Personal bests are never meant for comparison. We each come from very different places -- my daily best might be quite different than your daily best. And what I have to offer should never be brought up in comparison to your life contributions.

Last year, a woman with far more experience than I in the education field came to our school to speak to the staff. In her discussion, she broached the topic of communication with parents. And one thing she said stuck in my head and has challenged me ever since.

We sit, huddled tightly together in the cramped space of a corner. The blinds are darkly drawn, the door is shut. Locked. Little bodies press in close together to the wall. I place my body as a barrier along the tips of their tiny feet, all the while smiling into anxious children's eyes and modelling breathing.

Teaching is a demanding profession. But I wouldn't trade teaching for another career. Educating children and motivating them to learn and discover the world around them is a true joy. And I am privileged to be one of the lucky ones.

Dear Caregiver, I am sorry my child lay on the floor today and refused to participate in your class. I also apologize that she further disregarded your implicit instructions pertaining to scheduled activities, not to mention more than once did exactly the opposite of what you requested. Spirited kids are square pegs trying to fit into a round world. They are the ones asking "why" when others are saying "yes." And then some.

Confession: I was an A-hole kid. I gave into the monkey mentality and harassed another person who everyone decided was a loser -- even our teacher. Consequences were only mentioned in passing after that kid killed himself. Watch the Karen Huff Klein video with your kids. Show them what bullying looks like. Teach them.

I must write about this: A friend and I had a conversation this evening about a high school student with a noteworthy caliber of dedication to his passion in life: sports. The student spends three hours per day shooting hoops and running drills, as well as sprinting laps around his house. He wants to play in the NBA. Impressive.

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