teacher recognition

one of my 2-period students is a transfer student from another school district where he got kicked out of for possession... his mom is a teacher at my school, one who all the students love and speak highly of. i was a bit worried when she first called me to ask about his progress because it seemed like she would be constantly checking up on me! i guess maybe i thought she might turn around and criticize me for his poor grades.

however, i am glad she is so involved in his academic progress because she made him be more accountable for his time to her, and ever since he has been doing more work and turning more assignments in. he's been getting my signature on his daily agenda every time he finishes his work, and he raised his grade considerably. it really is a testament to how students who have a supportive home environment can do much better than when they are left to their own devices.

about a week ago i stopped seeing this student in my class, and i found out why on tuesday when i met his mom for the first time in person when i was picking up my mail in the staff lounge. she introduced herself to me and shook my hand, and she told me that her son was in the hospital being treated for the problem that we had discussed over the phone. she then told me she was so grateful for all the accomodations and extra help i was giving her son. she thanked me for being the type of teacher that cared, and told me that he always had good things to say about me. it was weird hearing that from another teacher, but i really appreciated hearing it from her - especially since i had only heard good things about her too!

most of the time i am in my own bubble in my classroom. i don't see many other teachers, usually i just see the ones that work in my hallway. although my students like me enough, i don't normally get feedback from a colleague. compliments such as the one she just gave me don't come very often, but they can be reassuring in a time like this - when i am looking at the school system in despair (budget cuts, program changes, and so much more are depressing! but that's another topic for another post).

i guess i'm just saying it's nice to have heard something encouraging and positive about my job...