The close of elementary school is upon us and I am feeling rather blue.

I know. That’s not my normal reaction to having less to do for six weeks, but it has begun to be bittersweet. Some of my favorite teachers are retiring.

These educators have left an especially impressive legacy and a tough act to follow. I have observed them for 15 years. I thank God they were public school teachers. I have seen them, every year, without fail, bestow things on students that are beyond price.

I watched as one of them noticed a student daydreaming and sensed that she wasn’t just daydreaming. He knew it was more, and he wouldn’t rest until it was diagnosed. She was suffering petit mal seizures. Her parents had no idea, but he did, even with the distraction of 19 other students. I have heard another student, now in college, speak of the confidence this same teacher instilled in him when he was so shy he could hardly speak in class. He claims this teacher taught him how to be comfortable with and laugh at himself. I saw it happen, so I know it’s true and that it was the start of the excellent young man he is today. This teacher made certain every day contained some lesson about doing the right thing, holding yourself accountable and respecting one another, long before a character-building curriculum was instituted.

Another of these teachers taught both of my children — two children with absolutely opposite personalities, learning styles and talents. She was still able to give them both a year filled with hands-on learning and tailored opportunities they couldn’t resist. Each had an exceptional year with her because she knew instinctively how to bring out the very best in even the most difficult child. It was marvelous to see.

Yet another of these teachers walked my child through one of her most difficult years, giving her a gentle hand and a bottomless source of extra help, far beyond what any contract requires. Her steady, firm style helped my child learn when anything else would have cut her adrift.

Among these teachers was more than one who insisted on setting the bar high rather than aiming for the lowest common denominator. They did not compromise what they wanted for these children. I watched them work long, long hours. I watched them truly communicate with the kids, using high humor and absolute seriousness in equal measure. Watching them work was akin to watching a skilled juggler. In the end, these teachers were not just well-thought of. These teachers were beloved.

How can a parent ever show enough gratitude for the amazing good fortune of having these people influence their children? We can’t. We can only hope that the regular stream of student teachers who passed under those very skilled wings gained as much as the children. I have confidence they did.

These wonderful men and women, these individuals who truly helped us raise our children right, wouldn’t have it any other way.