Thank You Note Emma Halstead

To become a great teacher, one usually has the utmost honor of observing a great teacher.

That rang true for me when I met you in my junior year at West Virginia University. As a brand new upperclassman beginning my first semester placement of student teaching, I was intimidated. I did not know if I could be a great educator one day. I felt as if I was being thrown hundreds of different rules, different pieces of advice, and guidance on how to make standards make sense. I had many different tools in my tool chest, which I was grateful for, but what was I to do with them?

Mathematics is the most intimidating subject for me to teach. I was a student who struggled to have a conceptual understanding of many subjects I was introduced to. Going into teaching, I was terrified that my own gaps in understanding would prevent me from closing the same gaps for my students. I had this underlying belief that I was truly incapable of teaching math until I registered for your class.

You set the bar high and expected your students to set theirs accordingly. You are confident, extremely passionate about what you teach, command the classroom, and always have an answer. Your class was the first time I had a moment of clarity. You provided me with the "why" behind what I am teaching, and how to help my students gain the same understanding I gained in your classroom. I felt as if I had been waiting for that moment my whole life.

During my senior year, I was placed in a classroom that complemented me perfectly, with a mentor who also speaks highly of the impact you had on her. My observing coordinator recently complimented a math lesson I taught, saying she never would have guessed I once felt incapable of teaching math. I owe that to you. I truly believe I would not be the educator I am today without you. The classroom, where I can be with students and help them bridge gaps each day, is where I am comfortable, and the most important piece is that my students and I are learning together.

I am applying for jobs in Nashville, Tennessee, where I aim to begin my career as an elementary educator. I am grateful for every mentor, professor, advisor, and colleague who has contributed to my success, but most of all, I am thankful for you.

With appreciation,

Emma