I guess it goes back to my 5th&6th grade teacher, Mr. Vogel. He really made learning fun. Which seems ironic for a kid that spent the majority of 5th grade writing, "I, Chase Gervais, on October 25, 1998 will grow up and act like a mature 5th grader from this day forth." and the majority of 6th grade in "isolation". Sounds like I should hate school, but he managed to spark a love of learning. I said, I was going to share and one day teach, but wasn't going to have kids write sentences 😅.

One of my most memorable teaching experiences came her a young girl named Malek. She was coming from Egypt to my classroom in Kuwait and she spoke German and Arabic. Within the two months prior she learned enough English to test at a 1.4 grade equivalent. Throughout the year I gave tips on how to become better, nothing that was required. I noticed her doing every tip. By the end of the year she grew to 4.7 grade equivalent. Her perseverance is something I will never forget.

I spend a lot on my students. So, I'm going to treat myself, haven't had a nice desk chair in 11 years of teaching. The first 3 years it was broken and I would slowly lower upon sitting down. The last 9 I haven't had one. Then I'll do the smart thing...listen to my wife. Who suggested I should put it in a high yield savings account so I can use the interest to "FUN"d my classroom. Another reason why I love her, she gets me. She's not perfect but she's perfect for me.