It is the last day of school today. I didn’t get creative and make some special Pinterest-inspired gift for my daughter to give to her teacher. Instead, Kyra (who is in first grade), wrote a thank you note on a plain white sheet of paper with a Snickers bar taped it – because she knew that Mrs. K loves chocolate!

That’s the thing about teachers and students. Throughout the year, they really get to know each other. I didn’t get to know Mrs. K, as well as Kyra, did, but here is a heartfelt poem from a mom who is in awe of this teacher, and all others out there celebrating their last day of school.

You get up every morning
Just the same as me
Getting ready for the work day
In a rush, always so busy

I’m a mom and so are you
But are we that alike?
I have two girls and so do you
But that’s where things divide

You leave your family to go to school
First graders waiting there
To laugh and cry and cough and learn
To sing and play and share

While I’m out working with adults
Or typing out a blog
You’re sitting in a classroom
Explaining why there is fog

Some go to work to get a break
Raising kids is stressful, right?
But what about a teacher like you
Who is with kids day and night?

You give more than I can imagine
Teaching math and spelling too
Keeping up with the latest technology
And showing them how to tie their shoe

You have days when you’re exhausted
But you will not complain
You always wanted to be a teacher
Not for money or fortune or fame

You do it for the good days
“I can read, Mrs. K!”
And even for the hard days
When you must correct one’s wrong ways

This year has gone so quickly
For both of us it seems
And now summer is upon us
With new plans, hopes and dreams

Thank you isn’t big enough
For all that you sacrifice
But I hope it helps for you to hear
That you made a difference in my child’s life!