Awesome Day at St. Amant

I often tell my wife (it is her first year teaching) that in teaching you remember and hold on dearly to the good days because they are few and far between.  I have been on a winning streak lately!  Yes, the reforms in education are cumbersome and, no, I do not think many of them are in the best interest of the students (on top of that, teachers have difficulty keeping up with poorly planned reforms that are tough to maintain).

We are preparing for a talent show, tomorrow at school and I have some amazing students working very hard to help it be a success.  Also, for the first time, I have teacher participants... even if they are doing spoofs, I think a Dr. Seuss poetry slam will be hilarious!

At the same time that this is beginning, I find out the prom king and queen are both from choir.  Being in choir I am sure, in no way, helped them, but I am proud of them nevertheless.  Also, we are preparing for a solo and small ensemble assessment (previous called festival, but we have to be more politically correct now).

I had students stay after school for hours to practice and the last singer really moved me.  This girl had been in my Beginning Choir for three semesters and I asked her to move to Advanced Choir this semester.  She was chosen for the Select Ensemble and music may be a viable ticket for her into college next year.  She began singing her solo (I don't work solos during school, only after school) and I was amazed that she learned it ALL on her own.

I have singers who are smart and musical and exert very little effort, but it was especially moving to hear this student sing.  Teaching is a great profession that gives teachers the privilege of watching students grow and succeed.  I hope all of my teachers know what an amazing impact on my life they had.  Teachers impart so much more than just knowledge, they teach life skills, expectations, drive, enthusiasm, and more.

Here's hoping form many more days like today at school  Thanks to all of the students who work so hard to achieve the ever increasing expectations.  I am proud of all of you.