Pay it Forward And Beyond By DiAnne Simonson

I am truly flattered when asked to provide a reference letter for a well-deserving senior student. It really is a compliment, and I take the request very seriously. After all, it could make a huge difference to the student applying for an honour,  scholarship or position of employment.  

Over the years, I have received a variety of gifts thanking me for my time and  effort -- flowers, candy, gift certificates (Starbucks were my favorites) but I realized that perhaps I could optimize this opportunity by providing some positive Feedback to colleagues in the teaching profession. 

For the past three years, I have challenged my students to ‘Pay It Forward.’ Instead of feeling personally obligated to thank me for their letter of  recommendation, I have asked the student to please write a letter of appreciation to  a teacher. Someone who inspired them into a position of leadership; someone who  challenged them to follow their dreams; someone who encouraged them to set  goals; someone who supported them through a rough time; or, perhaps someone  who planted the seed to strive for excellence. The effect has been amazing: from  kindergarten teachers that thought they were long forgotten to a retired teacher that  received a letter just prior to undergoing chemotherapy. Teachers are genuinely  surprised and grateful for the little unexpected notes of recognition and gratitude. 

At this time in the field of education, when there appears to be a general feeling  that teaching is socially undervalued as a profession, perhaps a simple way to  improve performance, morale and climate is to offer meaningful recognition for  educators. I truly believe that the ‘Pay It Forward’ challenge allows students to  take the opportunity to say thanks: “I want you to know you were important to  me.”