Messages From Students to Their Future Teachers

Special Memories From Students

• Teacher helped with personal worries and transformed learning into fun, memorable experiences.
• Comfort received when a student cried: teacher noticed distress, intervened with kindness (e.g., offering a sweet drink / “red cordial”–style comfort) and solved the problem.
• First day at a new school: student knew nobody but, with teacher support, finished the day with many friends and a lasting love for the school.
• Repeated reminder from teacher to “give everything a go,” encouraging risk-taking and growth.
• Teacher’s mantra: “Never give up; if it’s tricky, believe in yourself.” This stuck with the student.
• Constant encouragement placed a smile on students’ faces; memories specifically highlight laughter, jokes, and the pleasure of feeling noticed.
• Grade 2 memory: teacher offered extra help, making the student feel capable and seen.
• A newcomer felt instantly encouraged by an “amazing” teacher who welcomed them warmly.
• Daily ritual of greeting each learner with a smile each morning and afternoon became a treasured routine.
• Students recall teachers who were funny, kind, helpful, and who created a sense of safety at school.

Words of Encouragement Addressed to Future Teachers

• “You are strong, you can do this!”
• “Be excited to be a teacher!” and “It’s so exciting becoming a teacher.”
• “Good luck … wishing you all the luck in the world.”
• “You will be amazing—just be yourself.”
• “Keep trying; you won’t be perfect, and that’s okay.”
• “Always be positive; challenges will approach you.”
• “Hope you have an amazing time with your new class; don’t forget you’re awesome!”

Advice & Practical Tips Repeated Across Letters

• Smile often: “Don’t forget to SMILE,” “have a smile on your face every day,” “remember to smile because it will give a much better experience.”
• Maintain a supportive, encouraging atmosphere: tell jokes, create fun lessons, brighten students’ days.
• Avoid being overly strict; strictness can make both teacher and students sad.
• Embrace challenges: “When you try, anything is possible,” “always try your best when challenges approach,” “give everything a go.”
• Believe in yourself; self-confidence models resilience for students.
• Greet learners warmly every morning; small rituals build community.
• Keep learning and enjoying the journey of becoming an educator.

Qualities Students Explicitly Value in Teachers

• Kindness, helpfulness, and empathy (e.g., noticing tears, offering help when stuck).
• Humor (teachers who “make me laugh” and “be funny”).
• Positivity and enthusiasm.
• Supportive persistence (encouraging “never give up” mind-set).
• Safety and trustworthiness (students feel “safe at school” with caring teachers).
• Energy and light (“be a light in the world,” “lots of energies”).

Emotional & Ethical Considerations Highlighted

• Students are highly sensitive to teacher mood; a smile or strict tone shapes emotional climate.
• Encouragement can transform first-day anxiety into belonging—underscoring ethical duty to foster inclusion.
• Humor used responsibly elevates joy and strengthens relationships.
• Teachers have moral authority to model perseverance and self-belief.
• Kindness is universally remembered; harshness or indifference is absent from positive memories.

Connections to Broader Teaching Principles & Real-World Practice

• Social-emotional learning: building resilience (“never give up”) and self-efficacy (“believe in yourself”).
• Inclusive classrooms: greeting each child by name promotes equity and belonging.
• Growth mind-set pedagogy: “give everything a go” aligns with research on embracing productive struggle.
• Classroom climate: smiles, humor, and warmth correlate with higher engagement and motivation.
• Teacher well-being: multiple notes remind future teachers to “make yourself happy” and “don’t stress,” recognizing that educator wellness directly impacts student experience.

Numerical Reference Captured

• Grade 2 experience cited as a pivotal supportive moment.

Quick-Reference Checklist for Incoming Teachers (Synthesised)

• [ ] Greet every student daily with a smile.
• [ ] Embed humor and fun into lessons.
• [ ] Offer encouragement whenever learners struggle.
• [ ] Practice kindness over strictness; set fair boundaries without dampening joy.
• [ ] Model perseverance: share personal stories of tackling tricky tasks.
• [ ] Celebrate risk-taking and “giving everything a go.”
• [ ] Maintain your own happiness and well-being; students notice.
• [ ] Remember: perfection isn’t required—authenticity is.