Encouraging

As a third grade teacher I'm not likely to get those visits from former students where they tell you about how being in your class has affected their lives. I always read about those visits or hear about them from other teachers and I think it's so cool. I would be so honored if that happened but I do realize that (1) it takes a great teacher to make a great impact (2) my kids are only in 3rd grade and (3) I've only been teaching for 5 years.
However, today I got some positive feedback which was very encouraging to hear. A parent from last year's class came up to me and said, "I've always liked how you say good morning to each student as they walk into class. This morning I was reading the Reader's Digest and read a story that made me think of you. The story was about a guy who made it his mission to say hello to everyone he saw for 30 days. During this time he did some research and found that teachers who say hello to each student every day have students that are 27% more effective. When I read this I thought of you."
I was honest with her and told her that I started doing that so that I would remember their names and then the students really liked it so I continue it. But YAY ME! I was just doing what I do and come to find out that what I do makes my students more productive. Here I am being a good teacher and not even trying!