38 More Days, But Who’s Counting

Posted by Marsha on April 13, 2010

Fourth quarter was always my favorite time of year.  Testing pressures of the fall and winter melt away with the warmth of spring and the freedom to teach slowly returns from hibernation.  It was in the fourth quarter that could see the kind of growth in my students that matters most to me. You know, the kind that isn’t measured by test scores, but nevertheless, shows the awesomeness of every accomplishment- big and small, personal and academic.  It is so rewarding to look back and marvel at the heights they’ve climbed.

I wish Tallahassee and other legislative brain drains would realize there are actually 180 days in one school year and that basing a student’s success on the performance of one day short changes to accomplishments of an entire year.

Yea, yea, who cares… teachers cry this crap all the time.  But you know what?   Fourth quarter proves it.  Fourth quarter drives it home.  It is in the fourth quarter that we high five our selves because we see that success can’t sit on the lap of a few select days.  Our success is so large, it needs 180 days to tell the story, measure the progress, and celebrate the accomplishments.

So as we look forward to the school year ending, we look to the fourth quarter for our silent recognition.  We look at our students, see the rewards of the past 180 days, and feel the pride of a job well done.  Exhausted, grateful for the break, but oh so proud.

Hats off to all teachers out there!  Here’s to your fourth quarter.  YOU are the best!

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