An Open Letter of Gratitude to My Son's Pre-K Teachers

To the two amazing women that taught, molded, and shaped my son through his first year of school;

To the two women who made him a better kid;

To the two ladies that through the course of nine months expanded his four-year-old mind to lengths I never deemed possible in such a small amount of time;

To you Mrs. Crittenden and to you Mrs. Walker:

Thank you.

Back in August I walked my son into your classroom for his very first day of school. I was so thrilled and relieved to see how welcoming the two of you were as soon as he walked his nervous little self into the room. He walked in to be greeted by your big genuine smiles and warm welcomes. Deep down this mama was fighting tidal waves of emotions. I could only stay in the room for a brief moment before I had to leave in fear of Deacon seeing me weep like a baby. I felt he was in good hands, but I never knew how appreciative I would become of the two of you.

You two are proof that teachers are a big deal.

Proof that teachers are incredibly underpaid.

Proof that teachers are under appreciated.

Proof that teachers work...they work hard.

And proof that teachers--great teachers--really really do make a difference.

Thank you.

Those two words seem so small. They feel like such a tiny gesture to offer you in light of all you did for my Deacon this year. My heart is filled with gratitude and bursting with joy for all you've done. Your hard work and love you poured into your Pre-K class this year did not go unseen.

You have meant a great deal to my son.  He loves school.  He is excited to learn and to share the knowledge he has obtained each day.  He loves you both dearly.  He never, not even once this year dreaded going to school.  He was happy to go every.single.day.

Lastly, I would be lying if I didn't admit that the closing of this school year is bittersweet. While I am excited to have my boy home for a few months to enjoy summer break, the end of the school year also means you will no longer be his teachers. You have fulfilled your job in his Pre-K education. It is no longer your responsibility to teach this young man of mine. That makes today a little sad as well.

Thank you both for being teachers.

Thank you for loving children so much you do not even have to say it because it shows in your skill of educating them.

Thank you for making the first year of my son's education the most positive and impactful one that a parent could possibly wish for.

Thank you,

Cassie White
Deacon's Mama