A special thanks to Rafe Esquith

On this day of Thanksgiving~ I want to thank my first and most influential mentor~ Rafe Esquith. Esquith isanationally recognized~ fifth-gradeteacher based in Los Angeles.

During my first year as a teacher~ I was ready to quit. While teaching middle school~ I felt overwhelmed~ dissapointed and doubtful about whether I chose the right profession. However~ afterhearing Esquith speak on NPR~ I read his book "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire." I then e-mailed him~ and he called me that night! While driving home after a long day of teaching~ Esquith called me and gave me practical advice on teaching. This led to a year long mentoring relationship through the phone and e-mail.

Some days~ while driving or athome on a Sunday~Esquith would spend an hour or more sharing his unique philosophy of teaching.

With his help~ I began to make strides in the classroom and~ within a few years~was being recognized by my colleagues and students alike.

While I haven't spoke to Esquith in some time~ I am still thankful for his time and priceless advice~ and through his writings and online interviews~ I continue to study his methods and learn something newevery time.

So thank you Rafe for what you have done for me. I will always be grateful.

Steve