Photo: pxhere
Mrs. Thompson felt so ashamed of herself after reading the records. She felt even worse during the Christmas season. Many of her students brought her beautifully wrapped gifts for the holiday, except for Teddy. His present was in a small, wrinkled, paper grocery sack with “Merry Christmus” written in red crayon on the side. Mrs. Thompson opened her presents with great pride in front of her pupils.
As she opened Teddy’s gift, some of the students started to laugh. She quieted them by bragging on the two gifts he gave her, a bottle of perfume about one-quarter full and a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing. She put the bracelet on and held her hand in the air, remarking how beautiful it was. After she applied the perfume to her wrist, Teddy exclaimed how she smelled just like his mom.
After the students left, their teacher cried for at least half an hour. That day she stopped just teaching reading, writing and arithmetic, and began to teach children, paying particular attention to Teddy. With encouragement and praise, Teddy began to flourish. Each day after school, Teddy would come by her desk and proclaim that she was the best teacher he had ever had in the whole world. He became the best and smartest student in her class.
Photo: pxhere
At the end of the school year, Teddy was promoted to the sixth grade at the new middle school. She didn’t hear from Teddy for seven years. Then a graduation invitation from high school arrived, inviting her to attend his graduation. Inside the invitation was a neatly written note stating, “You are still the best teacher in the whole world.” Mrs. Thompson was so proud as he graduated with honors.
Four years later, yet another invitation arrived, inviting her to attend Teddy’s graduation from college. He had graduated cum laude. Teddy included another note proclaiming her the best teacher in the whole world. Because of her encouragement, he was going on to graduate school.
Mrs. Thompson received a very official letter some four years later. It was from a Mr. Theodore D. Stoddard MD, inviting her to attend his wedding. Inside this invitation was a note stating, “My dad died a few years ago, so would you please attend my wedding and sit next to me in my mother’s place? Mrs. Thompson, you are still the best teacher I ever had in the whole wide world. Always, Teddy.”
I know this story has been around education circles for some time, but when I get sad or become disheartened, I try a little harder, because I realize just how many Teddies there are out there.
