As I sit in front of the classroom waiting for the students to finish their language evaluations, I reflect on what has been. This group of kids are about to graduate, for what I have been told they’ve been in this institution for over 12 years. Once they finish their junior high, they will continue with their formal education at a different institution.
One of the professors told me about his teaching experience with this group of students, and how much he has worked with them to help them improve their language level. Here I have to add that this institution provides 5 hours per week of English as a second language (ESL).
At the end of the school year, students are evaluated on their language competence, their linguistic skills, listening, reading, use of English, speaking and writing are put to the test. Depending on the level of the learner a diploma or certification is granted to them, well, earned by them. Every year, this teaches me that everything is learnable.
So, as I was saying, the professor was sharing with me how much he has learned from his students & how much he has seen them grow. He even mentioned that a bitter-sweet feeling is creeping up on him because he is about to let them go.
There are few ideas I’d like to share here:
- If you’re a teacher, you deserve wow! Your countless lesson planning hours have paid off. Your students will graduate, they’ve finished their training.
- If you’re a parent, you deserve wow! Your untold working hours and sometimes over time or side jobs have paid off. Your kid has finished his/her school training.
- If you’re a student, you deserve wow! Your numerous class hours, assignments, class work activities and so on have paid off, you’re about to finish your education.
Teacher, you did it! Once again, you came through. The skills your students have acquired throughout the school year are for life. All my recognition to you. As we say in Spanish, “Me quito el sombrero.”