As educators and parents we always want the best for our students. Sometimes this means we have to push them, tell them the hard facts, and practice some "tough love." This is the hardest part of our jobs! We all care so much that we do not want to hurt them, but we want them to succeed. And we all know that "Success is through Frustration and sometimes Failure."
About 2 years ago I had the hardest of times with a private student of mine who is now in college. Some of the toughest teaching I have had to do. I refused to back down and told him how much I cared and that his attitude, musicianship, and professionalism should never be compromised! We had several intense moments that led to him (and his parents) leaving for college upset with me. I was very sad, but felt in my heart that I had to do the correct thing.
Yesterday he wrote me a Facebook post that I have always dreamed about (with a great article attached)! I wanted to share these with you since we all have been in the same position at one time. Parents, teachers, and students! Many times in our life we will want to take the easy way, skip corners, lower our bar, or don't do our homework. However, in the long run our faithful work will pay off!!!
I have attached both for you to enjoy:
" Thank you for being hard on me, believing in me, pushing me to always better myself. You played a very important role developing me into the person I am today. Keep doing what you are doing over at NJYS and in your other teaching jobs. You are creating excellence because you don't accept anything but excellence. You are a great educator, performer, leader, and a very caring person. Keep doing what you are doing. I love you man! I will see you back in New Jersey soon enough!"