senior moments

It's the time of the year when high school teachers write letters of recommendations for seniors. As my sister-in-law, a high school guidance counselor, says, some letters just write themselves, because she knows the student that well. Lately all the letters for which I have been responsible have been writing themselves. That is to say, I sit at the keyboard for several hours composing, revising, and editing, but I have plenty to say, lots of good material from several years of knowing the student and working in several capacities--English teacher, club sponsor, mentor, editor, encourager--and nothing remotely form letterish comes into play. Some letters I view as an opportunity to express my appreciation for the contribution the student has made to my classroom. I put myself in the role of the one who has benefited, collaborated with, seen the results of... all the hard work students put into their assignments and attitude. The students who accept their role of participant, collaborator, catalyst... make it fun to come to work every day. And the other students, who don't see the importance of their role yet... I keep encouraging.