Gratitude

Written By: Hans Appel

A few years ago, I remember having a conversation with a friend who shared that he would NEVER leave education because of the students.  We all have those students who push us to our core. They test our patience. They require us to learn new skills and strategies. They’re...just...not...easy.  In fact, some days we’re not sure we’re making a difference at all. But, no matter how challenging a student might be, the successes and overall mission always inspire us to keep moving forward.  We remember the students who come back and share incredible stories of success. We hold dear letters, e-mails, and conversations of how we made a difference in some young person’s life. Years ago, my former assistant principal encouraged me to create a file folder of these memories.  Keeping a running record of gratitude and joy kept me grounded in the bigger mission. Educators all over the globe have some version of this well documented reminder of what this profession is all about. On those, less than stellar days, I can look back and recall how I impacted someone.

Check out this heartwarming video from Sumner School District and John Norlin on “The Heart of Teaching.” Good luck not getting choked up!

Go Ahead...I’ll wait.

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