Pete Springer is an outstanding teacher who cares as much for his students as he does for education. He is retired, yet he still reaches out to ‘his kids’. This year with Covid-19, he felt a big loss for his former third grade students. Read just what he did!
Schools in our area shut down in March, and the students finished their school year online. The high school decided to postpone graduation with the hope that they would be able to hold a formal public graduation ceremony on July 31st. Sadly, health conditions have worsened in our area. I don’t know all the specifics, but today the school district is doing the responsible thing and holding a virtual graduation.
One of the little-known secrets about education is that many teachers get emotionally invested in their students’ lives. In other words, the kids become our students for life. The relationship doesn’t suddenly end when they leave our classrooms. It does not conclude for many of the students, either. Some occasionally drop by or reach out online to say hello. It’s always great to catch up and hear about the latest news in their lives.
Over the years, I’ve…
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A Teacher's Reflections 
Read this and left a message for Mr. Springer…Like I said there: Teachers are more precious than gold IMHO.
Many thanks, Laura!
Thank you, Laura. I read your letter, and I enjoyed it so much. I sincerely hope your former teacher gets a chance to read it. I’ve pretty much maxed out on the number of blogs that I can follow and respond to, but I’m making an exception in your case. Very glad to have met you.
Wow – I’m honored…also glad you enjoyed/were blessed by the letter.
Take care (I’m not a prolific poster, so I should be fairly low maintenence to ‘follow’
😎
you are so right about a teacher’s emotional investment, and Pete is certainly an amazing example over that –
Right back at you. Whenever I become a grandfather (my son need to get on that), 😎
I hope my grandchildren have a preschool teacher like you.
That is so kind of you to say
Yes, and yes! 😀
Another amazing teacher who has made a difference in the lives of his students. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Darlene. I taught many girls who would have fallen in love with your Amanda series. I’m sorry that I don’t get a chance to introduce those to them.
How kind of you to say, Pete.
Yes, indeed! Thanks, Darlene.
😊
Great reblog, Jennie. I was lucky to stay friends for life with three special teachers. One of them came to all three of my weddings, and even attended my Mum’s funeral not long before his own death. Another travelled all the way from Somerset to visit me in Norfolk when I moved here, and he was 80 years old.
They inspired me to lead a good and thoughtful life, and I owe them more than I can ever repay.
Best wishes, Pete.
Prospective teachers need to hear stories like that, Pete. One of my favorites to tell is about my former master teacher and principal. (I referred to her in the letter to my students.) She has re-entered my life at age eighty-two as one of the people in our writing critique group—one of the best people I have ever met.
Thank you so much for the reblog, Jennie. Not to bring attention to me, but teachers in general. It is a noble profession that carries with it a tremendous responsibility. Teaching is more than a job for many of us—it is an investment in the future. The least we can do is help those who will one day support us.
You are most welcome, Pete. We are so much alike. You don’t want to draw attention to yourself, but use your successes and moments as a great learning tool and affirmation of our noble profession. Yup, that’s me as well. That’s why we blog, to share our experiences and hopefully inspire teachers (and parents). I will sing to the high heavens about you and all you do. Thank you, my friend.
If we ever get out of all of the craziness of 2020, maybe we can start traveling again. My wife and I live right on the Pacific Ocean, so it’s not exactly a hop, skip, and jump to your neck of the woods. I would love to visit the Aqua Room one day to see you in action with the kids.
I know! Last weekend we put the top down on the car and drove the backroads of Vermont. It was our summer weekend away, soaking up what is right there. It was the best thing ever in this craziness. If you and your wife get to the east coast, let me know. I will be there!
Good teacher’s are a gift from God. Thank you.
Most definitely, Linda. In an era when teachers are continually asked to do more with less, they should be supported and appreciated.
Thank you for your kind words!