Why I teach

As a compromise, I received a lovely vase full of hand-made paper flowers that I have kept on my desk ever since. At the time, I was experiencing so much stress I could hardly see straight, wondering why I was doing this when I could be doing something less consuming that paid just as much. The knowledge that I meant so much to one of my students, that I'd helped her become a more successful and confident student, meant more to me than five dozen roses. It reminded me of why I am a teacher. It reminded me that I DO have a positive influence on children, that my time IS well spent. So, as I bring home 100 papers (literally) to grade tonight, I will think about Angel, how much she has grown, how much I love her and just how much she loves me. — Elizabeth Bachelor, Lakeside Elementary

Back at the JEA offices, Berryessa continued to monitor E-mail Central. "This morning has been incredible as I have sat and read each one," he wrote to me. "I can't get anything else done, nor do I want to today."