I didn't realize when I first saw the You Matter manifesto on Twitter last year just how much it would change my life. It has become an integral part of why I do what I do. I've not only hung it on my bulletin board this year, but I've made kids read it. Sometimes as a special education teacher, I don't always get to see the academic light bulbs or the academic progress. However this year I've gotten to see the bulbs that go off when all kids realize that they matter and can make a difference. Today I had the privilege to serve as a hero alongside other heroes(policemen, firemen, members of the armed forces, and medical heroes etc.). We had the opportunity to take kids on a shopping spree for Christmas, thanks to a local church. Watching these kids spend almost an hour shopping for what they wanted was priceless and humbling at the same time. Today was a day I will never forget. Today was a day that I got to see the You Matter manifesto seed planted in almost 600 kids. This is why I do what I do. I also caught myself talking about "my kids" today and had one of the other volunteers ask if I had kids. (Other teachers understand what I mean).
If you are unfamiliar with the You Matter manifesto, check out this link: You Matter Manifesto
