March 3

Isaac has always been a strong student when it comes to math and science, but for some reason, he wasn't placed in advanced math when he started middle school. Nor was he moved up in seventh grade. But this year, two weeks into the school year, he was suddenly bumped into Algebra 1. He was super excited until he realized that he had a ton of holes in his educational background (since, you know, they skipped him over an entire year of math), and then he struggled through the first semester.

Even though he was falling further and further behind, he wasn't at all keen on the idea of getting a tutor ("no way" and "no no no no NO" were among the responses provided when I brought it up) but we knew he needed help. So when it finally dawned on me that our friend Gerri from church was a) a former Algebra teacher and b) bored because she's been recovering from a knee injury, I set up a meeting for the two of them.

And then poof, everything changed. And I can honestly say that she's been a God-send. His test scores have improved astronomically (think failing to A's) and she's been so encouraging and complimentary of his abilities that I think he actually looks forward to sessions.

So this evening, I am grateful for her and for how she uses her gift of teaching to bless others.