Matteo Remembers Mrs. Hardin

I was in fifth grade and several grade levels behind in reading. I was frustrated and embarrassed. One day, my homeroom teacher told me that I was going to spend my reading block helping the second grade teacher, Mrs. Hardin. When I walked into her classroom the first time, Mrs. Hardin introduced me as the special reading tutor.

She always had a seat ready for me at the reading table where she worked with small groups. I would help hand out the sticky notes and highlighters, and she always made sure there was an extra book for me to follow along (in case one of the younger ones needed assistance). I must admit, it was a brilliant plan. Before I knew it, my reading was improving.

I loved being in Mrs. Hardin’s classroom. She never made me feel like a failure. Instead, she treated me like an asset, and the second graders looked up to me. My competence and my confidence grew. I got a beautiful letter from Mrs. Hardin when I graduated from high school. In her letter, she thanked me for helping her and for being a model of persistence for her students.

I hope Matteo’s story helped you see how much your work matters.

Julie

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