WHY I Teach for America

I just got this email from my student from last year:

Dear Ms. Berndt,

I just want to let you know how thankful i am that i had you as a teacher. Even though we didn't really know eachother, or really talk to one another i still feel like i was loved. Your one of the best teachers
i have ever had in my life, and will remeber you always and forever. Ms. Berndt it's teachers like you that make us want something in life. You pushed me foward and helped me realize i can get somwhere with my life. And i can say i know i can, and when i get older and become that someone. im going to come and thankyou. because beleive it or not your one of those teachers that hleped me get there, when i get there. and one thing i will always remember about you ms. berndt is you always know how to make someone smile. (: and you always started my morning off great. I never meant a teacher like you. Your not only a teacher but your someone to talk to. i will never forget you. just thankyou so much for everything you have ever done for me. thankyou for being my teacher, and the best teacher anyone can ever have!

Sarah



Below is the response she wrote me when I thanked her for her kind words and asked her to stay in touch with me.

Ms. Berndt,
Of course i will keep in touch with you (: . You and my old teacher Mr. Rhymes are my favorite techers by far!!! You guys have made me realize that there is something in life to work for. and i thank you for that .. I am telling you right now seeing my family not do good, and so many people in my life not do good.. and then you and mr. rhymes always telling me there is something i can achive in life.. well just hearing that makes me want to pushs myslef . and seeing that makes me tell my self that im going to do something .. thank you agian ms, berndt.
--Sarah


I can't wait to share this with my Corps Members during Institute... HOW AWESOME and awe inspiring!

Apologies

Sorry for the lack of blogging. Between moving into a new home, pre-work for working at the TFA summer institute and pre-work for my new job as Program Director for TFA, my head is spinning. I'm living in the ASU dorm right now... booo, and start first thing tomorrow morning. When I have time to breathe, I'll put up pictures of the new house and everything in between.