Those who can, do...and those who can't, teach!

This is my new favorite picture. Anderson came with me tonight to do a review session for the AP US test. He was decked out in his Theodore Roosevelt gear-Teddy onesie, camo hat & pants. I think Teddy would be proud. I don't have a picture of him at the review because he fell asleep in my arms...while I was literally yelling History questions. Should I be concerned that "Marbury v. Madison" and "The Battle of Saratoga" are like a lullaby to him? Either he is going to ace history or he is going be a freak. I will know in about 12 years, I guess.

Because my parents are wonderful, they came to get Anderson so I could stay & review.Brandon was at work, so they were on it. Since Pops never leaves the house without his balloons (you just never know when someone is going to need a monkey in a tree...) he made a few for my students. These 3 girls came to the school board meeting on Monday to support me when I gave my speech. It was so, so sweet & reminded me why I was there. I think they were just excited about the balloon penguin.


Here are a group of my students who came to review. Seriously, we spent the evening talking about court cases and presidents. We did have half price banana splits, too. All in all, a pretty perfect evening.


I really love my job. I think I am so lucky that I get to talk about history and hang out with these really fun people all day (my co-workers & students). Part of me feels sorry for people who don't teach because how do you laugh all day, who stalks you at Target,if not students & where do you bring all of your random extra stuff to use as props? Then, I get paid and it is not other people that I feel sorry for anymore...No, seriously I really do love it. For some reason this week, I am on this education kick. As cheesy as it sounds, I know that most people have a few people who will remember them, but teachers will have hundreds of people who will remember them. For example, my sister-middle school teacher extraordinaire-received this email from a former student. She shared it with me because we both get frustrated sometimes in our career and it is helpful to remember that it does matter. What a better place the world would be if everyone had a Mrs. Hughes as a teacher. (Actually, I did have one in the 4th grade, I think and she was pretty terrible..so maybe I need to be more specific) Anyway, she doesn't know that I stole this...it's just really good.


"I wanted to find you because I never got the chance to thank you. You made a big impact on my life, and I thought you deserved to know. You showed me that even smart people could be fun. (: You took the time to get to know all of us on a more personal level, and I think that is why we all remember you so well. You were there for me when my brother died, and I've never forgotten that. I still have the present and the card you got for me. (: I remember when my boyfriend broke up with me and I thought it was the end of the world, but you reassured me that my life would go on past the 8th grade. Haha. I'm definitely glad it did. . I graduate next year and I think I owe a little bit of that to you. You made me want to get an education by showing me that it's worth it. I'll never forget you coming into class and being so excited because you got a great deal on something. You will always be my favorite teacher Mrs. Hughes, and I'll never forget the things you taught me. I always wear my seat belt. I only get in the car with responsible drivers. I don't drink, do drugs, or use any other mind or body altering substances of which you are unaware. I make smart decisions. I read books. I don't gossip, and I try to be an active, involved citizen. (:Thank you for being who you are."

Teachers might not ever get a raise, but I'm pretty sure most professions don't get emails like that one. The end part is from her "Friday speech" that she gives at the end of class, reminding them of how to behave over the weekend...and in life!

Speaking of amazing middle school teachers, my intern, Jessica, is going to be one next year! I am so excited for her (and her students who will be so lucky to have her!) Working with her this year has taught me so much about teaching & inspired me to keep at it! She was even there when I talked at the School Board meeting on Monday...so encouraging. Not only is she a good friend, but a great intern. She completed this intense assessment program that only a few interns were selected to do. Here we are celebrating at the lunch...You will notice we are the only ones at our table...in the FRONT row. Yes, that is because I made us late and the only seats left were these. It was pretty hilarious.

Here she is cheesing during the presentation. We take things seriously around here.
/>