The Notes That Matter Most

Samantha Behne

Parent-teacher conferences can be long. Rewarding? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely. But let’s be honest: By the end of the night, you’re exhausted. You’ve had dozens of conversations, answered countless questions, and reassured more parents than you can count. You go home, collapse on the couch, and try to shake off the feeling that you still have a million things to do.

And then, the next morning, a note appears on your desk.

Not from a colleague.
Not from a parent.
Not even from one of your own students.

It’s from a child you’ve never even had in class before.

I know you had a long night with talking to parents so I want to write a little note for you. I LOVE YOU! You’re a very sweet teacher, you’re an amazing cheer teacher, you can always put a smile on my face and you teached my sister. Thanks but she is still dumb sometimes.

And just like that, exhaustion fades, and a smile creeps across your face.

Because this? This is why we do what we do.

Not for the lesson plans. Not for the data charts. Not for the endless meetings. But for the connections. For the moments when a child—who doesn’t even sit in your classroom every day—sees you, appreciates you, and takes the time to remind you that you matter.

Teaching is hard. Some days, it feels like no one notices how much you pour into this job. But then, out of nowhere, a note like this lands on your desk, and you realize something important: They see you.

They see your kindness. They see your patience. They see the way you show up, day after day, even when you’re tired. Even when conferences run late. Even when you have nothing left to give.

And sometimes, if you’re lucky, they’ll even remind you—with a little love, a little humor, and just the right amount of sibling rivalry.

So, if no one has told you lately, I see you, too. And you are making a difference.