6 years down, 28 to go!

Next Wednesday I will complete my sixth year of PAID teaching in the St Paul Public Schools.  What a journey it has been! I started my career in one of the most difficult special ed settings that you can have: Level 4, LD/EBD, 7-8th grade.  Teaching any of these things by themself is difficult, but put them all together and you get one extremely hard job for a brand new teacher.  I started with just 15 students, but the personal issues that came with each of the kids I had made me age SEVERLY in my first year alone.  I even got a few gray hairs at the age of just 22!! After that first year I started grad school in the area of Gifted Education...I knew I couldn't teach special ed forever.  My second year got better (with the exception of a horrible administrator) and my relationship with my students became even closer.  I had the same kids ALL DAY...we became almost a family. 

One student that I had for both years, as a 7th and then an 8th grader, was a girl named Kiarra.  She was a very sweet girl who always did what she could to please me.  And I did everything I could to see her achieve. I became pretty close to her family and have kept in contact with her after all these years. She called me last week and invited me to join her family at her graduation ceremony, since I was instrumental in her path to getting there.  I told her I would be honored to attend with her family. I am so proud of her accomplishments and I am glad that we have become friends as she has matured and become an adult. Here are a couple of pictures of us last night after her graduation.

So as I reflect on this year and look toward the future, I only hope that I can continue to make a difference in the lives of the students I teach for many years to come.  They are the reason I do what I do.  (It certainly isn't for the $$!)

Comments

[Alexandra Wieckowski]

What a fantastic story Kristi! You are a wonderful teacher! Gorgeous photo of you two :)

[Jen]

What a wonderful honor to be invited to such a special day in this young woman's life. You must be an amazing teacher : )

[Lindsay]

Hi Kristi!!!
Congrats!
Prepare to see me here all the time now!!! Thanks for finding me!

[Becky]

Its amazing how much you've already touched a student in your short time teaching, just imagine how many you'll help through the years :) Wow that was kinda sappy, but true!