Dear Class of 2019-2020,
I have so many thoughts as I sit here now writing this letter to you. I really don’t know where to begin. I bet some of you can relate to that during Writer’s Workshop. I am human too and get stuck sometimes. At this moment we haven’t met yet, but will soon. I am excited to be your new teacher. This is not just lip service, I love teaching. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I have tried to imagine other professions yet I always come back to being an educator.
I have to admit, I am also nervous. I always am at the start of the school year. I have all these goals and ideas I want to share and experience with you. I hope I will be able to accomplish them. I worry you will not enjoy our time together. I even worry if you will like me. I know that seems silly that a grown up that has taught as long as I have would worry about that, but I do. Sometimes these type of thoughts keep me up at night.
I also wish I am the teacher that you need at this moment in your life. The most important thing to me is to build a relationship with you. I want the best for you. My dream is for you to have the best education you deserve under me. I am a planner and I have lots of plans for the year. I look forward on going on this journey with you. I want to have respect between us and have open communication. With that, we need trust which is the bedrock to a healthy relationship.
I know at times it may seem I am pushing you or asking you to try something that you may feel you cannot do. You might think I am mean, not understanding, or driven by work production. It may seem that way but when I do, please remember it is because I believe in you when you may not believe in yourself. I hope you will trust me enough to push your thinking, your ideas, and abilities. I want you to share them with the world. I really want to learn from you and I know the world is a better place because you are here.
I truly feel privileged to be your teacher this year. We don’t know each other yet but I am lucky you are about to come into my life. I look forward to building a relationship with each one of you and learning with you. I hope we can accept each other as we are and have a fantastic 2019-2020 school year.
Your teacher,
Mrs. D’Alessandro
What I Notice 
What a beautiful letter!
This line: “I also wish I am the teacher that you need at this moment in your life.”
That line made me get a lump in my throat. It’s my hope that every child gets the teacher they need at this moment in their life. I think my daughter got that teacher this year since she woke up at 1 a.m. ready to go to school. (We made her return to bed.)
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I copied that line too.
I also wish I am the teacher that you need at this moment in your life.
You are the right teacher for every one of those kids and you’d adjust to be the right fit for anyone that walks through your door. Your reaction today, after day one, showed your excitement and passion.
I think this could totally be your end of the year letter to your students. They’re lucky to have you as their teacher.
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Your comments brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for believing in me.
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This is so genuine, so touching, and it is brave! You’ve inspired me, I hope to bring the same truthfulness to my letter as you have brought to yours.
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Thanks so much!
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“I really want to learn from you and I know the world is a better place because you are here.” I think we should all carry this thought with us for every person we “work” with, meet, old or young. Great letter Denia! Thanks for sharing!!
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