Congratulations Rocknrollgirl, I believe teachers really do make a difference, no matter the grade, no matter the subject. My twin sister was a teacher in East Texas for many years. She had a difficult time at times (once having a desk thrown at her by a student), teaching 3rd thru high school in her very small district. I went down one summer and took 3 weeks to house sit for her. I was so impressed by the reaction of the 'students' whom she taught. They were so respectful of her, say 'HI, coach ***'; Hey, Coach ***; when I had to tell them I was her twin they all came back and said, "You know, Coach *** was our best teacher. She always taught us what was the most important things in our life". I was so impressed with "Coach ***" and guess what, she was my twin sister!!!! She taught math and was a coach, but most of all she IS MY SISTER.
Good going, Rocknrollgirl...your students may not say it, but they are IMPRESSED!!!!