Sweet story, Justin. It’s funny how life sometimes circles around. I also start back teaching tomorrow (guitar and bass) after taking the summer off. My last year before retirement. 🤓
I couldn’t agree more, Mark. Sometimes the smallest moments leave the biggest impact (without our realizing it at the time!). Oh, that sounds like fun. Best wishes to you, Mark, as things get under way! 🎶
You did it again, Justin. You made me cry. I am either getting old and over-sentimental OR you managed to find the exact center of my teacher-heart and tweak it. We have three teachers in our family ( now retired) and all of us were dedicated teachers, like the two in your story. We were very aware how a teacher's word or action can encourage and lift a student and change his or her self perception forever. We also understood how one thoughtless or sarcastic word or action could crush their spirit in a lasting way. I miss teaching.
Aww, thank you, my friend. Either way, your reaction means a lot to me. I’ll argue and say it’s the teacher in you. Teaching is such a delicate art, and you’re so very right regarding everything you mentioned. These types of stories leave an immense impact on me as well.
The teaching world needs more Justin Demings. 💜 My son starts middle school tomorrow, so I'm anxious. He spent the last 6 years in the school where his dad works and all the teachers knew him since he was a baby. This year will be very different. Here's hoping he makes some solid connections.
Have a great first week!!! And thank you for the uplifting story. 🥂
Oh Justin. This one brought tears to my eyes. I remember our first day teaching together and how each day we tried so hard to find that one (or several) student who was silently crying out for help, or attention, or kindness. I have always admired the way you never waver from being kind, no matter how challenging the situation! Have a wonderful school year. Your students will be so lucky to have you for their teacher!
Thank you for this story. A teacher pointed the way for me to become a writer as she too wanted to become one. Years later, I read one of her articles in a newspaper I found while waiting at the airport. She made it! And so did I. Thank you, Sheila!
Teaching compassion by example. Well done, Justin, as always. Each student has their own needs and arrives in the classroom at their own level of competence. At one time, teachers were encouraged to determine this and tailor their approach accordingly, Unfortunately, in the name of efficiency and conformity, current public education is often a one-size-fits-all proposition. Your students are fortunate to have you as a teacher, Justin. Christmas break is just around the corner!
Thank you for always reading and taking the time to leave such thoughtful comments, K.C. You’re right, it often is. I’m lucky to teach in a relatively smaller district, so I think it allows us to catch kids before they stumble and fall through the cracks.
Small districts and small schools are a good thing for the students and teachers. One district in my city has reduced the numbers of school buildings from 60+ to 47 through consolidation. I understand that bigger schools are more efficient to maintain, but what about the student experience? I know you do your best for your students. You have a good heart, Justin.
Small districts and small schools are a good thing for the students and teachers. One district in my city has reduced the numbers of school buildings from 60+ to 47 through consolidation. I understand that bigger schools are more efficient to maintain, but what about the student experience? I know you do your best for your students. You have a good heart, Justin.
Small districts and small schools are a good thing for the students and teachers. One district in my city has reduced the numbers of school buildings from 60+ to 47 through consolidation. I understand that bigger schools are more efficient to maintain, but what about the student experience? I know you do your best for your students. You have a good heart, Justin.
Great story, Justin! We all know and remember what first day of school was like. In Texas, we always went back after Labor Day, but that's no longer the case. Now the6 rob kids of their end of summer, making them go back mid August…some have to go year-round!!
Sweet story, Justin. It’s funny how life sometimes circles around. I also start back teaching tomorrow (guitar and bass) after taking the summer off. My last year before retirement. 🤓
I couldn’t agree more, Mark. Sometimes the smallest moments leave the biggest impact (without our realizing it at the time!). Oh, that sounds like fun. Best wishes to you, Mark, as things get under way! 🎶
You did it again, Justin. You made me cry. I am either getting old and over-sentimental OR you managed to find the exact center of my teacher-heart and tweak it. We have three teachers in our family ( now retired) and all of us were dedicated teachers, like the two in your story. We were very aware how a teacher's word or action can encourage and lift a student and change his or her self perception forever. We also understood how one thoughtless or sarcastic word or action could crush their spirit in a lasting way. I miss teaching.
Aww, thank you, my friend. Either way, your reaction means a lot to me. I’ll argue and say it’s the teacher in you. Teaching is such a delicate art, and you’re so very right regarding everything you mentioned. These types of stories leave an immense impact on me as well.
What a touching story.You are a teacher with a big heart like Mr Morrisey.It's amazing what small acts of kindness can do for someone ❤️ Love ya son.
Thanks for reading, Mom. You are someone who knows all about small acts of kindness…you live it daily. Love ya! 💜
Thanks for the mention, Justin! If I’m the Queen of 100 word stories, you and Miguel are easily the Kings of Micro fiction!
Not a problem at all, Erica. And ha—I appreciate the sentiment! 😄
Wishing you a great school year!
Thank you, Marc! Hoping it starts smoothly! 🤞
I think we need positive messages now. Messages of hope.
We really do need them in these ever-darkening times. Thank you for reading, Andrew!
The teaching world needs more Justin Demings. 💜 My son starts middle school tomorrow, so I'm anxious. He spent the last 6 years in the school where his dad works and all the teachers knew him since he was a baby. This year will be very different. Here's hoping he makes some solid connections.
Have a great first week!!! And thank you for the uplifting story. 🥂
Thank you, Meg! That’s very kind of you to say. I have faith that your son will make some solid connections!
Oh Justin. This one brought tears to my eyes. I remember our first day teaching together and how each day we tried so hard to find that one (or several) student who was silently crying out for help, or attention, or kindness. I have always admired the way you never waver from being kind, no matter how challenging the situation! Have a wonderful school year. Your students will be so lucky to have you for their teacher!
Thank you so much, Andrea. It doesn’t come as easy to me these days, but I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do! 💜
Super, Justin! I feel much better now.
Happy to hear it, James! 😄 Thank you for reading.
Thank you for this story. A teacher pointed the way for me to become a writer as she too wanted to become one. Years later, I read one of her articles in a newspaper I found while waiting at the airport. She made it! And so did I. Thank you, Sheila!
What a wonderful story, Sue! It brought a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing, and thanks for reading mine, too! 😊
Teaching compassion by example. Well done, Justin, as always. Each student has their own needs and arrives in the classroom at their own level of competence. At one time, teachers were encouraged to determine this and tailor their approach accordingly, Unfortunately, in the name of efficiency and conformity, current public education is often a one-size-fits-all proposition. Your students are fortunate to have you as a teacher, Justin. Christmas break is just around the corner!
Thank you for always reading and taking the time to leave such thoughtful comments, K.C. You’re right, it often is. I’m lucky to teach in a relatively smaller district, so I think it allows us to catch kids before they stumble and fall through the cracks.
Small districts and small schools are a good thing for the students and teachers. One district in my city has reduced the numbers of school buildings from 60+ to 47 through consolidation. I understand that bigger schools are more efficient to maintain, but what about the student experience? I know you do your best for your students. You have a good heart, Justin.
Small districts and small schools are a good thing for the students and teachers. One district in my city has reduced the numbers of school buildings from 60+ to 47 through consolidation. I understand that bigger schools are more efficient to maintain, but what about the student experience? I know you do your best for your students. You have a good heart, Justin.
Small districts and small schools are a good thing for the students and teachers. One district in my city has reduced the numbers of school buildings from 60+ to 47 through consolidation. I understand that bigger schools are more efficient to maintain, but what about the student experience? I know you do your best for your students. You have a good heart, Justin.
Great story, Justin! We all know and remember what first day of school was like. In Texas, we always went back after Labor Day, but that's no longer the case. Now the6 rob kids of their end of summer, making them go back mid August…some have to go year-round!!
What a bummer. Mid August…it must be scorching hot down in Texas! Thank you very much for reading, Kim!
Yes! That's why we are currently in Colorado!
Thank you so much for the mention Justin 🫶 I loved the story
You’re so welcome. And thank you! 🙏
Love the story! Writing a story very short is my weakness, you did a great job of it! I hope all goes well with your new semester.
Thank you very much for reading and for the warm wishes!
Great story!
I had to read the first line a couple of times.🤭
I forwarded your story on to a young friend who is in his final year of university. He’s going to teach math!
Oh, that’s wonderful! Thanks so much for sending it to him. I hope he enjoys it. And thank you, 3M, for reading!
Love this story … and love what it says about your good heart!
Great prompt. See you by the campfire.
Thank you so much for reading, Barrie. See you there! 😀