On Monday I wrote about the challenges of teaching. I do not wish to revisit them at the moment, but it provides important context. As I mentioned there, what makes this job worth it is seeing students succeed. Sometimes just seeing them try their best is enough. This produces a kind of pride that is only superseded by what I feel for my actual children.

Yesterday a number of my students gifted this to me.

The writing assignment for the previous week was a challenge. Students had to compare two film texts, identify three cinematic techniques they shared, compare how those techniques are used and to what effect, and reach conclusions about how the directors differed in their use and effect. Because of this complexity, I produced for my students a lengthy How I Would Do It post that included a full length essay of my own. I did not, however, expect students to replicate the length or complexity of my essay. I have been writing academically for a long time at this point, and this kind of writing comes naturally to me.

The effort demonstrated by many of my students was well beyond anything I would have expected. My students looked for cinematic techniques in animated TV shows, music-videos, and a variety of film genres. They thoughtfully composed essays that were structured so as to make clear the connections (and departures) between their chosen directors. In format and function, my students demonstrated a commitment to producing quality work that I have never seen on a weekly homework assignment.

I am in awe of them, and if I could do a sports-movie styled slow-mo celebration complete with a mid-air celebratory freeze frame I would.

Thank you for your effort students. I am proud of you.