Dear Jodi, (sorry it's so long but I have much to say!)
I figure we have around 40 teachers during K-12. Maybe 10 at most are standouts, and of those, a sliver are teachers who make a lifetime impact. You're in that special category. Not only were you a stellar academic educator with high standards who wove creativity into all your lessons -- you taught about following rules, including the Golden Rule. You taught students to believe in themselves, and your own confidence modeled self-assurance in that tender time of personal growth between second and third grades.
My Sarah was in your class your first year as a teacher. I knew immediately after meeting you at curriculum night that we hit the classroom jackpot. Sarah was a goodie-two-shoes so she particularly loved your organized methods. One memory she and I have is the only time she was ever disciplined in her entire school career. She remembers you having to separate her from her friend Khari Joyner. For some reason, Khari and Sarah couldn't look at each other without bursting out laughing. They constantly interrupted class by laughing. I remember you giving me a heads up about moving Sarah's seat, but you also smiled when you told me the reason. I saw that you disciplined with a kind heart, and we enjoy retelling that story years later.
I begged Mr. T to put Emma in your class. My Emma was not a goodie-two shoes! She loved your class and the focus on writing. She remembers a writer's satchel that each student got a chance to take home and write their autobiography and other writing tasks. I believe that's where she fell in love with writing and you spurred an interest for her that continues today. She also remembers when her best friend Alex told her that she was moving to Washington, D.C. Emma ran out of your room crying and hid in the bathroom. She said you came into the bathroom to sit with her. You talked to her about how hard the change would be, but that you knew she would be ok.
Later, as your co-worker, I enjoyed seeing your bright and happy face every day, and I admired you greatly. You're a special person, Jodi, and you've blessed our lives. We pray for you daily.
Much Love,
Melanie
