At Christmas, they ask "what did ya get". On Labour Day they ask, "who did ya get".

I was nervous 30 years ago today.  I had laid out my tweed jacket, a corduroy tie and slacks (yes, slacks) and tossed and turned in my bed as I waited for what was to come.  That was my first Labour Day as a teacher and today is my last.  After 30 years, there's still some nervousness, maybe a little bit of trepidation but really more of a feeling of anticipation of so many "lasts" to come.

Many things have changed; I've lost the jacket and tie, and the slacks.  Replaced them with more casual clothing.  I've lost my hair, some more of my eye sight and even an inch in height.  I've gained weight, perhaps gained some wisdom and gained Google.

Everything has changed except teachers, students and learning.

Harry Bruce wrote in his classic essay "Labor Day is the dreaded bell in the school yard of my mind", people don't ask on Labour Day "what did ya get?"  They ask "who'd ya get?"  And for good or for bad, millions of students and thousands of teachers will enter the class room tomorrow wondering "who'd I get."

So teachers, on this my last Labour Day of anxiety, my last sleepless school eve, here's who I hope you get.  I hope you get a student who is a character; one who makes you laugh even when you are trying to keep a straight face.  I also hope and know you will, meet a student who will wow you with his or her abilities and brilliance.  I hope you meet some students that you make a difference to and that they tell you about it years later.  I hope you meet some colleagues that make you want to be better. Finally, I hope you meet at least one student, and again, I know you will, who you don't reach, can't figure out and ultimately fail at helping.  That student will make you a far better teacher next Labour Day.

And students, on this the eve of my last first day, after having spent 48 years in a school, and having seen the best of teachers, both as a student and a teacher, here's the teacher I hope you get.  I hope you get a teacher who errs on the side of kindness.  I hope you get a teacher who sees you for the person you are and the one you will become.  I hope you get a memorable teacher, a character that you never forget.  I hope you meet a teacher this year who makes you see something new, one who awakens something you had no idea was in you. I hope you meet a teacher who pushes you so hard, you get angry.   I hope you get a teacher that you laugh with and one who says hello, who calls your name all the time, who you admire and respect, and who listens to you.

The clothes are laid out for tomorrow.   The back pack is packed and ready to go. Now it's only a matter of being the people we hope we get.