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Suzie- My lollipop moment came when I was in high school.  In my junior and senior years, I was the editor in Chief of the School Newspaper and then the Yearbook.  The advisor / teacher I had for both was amazing and I hope to have some of the same qualities that she had.  She was able to get everyone to produce quality work without yelling and screaming.  She set the bar high and let you know if you did not make it, also at the same time she got to know everyone on a personal level and supported everyone outside of the class as well.  She demonstrated to me what I wanted to be like as a teacher right before I entered college to begin my teaching career.

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Jamie- The notes from the parents and even the students are the best.  I have some that I have kept in a folder since I started teaching.  One of my first co-workers told me to make a smile folder.  The notes are kept in there and then when you are having a down day you can read through the folder.  - Suzie

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Matthew Flynn - A pivotal moment in my life happened when I was in 4th grade.  My mom made me join chorus despite me lack of enthusiasm for singing (I liked singing but singing in front of others was not something I enjoyed).  But being the good son that I was I did my best with the group and practiced as much as a 4th grader in a group of 20 singers probably ever would.   The day of our first concert, which was held in the school library, my little chorus sang our little songs for our little audience.  Everyone clapped, and then started to get up.  My parents ooo'ed and awe'ed over my as parents do, but nothing that I hadn't heard before.  What made that day special though was that a woman in a black flowered skirt came up to my parents and said "I just want to tell you that your son had the most beautiful voice.  It brought tears to my eyes.  I hope he keeps singing."  That little complement from a complete stranger what kept me singing throughout my life and continues to be a goal every time I perform or conduct a group.

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Julia- What a great lollipop moment and words of advice to your sister! I'm sure you give the same inspiration to you students each day :).

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To Abby- I still am in awe of all you moms out there who do it all! What a great reminder that we all need to take care of ourselves, especially in a profession where taking care of others is at the forefront of our minds. So many people look at asking for help as a weakness, but I think it's one of the strongest skills a person can have. Thanks for sharing!

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Katie- This year, a former student, now in 8th grade, came to visit me. After telling how he was doing, what he liked best about his new school year, etc. he told me how much I helped him with math the year he had me. He said that math was now one of his favorite subjects and the way I taught math "back then" made it easy! The real tear-jerker was when he said, "You're the reason I'm good at math." As teachers, we put our hearts into our work each day and moments like these are why we do what we do!

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Abby-For Heather- You really don't realize how much I personally feel that your ability to make people not judged by you is just who you are. I can't speak for others, but you should know that your calm nature and positive words affect me.  I didn't need a crying corner (I just did it out in the open lol) but it's good to know that your office is a safe place to not only share our personal feelings, but also a non-judgement zone.

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Abby-For Jamie- Those are the BEST lollipop moments. We do so much for our students but often times we don't know how much we've actually affected them as a whole person until we get those special and personal notes from parents.

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My moment that inspired others was when my daughter Penny was born. While being a new and first time mom wasn't easy due to feeding difficulties and of course my mental health.  I went religiously with some new mommy friends to the hospital's New Moms Group.  I was so overwhelmed at the time that I made a deal with my husband that Saturdays or Sundays when we weren't busy, I'd spend 4-5 hours by myself. Many mommy's were afraid to ask their husbands to help with their babies because they felt that since they were on maternity leave it was their responsibility to be with the baby 24/7.  I felt as a mom especially a new one, I was on a team with my husband. We shared this life as parents. Mom's in my group told me how much I inspired them to ask their husbands to step up and take more responsibilities. They told me they can a new found confidence in being a mommy and they felt like they too needed time for themselves to be the best mom. Even when I run into them in public they still talk to me about our New Mom's Group and how I encouraged them then to take time for themselves. I appreciate the support we gave to each other but also the support they needed at that time.- Abby Haven

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Dawn - I love that!  We make such an impact.  I still fondly remember my Kindergarten teacher which is why I wanted to teach K in the first place!  I want to be that person for these little ones!  -Melissa

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For Josh - I remember how nervous I was in my first year of teaching.  Luckily, I was also blessed with someone on my team who believed in me and made me feel so smart, although looking back, I didn't know a thing!  ;)  -Melissa

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To all-It's been so wonderful reading through these!  Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!  I had an amazing lollipop moment just recently.  One of the teachers from my last school asked to meet up after work one day.  We did and I found it a little strange at first because normally we'd meet in a big group to catch up.  She told me that she is in a crossroads in her career and she feels a little lost.  We talked through things and she said, "I just needed to talk with you because I knew you would not judge me and you'd give me honest advice.  All those times I was in your office, I never felt that you judged me.  I always felt you understood me."  She went on to say that she felt that if being an administrator meant helping adults like she felt I did, that she wanted to go for it.  The funny thing is, I NEVER knew that I had been such a support to her.  Did I let her cry in my "crying corner" (a corner in my office where no one can see you from the door), yes.  Did I listen to her without judgment, yes.  But, I never thought anything of it.  To me, it was just one of the many crying teachers I saw each day.  She texted me the same week to let me know that she worked up the courage to ask her administrators for more leadership opportunities and then was recommended for a leadership cohort.  You never know how much a little thing like sharing your "crying corner" will do for someone...and in turn, a lollipop moment for me.  I reached out to her by text after she shared her good news to let her know that what she said to me, fed me as a leader and now, I will think about how something as simple as listening without judgment can mean so much to people.  -Heather

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There have been several special parent and student letters that I treasure. One arrived at the end of last year and came from a student I hadn't even taught when he was in fifth grade. His note reminded me that we make an impact on students without even knowing it and that the relationship or memory is long lasting.

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One of my favorite 'lollipop' moments happened when I was seeking a professional reference when I decided to re-enter the teaching world 5 years ago.  I am friends on FB with a number of my former students and parents and I posted that I was thinking about heading back into the classroom and was looking for references.  A few students and parents reached out, but one student replied with, "Ms. Reeves (my maiden name when I was her 4th grade teacher), I would do anything for you!  You are, by far, my favorite teacher I have ever had!  She had just graduated from Harvard the year before and had moved to California to start her career!!  She wrote a very sweet, thoughtful recommendation letter that I used for my portfolio.  :)

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Joshua- I was also lucky enough to work with Christian. He had such a calm demeanor to him that never made you feel judged and always gave you the feeling that things were going to be ok. He was a great guy to work with. Julia

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Julia Liberto-  In my family, I am the middle child of three girls. I always look up to my older sister and have learned through the years that my younger sister looks up to me. I did not realize how much she actually listened and took to heart what I said until one day when we were talking after she graduated from college. I was praising her for always being an A student in high school and college and always challenging herself. She worked so hard to earn A’s in high school while taking AP classes, even when things would get really tough. When asked her where all of her motivation came from she said, “When I was entering high school you told me it was cool to be smart and that the hard working smart kids are who I should want to be friends with.” I was shocked that a small piece of advise I said to her years ago stuck with her and followed her for so long. Her motivation and hard work is obviously what made her successful through all the years, but I am glad that I could say something small to start her on the right path.

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Joshua – For Melissa: It’s amazing how things we say as teachers can impact the path of our student’s lives. In a society where it can feel like everyone is beating us down, some of us desperately cling to the words of the few people who have told us that we can succeed. We need teachers who can inspire us, give us a reference point, and be our beacon in the night.

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Joshua – For Carey: I am glad to hear that your son was able to get the support that he needed. Self-confidence is such an important aspect of development to foster at that age. He sounds like a bright young man and you are a great mom for making sure that he wasn’t overlooked.

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Joshua Kuykendall - One of my quintessential lollipop moments is thanks to Christian Buzzard, the 3rd Grade team leader during my first year as a teacher. I can be self-critical, ascribed to perfectionism, and I strongly fear disappointing others. I can still picture how anxious I was during my first year of teaching. I wanted to do everything right and make sure I was establishing a firm foundation for my students. Christian had so much faith in me as a teacher and I specifically recall a time when he nonchalantly said, “Don’t worry so much, Josh. No matter what you do, you’re not going to break them.” His words and his trust in my abilities seemed to liberate me from my immediate fears, empowering me to follow my instinct as an educator. Sometimes all it takes is for one person to believe in you. I have been fortunate enough to have met at least a handful of these people in my life.

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Elizabeth- For Jamie: I actually keep a box of these notes to look back through when I'm feeling overwhelmed! It brings me right back to why I do this. :)

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Elizabeth- For Tiffany: I know first principals can leave a lasting impact! I emailed Lisa Smithson thanking her for hiring me "at the school where I met my future husband." :)

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Tiffany: I've been blessed to have so many people in my life give me lollipop moments over the years. I recently texted my first principal who hired me and thanked her for encouraging me to start my master's in admin.  As many of you know, she was able to come visit me at TRES last year. I am so proud that I make her proud for believing in me.

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Tiffany- For all: Those letters and thank-yous from parents always seem to come at the right time when they are needed.

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Jamie Saperstein- My lollipop moment(s) have come at the end and even the beginning of many school years when I get sweet notes from parents thanking me for a great year with their child. I can tell these notes come from the heart and they make me feel like I not only taught the academics for the year but helped shaped the whole child and helped provide the foundation for the love of learning. It makes me feel like I chose the right profession I feel rejuvenated for the upcoming  school year.

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Melissa - One of my very first students graduated from college last spring.  I kept in touch with her on facebook (from afar, cause who wants your old 2nd grade teacher commenting on young people stuff), and I saw that she graduated with a special ed degree, and she got a job teaching 5th grade in AA county.  I reached out to her to offer her any help/resources if she ever needed anything, and she said to me, "In second grade, you told me that I would make a great teacher, and I remembered that."

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Whitney- For Brandons post:  I've heard of the "Marigold" that you refer to :)

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Whitney Frey-  At the beginning of my second year at TRES, I arrived back in school to find a card from a parent Thanking me for the school year before, we were in close communication as her daughter worked through some changes at home, etc.  It was totally unexpected and the perfect extra boost at the beginning of a new school year and grade level change.  Another moment that always makes me pause is when my son (21 y.o) says "....and appreciate you!"  It takes me by surprise as I (parents) often do things because were the parents, but for him to recognize that I don't have to do that, be it anymore or in the first place, for him is heartwarming.

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Elizabeth Kuykendall- The summer after 4th grade, my mother and I became obsessed with swimming laps at the public pool. We would leave together early in the day and set a goal for ourselves. "I'm going for 20 laps!" One of these mornings, I was in a lane next to an older man, and I told him about our routine and my goal for that day. After listening, he said to me (and I remember this word for word), "Your drive and determination will lead you to your goals." And then, just like that, he swam off. It was such a bizarre, fortune-cookie thing to say that it stuck with me, and those are still words I meditate on when I have a goal to meet.

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Brandon Bickham - The last four years I have been on the marching band staff for Urbana High School close to Frederick, Maryland.  While there, I have gotten work side by side with some wonderful people and educators.  During our back to school inservice week this year; a member of the Urbana marching band staff and fellow band director named Trevor sent me a very special text message.  At one of his professional development presentations the focus was on an article "Find you Marigold" by Jennifer Gonzalez.  He sent me the article to read and then told me how I have been one of his Marigolds over the last four years.  He had really come to value teaching strategies, insights, assessments, and other advice from me.  I was very surprised and blown away by his kind words.

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Carey Hayden - Last year my 9th grade son became very overwhelmed with daily life, sports, schoolwork, everything!  He got behind in school and essentially fell apart.  As a mom, I acted quickly and contacted the high school counselor, pediatrician, and a therapist that worked previously with my older son.  Liam ended up being diagnosed late in the game with ADHD.  I was so worried about his state of mind, especially this day in age with the high school pressures.  Anyway, Michelle(the therapist) scooped Liam up and has been working with him about every three weeks. since May.  I reached out to her after our meeting on Tuesday to tell her how grateful I am for her and how much of a difference she has made in Liam's life in just four months.  Liam is a bright kid, has a very heavy course load, and so far this year(only 5 weeks:), he has straight A's and has not missed one assignment!  More importantly, he feels confident and overall together!  Thank God for Michelle!

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A few years ago on Valentine's Day, my daughter's friend's mom gave me a card. She thanked me for being the only one to support her decision to stay with her husband when they went through a difficult time and remaining non judgmental towards him. She also thanked me for always making sure that our children stay in touch and connected. Then she wrote all of the things she admired about me, and it was just what I needed to hear at that time in my life.

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Tiffany- For Whitney's post: How do I get my son to tell me he appreciates me?? That's so awesome to hear that your 21 y.o. son verbally shares his appreciation.