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That doesn't mean a class you've spent 10 months with doesn't deserve some sort of send off speech, so I walked home spouting this speech to myself: "For me, teaching is like being a big brother in a lot of ways. You're all younger than me (when you don't draw beards on your face and lie about your age) and for the most part, I know more than you. I've also lived and experienced more than you. That's where having a big brother is important. I protect you from making the same mistakes that I did."Don't get me wrong, I'm not like a parent at all! Do you know why-- that's a rhetorical question. I'm not your parent because the second I saw you I didn't love you. I wasn't sure how I felt. I had heard stories (true and false) about you and taught kids like you which affected my perspective. Then at some point when you said something I didn't expect or respected or saw you do something the same way I did, I started to love you (pause for gasps, boos, and fake-hurling). Now, kiddos, when I say 'love' I don't mean 'marry me!' love, I just mean that there will always be a little place for you in my heart.
And because every single one of you has made it this far, I'm going to share something with you, in front of everyone, that you should know:
"Kid A/J/K, I'd be totally cool if you were my boss in 25 years. Kid B, you remind me so much of my step-brother and sometimes I think he never got a teacher that he needed, and I'm sorry I wasn't the teacher you needed but with your brilliance and good guidance, the sky's the limit for you, just like it is for him. Kids C/F/G, you've got amazing energy and if you believe in yourself you can change the world. Kid D, you're super cool, I hope you find a way to express yourself fully. Kid E you made every lesson fantastic I'd be your teacher all the way to grade 12 if I could. Kid H, never be afraid to hug somebody. Kid I/L/R, you grew so much this year, and I'm really really proud of you. Kid M, you made a lot of strides this year and I know you're going to make even more next year. Kid N, I'm really excited about you being a big part of next year's class, you're going to shine. Kid O, every day you got better at something and over the year you got better and better, I couldn't be happier with how you've grown. Kid P, you've got a lot of weight on your shoulders and the harder you work the lighter it's going to get and when it is all gone, you're going to be an amazing leader. Kid Q, you have so many great ideas and opinions to share, never shy away from speaking up. Kid R, way to go, you earned everything with your determination this year. Kid S, you're so clever and witty you're going to make a lot of people laugh with you. Kid T, every story you shared was a great one, keep practising and you'll be one of the best storytellers. Kid U, you've really come out of your shell, you've got a great sense of responsibility and leadership. Kid V, you've got a great heart and you're going to do something great it."
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I'll have to revise these a little, and, obviously, write their actual names. The other thing, to avoid putting values on what's said first and last, I'd preemptively clip them up and throw them in a hat and read them off as I pull them out. The kids that share the same thing will respect that they're in the same group together, inshallah, and know they've earned it.
After watching the last class of kids born in the 20th-century graduate high school I feel old. Couple that with the realisation that the year is over it all hits you hard like (insert title here). There are so many powerful moments from the year and from ten years out of high school and it just flashes before your eyes as caps fly into the air. Looking back, I could definitely do things differently... however, I can always live vicariously through my thousands of little brothers and sisters.
Love this post and how you've thought through comments for each student. They'll remember that!
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