On Friday, we celebrated “Teacher’s Day” in Honduras. It was pretty special that the first “Teacher’s Day” that I have experienced in my life is as a teacher. It is a holiday that we must adopt in the states and the fact that we don’t have it is a reflection of a larger issue: the teaching profession is neither respected nor compensated sufficiently in the states.
But enough about the states. You want to hear about Honduras. I ended up getting a few cards from some kids on Teacher’s Day and it really made my week. It’s amazing how when you are having a crappy week something so small can really lift the spirits. I teach middle school and while they may like you as a teacher and think you’re pretty cool, they would never tell you. They don’t idolize you, smile, and give you hugs in the same way that the elementary kids do.
I didn’t get anything from my own middle school students for “Teacher’s Day” but I did get a card from Johny, a 5th grader who is one of my favorites. Johny has a lot of energy and likes to learn. He is very active, loves speaking English and is intense. I taught him science in our 2 wk summer academy and one of my favorite parts of teaching of my day was watching the wheels turn in Johnny’s head when he thinks. He thinks really hard. Johnny is pretty popular with the teachers and plays soccer with all of us every Friday afternoon. He also makes some pretty sweet cards…
I also received a nice note from 5th grader, “Naomi”. She is a little fashionista who is a stellar student and loves science. I taught her as well in summer academy. She gives me cards on a semi-weekly basis. She might have a little crush and with every note that she delivers she becomes more emboldened. This was the most recent card that she gave me:
Happy teachers day Mr Greene,
I know it’s a speacial day today for you. You are a great scientcist. You are
very popular because your hair, how you walk and other beutiful reasons.
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY
Your admirer
Naomi
The part that confuses me is the bit about my walk. The only thing that I can imagine she would be referring to my awkward swagger that I have adopted because I am so sweaty due to wearing pants in 95 degree weather. I never want my legs touching one another.
