Tell me what you really think.
I'll do it for you. Administration typically sucks. (Ok, not so dirty. You're not gonna wash my mouth out with soap, are you?)
I have not seen this around but, even though an Urban Legend the lesson behind the story is powerful.
My children have been very fortunate to have had some teachers who teach children and not just the curriculum.
I think it is a big reason that they both are in accelerated programs. Along with their own intelligence they have had good teachers who have encouraged them and helped them succeed.
Sobbing here Mamacita...it is so powerful indeed..Bless you for being a teacher who cares!!!
My pastor used this in a sermon a few weeks ago.
It certainly sounds like the kids who are in your class are truly fortunate indeed 
Yea, i had heard it before and had beleive it...True or not, it is very powerful. I know when I wea going to the Farmy Elementary School I went to, if just one teacher had reached out to me...all the signs were there that I needed help.
I turned out OK, but you never know what could have been different. I might have not had to deal with the self-esteem issues I faced for YEARS.
See, this is why you are awesome. YOu said at Michele's today that you are not awesome in any way - but I disagree.
It was awesome of you to share that with us. In every urban legend there is at least a germ of truth. And I didn't notice a single typo, but then my vision got pretty blurry there for a while.
Crying and swearing here. And it was nice to have a reminder to see all the people around us with this thought...There is such potential in most people. Look for it.
I have gotten this email before. I know it's an urban legend, but I keep it because it is still so true for many reasons. I don't teach any more, but I think it is a valuable lesson to all of us as human beings, not just teachers.
My offer is still out there for you to come be my kids' teacher. Those whose lives you touch have no idea how blessed they are!
I'd never heard that urban legend before, or seen the email.
WHat a pwerful story. I am glad my children have always had teachers that have been happy to teach them. As children.
You are a marvellous teacher and a wondeful person
*sniff*
It's people like you who make a difference DESPITE the administration.
*sniff* My oldest had a second grade teacher who told us that by the end of the school year, our kids would be 'broken' of all of their bad habits. What she did, was break their spirits. My daughter struggled after that, getting good grades, but very unhappy, very umotivated. Last year, she had a teacher who encouraged her to be who she is, a free spirit. And my daughter loved school, and made the honor roll all year. Sometimes teachers lose sight of the fact that they are teaching young people. Your post was wonderful, and made me tear up. Thank you for writing it, and reminding us all...
So true! Thanks for posting this!
On second thought, I have a question regarding teaching math, English etc. versus teaching children... Can't it be both? 
I kind of want my kids to know math and English...
Of course, from my children's experience so far, most of the time, it was neither. And a lot of time, the teacher that is teaching the children, also just happens to be very good at teaching the subject.
I started to say, "If there isn't a Mrs. Thompson, there ought to be." Then it came to me that surely there are lots of them -- like you, for instance.
I'm not sure if I've shared this yet, but I've switched my major to "undecided."
There was a time when the idea of teaching children thrilled me. The reality, unfortunately, is that teachers don't teach children anymore. They babysit and they drill, but they don't reach. If the day ever comes when No Child is really left behind, maybe then I can consider the classroom.
Bless you for what you do, Mamacita.
I'm sitting here crying at my desk, Mamacita. Thanks for sharing this story; true or not, it speaks to a fundamental truth: attention and encouragement from one adult can change a child's life.
Lo these many years ago, my first grade teacher, Mrs. Ball, recognized that I was terribly bored in class, as I was reading well above grade level. She made a separate lesson plan just for me; it kept me interested, and as a result I loved school. That was 39 years ago, and I still remember the difference she made in my life.
Wow - I had never read that and it blew me away. It's a lesson all people, regardless of occupation or parental status, should hear. The most important gift we can give any other human being is to believe in them.
I really needed to be reminded of that, myself.
Thanks
My aunt has sent it to me at least 100 times like she does every urban legend, especially those that support her political bent. Still, I like the story and the message behind it. We are really trying to make all kids fit into the same "holes" these days,and it isn't going to work. Can't we ever learn from the past in education?
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