By Jodie Scales, High School Language Arts, Muncie, IN:

I have a student who wrote an introductory letter to me at the beginning of the year explaining that his biggest fear is having to talk or present in front of anyone else, let alone in front of the whole class. Throughout the year, I have watched as his interactions with other students and in small groups increased tremendously. Today, that same student voluntarily and flawlessly read a short story written by another student in front of the entire class. It made my heart sing. I am so proud that in just one school year’s time he is now comfortable enough to do so. Thank you, students, for the joy watching you grow brings to my life.