Memories with Steve Martin

Two weeks ago, the day after school let out, I saw Steve Martin joined by Edie Brickell perform with his banjo band at the Bushnell Theatre. Seeing such a talented performer engage the audience with humor to introduce such deep and meaningful beautiful music reminded me of my experience as a teacher and helped me try to explain why I had such a wonderful year at school with such a wonderful group of students to whom it was so hard to say goodbye. Those kids not only liked my jokes, but eventually went on to capture real meaning in their writing.

The peaceful invitation presented by the blue grass music and knowing spirit of Edie Brickell's voice immediately pulled me in and without knowing the words to the verses I interpreted the repetitions in the chorus to fit my own background and life experience. One of the songs, whose chorus repeated the words "Remember Me" reminded me of not only the special people in my life who I have lost, but of my wish that my students not forget me and all they learned in my classroom as they continue on in life. Later on, upon closer inspection, I realized the lyrics really didn't speak to that point exactly, but in the end we all have our own relationships with music and I'm sure Steve Martin won't mind.

I received an email from a student today that I will share unedited:

Dear Mr. Basroon, You are the best teacher I had ever had. Not only I enjoyed your kind heart, empathy for others, your spirit, and care for others in need of help, I enjoyed all the fun we had as a class and spending my year with you was the best year I could ever have. Even leaving this school, I left this school with your help. You will always have a very deep and special place in my heart .I will never forget you. I will make sure that I visit you again.
P.S. hope my brother gets you for 5th grade

Teaching can be a demanding job, with many people along the way with a passionate opinion on exactly what kids need to learn and know how to do, and sometimes may be right. But just as my experience with the "misinterpretation" of the song, the concepts, ideas, and strategies I teach are also understood in many different shades and variations and may take time to fully mature. What matters most is that we build trust and teach from the heart. That part is never misunderstood.