Is it too late to apologize?

I began teaching in 1998.
To all my students from my first year of teaching:

I’m sorry for…

• using grades as a reward
• using grades as a punishment
• neglecting to give you timely and meaningful feedback
• saying “You better learn it in time for the final exam” when discussing your poor test scores
• assigning homework every night (just because)
• collecting and grading your copied homework
• talking at you instead of talking with you
• talking at you instead of listening to you
• doing activities, activities, and more activities! (with no connection to your understanding)
• giving you notes, notes, and more notes! (with no engagement by you)
• reading my Powerpoint slides to you
• asking low-level questions

And yet, you didn’t riot or declare mutiny. Perhaps, over the course of 11 years of schooling, you were used to it. And for that, I am truly sorry.

Regards,
Mr. Noschese