Megan’s Note

Yesterday was not the best day, although it had its good moments. Working as a substitute teacher can be a very difficult job. It’s actually called an occasional teacher not a sub, probably because you occasionally teach. The rest of the time you are busy staying alive on your feet trying to stay one step ahead of the mob.

For some reason, there is often one kid or two who wants to get up on the stage that is the classroom and put on a play. Yesterday, I had to get out the hook for a couple of them and send them to the office. I will not tolerate somebody not showing me any respect.

After a day like this one, I often drive home wondering why I continue doing this job. Sometimes the answer is pretty obvious. At this moment in time, it’s the only way I can make some money. I keep trying for new positions outside of teaching, but I have come up empty so far.

This morning I arrived at a different school to teach a grade 7/8 split class. When they get to this age, the potential for an “interesting” experience is heightened. I thought positive thoughts all the way in on the drive.

One of the things I do as a teacher is play my guitar. If the students are good, I haul out my binder full of songs and play something. The kids today earned a tune, so I opened the pages. A little note fell out. Here is what it said (grammar mistake included):
Your the best teacher ever and I’m not just saying that! – Megan

That short little note struck my heart like a lightning bolt. It couldn’t have arrived at a better time. It told me that I had made a difference in one person’s life.

Then I started thinking. This short message meant a lot to me. What if more people were like Megan and passed on secret messages of encouragement that popped out only when they were discovered?

OK, you are reading my blog. How about sending a short note of encouragement to somebody today? You will never know the effect it will have on the person. I’m sure Megan didn’t know how much her words would affect me.