 5.

I have spent 2 years of my life with them.....

Some I will never see again. I did my best! I gave them ALL that I had to give. Last year I cried when I sent them off. I don't want to cry again like that because they all looked at me like I was crazy.

Even the ones I hated, I loved.

What will I say to them? I will ask them to forevermore call me by my first name. I will ask them to keep in touch with me. I will tell them all that each of them is special and has a unique gift to share with the rest of us, in some way and in some fashion, and maybe even in a way that they will never know.

I don't have any children. SHIT! Why can't I be one of those asshole teachers that doesn't care? And my students- they don't even realize how fucking special the moment is because I am a loser. I am one of them. How can I welcome my students to "Themness"?

Stupid little motherfuckers! I will miss their sorry asses! Next year, I will be more of a bastard than I am now......

<crying in my coffee>

 

[lovetoread]

This is the sweetest thread that I have seen from you.

Take heart,next year will have better students to torture.

 

[kiwiwolf]

Buddy I have 4 kids... I hope and pray that somewhere down the track they have the benefit of a teacher like you.

My hat is off to you riff. Your caring really shines through here. You might be sad now but remember that soon you will have a new batch of kids to work your magic on.

 

[freescorfr]

Hey, riff. They'll not forget you. I assure you they won't. Someone like you, I know, they will never forget.

Last month I got in touch with people I taught in 1972 - and each has invited me to call in on them.

I even posted a thank you message to one of my teachers on the UK Friends Reunited web site and I believe that within an hour someone had told him that I had sung his praises there.

The kids you remember in years to come will all remember you - it works that way. What is also true, and embarrassing, is that some will remember you whom you have forgetten.

But, Riff, you know all this. You're pretty ancient at 39.


Flights can be had at $600 from Houston to UK or Paris. - that's just at first glance. I bet there are some much cheaper.

 

[La Principessa]

ooooh riff! (said in my best Laura Petrie voice)

you give so much of yourself to your students. you care about them and their education, that's what makes you a good teacher and what makes you YOU. Don't worry about crying in front of them.....they will understand, if not now then later.

Kudos to you riff.....you are one of the best things in the world.
A caring and dedicated teacher.....we need more of you!

 

[LadyDarkFire]

Why can't I be one of those asshole teachers that doesn't care? And my students- they don't even realize how fucking special the moment is because I am a loser. I am one of them. How can I welcome my students to "Themness"?

riff- Speaking as one who's teachers were amazing, and really helped me know what I wanted to do, you don't forget. Students may not seem to care, but they do, later down the road, you learn just how valuable a great teacher was. Judging from what you're saying, you're one of those teachers. Thanks for the good work, from a student who forgot to say it to the teachers who helped her.

 

[lilminx]

Awww, Riff....that's so sweet....


I usually am in tears by the end of the year also. Sure, they're only in first grade, but many of them won't return to the school I work in, and the rest will go on to the second grade classroom next door, where there is no discipline or structure. I don't want to see what some of the kids this year will be like next year with those teachers- it scares me.

 

[Petite]

The world needs more teachers like you. My daughter is going for teaching and with her heart I can see us talking like this in a few years. If it hasn't been said to you, as a parent we do appreciate teachers like you !

 

[juicylips]

riff,

You are truly one of a kind, my friend.
JL

 

[Cheyenne]

I've always wondered how foster parents do it. Take in kids and care for them. Get to know them, have them in their home for sometimes a very long time, and then have to give them up. I always wondered how they could go through having their hearts ripped out when the kids had to leave.

It never occured to me that teachers might feel the same way. Until today.

Thank you, riff.

 

[Debbie]

To riff and all the caring teachers who give of themselves everyday. Please don't stop.
I loved school and learning because of the teachers I had.
Now I have a 13 yr old and an 8 yr old who blossom and have enthusiasism for school and learning because they have been lucky enough to have teachers who love teaching. Who encourage and challenge their kids to do their best.
Your job is so important. You are teaching our future.

You guys lead by example and are truly great.

 

[riff]

I am watching them now.....

They are building an internetwork from scratch. One of them just said "Routers suck..." But look at them! They are working together to make it work.

They sound like professionals collaborating and solving problems.

I am incredibly proud of them!

 

[sch00lteacher]

It won't be long before a new batch walks in. You'll make it. We all do.

Nothing wrong with the way you feel. It is pretty much the same for all of us. Of course the kids will forget to say goodbye once that final bell rings. Maybe one or two will run up and say so long. But most of them will be out that door so fast...

2002-2003 isn't that far off.

 

[riff]

They fucking did it! WHOOOHOOOO! I just passed my first final! HELL YES.

~does slamming pelvic thrusts!~

Yeah baby! Yeah! Goddamn written exam is gonna hurt some of them though.

 

[sunstruck]

I know EXACTLY what you mean. In a couple of weeks 3 of the kids from my group are graduating. They've been with me for 4 years now and they'll be leaving for college in the fall. It kills me. Breaks my heart and fills me with pride because I know I've had at least a tiny effect on how they've turned out. And of course fear, because I know what they're headed for, tinged with nostalgia and the istsy bitsyest smidge of jealousy.
But then I have the other 6 kids to focus on, and there'll be new ones next year.
I'll be crying in my chai later.

 

[Debbie]

They fucking did it! WHOOOHOOOO! I just passed my first final! HELL YES.

~does slamming pelvic thrusts!~

Yeah baby! Yeah! Goddamn written exam is gonna hurt some of them though.

Never give up, riff. You and so many teachers make a difference.

 

[SugerWhite]

I wish my teachers were like you, riff. They couldn't care less if I could skell words correctly.

 

[Private Vasquez]

I wanna be in HIS class....no fair!

 

[Starfish]

I love you riff.

 

[wizbit9]

you've helped them spread their wings to fly

the time you have had with them will never be forgotton.

Kids always remember a good teacher

i bet you can still remember yours

it is nice to hear the dedication in your post

i hope when i graduate next year to become a teacher i continue to have your dedication

chin up

 

[freescorfr]

wiz, I get the feeling you'll be good! Lit should be a training ground for all teachers.
Just keep your sights high and Riff as your model.

 

[Problem Child]

Edited because I weirded myself out.

 

[wizbit9]

Thank you, its comments like that that keep the drive going

much appreciated

riff hope you have a better time of it next week. There are still loads of other little ones who are leaning on you for support keep them smiling eh

 

[sabbathstorm]

*sigh* I was I had a great networking instructor like you

 

[MissTaken]

In another month our class "graduates", bringing in new kids....saying good bye to our kids from this year.

It is always bitter sweet. I wonder if their next teacher, school, counselor, social worker will see all the goodness I see in these families.

I hope they do.

Goodbyes are beginnings....

in so many ways.

Take care riff!