As an instructor of adult students who were already gypped in life, I know I am expected to answer to supervisors and administrators, but I consider my students the ones I aim to connect with and do right by. Teaching is about students. However, we are often evaluated by those who are the furthest from our students. Administrators, funders, etc. So on the last day of the school cycle, I often ask my students to write me a letter, letting me know what their favorite part of class was and the least favorite, so I can make it even better. If anyone is qualified to give me feedback, I figure it is those who receive my services. I assure them they won't hurt my feelings, and I truly want to know.
These are excerpts:
"...The class atmosphere is so welcoming and heart warming that it really makes you excited in the morning to get to school. ...You make learning for us to be fun in a way that we all can understand." "...keep on doing what you are doing, so you can motivate more people like me." "...I take classes here five days a week, but this is the only class I felt so comfortable in. My classmates were great. We are all open and comfortable with each other. ...No words can explain how I feel. ...I wish I didn't have to leave. ...I hope your new class knows how lucky they are." "I liked how you helped us with our confidence from the first day when you had us share about ourselves to today by having us perform. The one thing I didn't like was that I didn't come on time, but I thank you for dealing with me. Thank you for helping me get closer to my goal." "The best part of this class was my teacher. ...I underestimate myself. My teacher gave me the confidence I needed to feel comfortable with learning." "...The way you take the time with every one of us, you take the time to understand whatever it might be anyone is going through. I also like how once you come into class, it's work mode, like giving us a worksheet, and we get to work as a group. I wouldn't change anything about how you teach, so please keep caring about your students the way you do. I have really enjoyed you and your class. You will be missed. Hope to see you around because I still need you in my life to get my diploma." "...You are definitely a teacher I will remember. ...an awesome and welcoming teacher." "...a wonderful teacher who makes us laugh and learn."
Long before I started stand-up, a math student, Raul, insisted I should be a comedian. I was still too chicken. But some years after, I did it. However, my financial life is that of an underpaid teacher, a gratefully divorced woman but with zero alimony, so if anyone out there has paid work for me to help supplement my meager salary, I am also an experienced proofreader, actress, comic, and creative writer. Dogs and cats tend to like me (smart creatures that they are), so if you need an animal sitter, I'm open to hearing about it.
