Achievement and Appreciation

Photo courtesy of http://www.rostance.co.uk/marketing.html

As another school year comes to a close, it can  be a very reflective time for teachers as they look back on the achievements and successes that they have experienced over the past ten months.  Even the smaller day-to-day wins can certainly add up in regards to the value and the impact that we bring to student learning. 

On the tougher days in teaching, when we seem overloaded with the demands of  the job or when we hit roadblocks,  we always manage to somehow breakthrough to achieve success and to make a difference. We might not realize it in the moment,  but our efforts do matter.

As rewarding as  it can be to look back on our successes and our achievements  throughout the year, it is equally important to  have genuine appreciation  for  what our profession can offer us. 

An appreciation for the  kindness and love that our students show toward us. 

An appreciation for the mentors and  the leaders who guide us. 

An appreciation for  those who give us their time and energy by listening to our complaints  when things are not going our way. 

An appreciation for  continued opportunities to learn.  

An appreciation  for each day bringing us new possibilities. 

When  finding that special balance between  achievement and  appreciation,  we  will not forget the true value  that  we  bring to this profession but also the value that this profession also brings to us.