Two, four, six, eight—who do we appreciate?
Photo by bradjward
Most of us have had at least one teacher in our lives that has motivated us to some sort of greatness. (At least, I hope that’s the case.) For me, it was Mrs. Montgomery, fourth grade. She still stands out in my mind as one of the most influential and inspiring people in my life. She and I kept in touch long after elementary school — she even came to my high school graduation—and we corresponded frequently throughout college.
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, which got me thinking about Mrs. Montgomery and some of the other inspirational (and not-so-inspirational) teachers I’ve known. What qualities make for a great teacher? It’s a question that has been asked many times in Answers, and looking over the myriad responses, there seem to be a few common threads.
I really like Aim T’s idea that great teachers are constructivist in their methods, meaning they teach in a manner that enables their students to learn by making discoveries for themselves. This is a shift from the idea that teachers are simply repositories of knowledge, offering facts and figures for their students to learn by rote. Though there are definite benefits in learning how to memorize and store information, constructivist methods tend to engage students more completely in their own learning process.
Many of you agree with housescrubs, Shawn, and amber that great teachers find a way to incorporate humor and energy into their lessons. Finding a way to make even the most tiresome subject enjoyable keeps students engaged and interested. Not all teachers need to be as outrageous as Robin Williams in “Dead Poets Society,” but finding small ways to make their subjects relevant to their students goes a long way in making the learning process both entertaining and effective.
Most concur with violamom74 that great teachers are enthusiastic, fiercely knowledgeable about their subjects, and behave in ways that earn respect from their students. Above all, great teachers make you want to learn, not just in that specific class or subject, but for a lifetime. Those qualities were certainly true of Mrs. Montgomery, who I wholeheartedly appreciate not only this week, but always.
What do you think sets certain teachers apart from others? What qualities do you think make a teacher great?
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Mine was my 7th grade teacher Mrs. Perez-Bellon she ws great, she help me so much and made me realize there was so much more in this world for me to do. 5 years later i still think of her and try to keep in touch with her.
My kindergarten teacher was mean and rude and nasty, but the teachers assistant was good.
that u have 2 have patience with the pupil, not bite their heads of, but they also have to a fearm postition so the pupil woun’t take advantage of him/her and the most important that u can’t force a pupil 2 learn something they don’t want, every pupil has it’s own pase 2 walk and it’s own personality, a good teachers sees a persons good qualities and tries to present his/her subject in a way that will be interesting to the pupil and in so way that wull make it easier for the pupil
I had my shares of ups and downs in teachers, but at the moment I have a teacher who I really trust and has made a point in my life..^-^
For me, the perfect teacher is our head of music. He’s the funniest man in the world, and is so caring and kind, sometimes it leaves you speechless.
To all the brilliant teachers who help make school fun! *Raises glass*
Scarlet – hopefully that’s not an ENGLISH teacher you’re talking about…
;);););)
I would say that the teacher that motivated me the most was my Programming Teacher.
He showed not only that learning should be a fun experience (he was the type to crack jokes at appropriate times) – but ALWAYS found a way to get through to even the WORST student.
Well done, Mr. Bates (YES, that was his name – no wonder he had a wicked sense of humour)
;););)
As far back as I can remember, there has always been a teacher in my life. My aunts were teachers. I attended church and there were Sunday School teachers. I went on outtings and trips and there were always teachers. When I began school, I remember my teachers were all older ladies who smelled like flowers and candy combined. They always wore crisp blouses and skirts; stockings and comfortable pumps. They always smiled. They always had treats for their classroom students. The rooms always smelled like warm apple cider. The rooms were all colorfully bright and music played. Bright colored carpets were scattered on the floors and books were everywhere! I enjoyed going to school and my experience with teachers gave me the introduction to the career that I would later choose for my own life. My most favorite teacher would have to be Mrs. Wilson at J.S. Abrams Elementary School in Bessemer, AL. She was my fourth grade teacher and showed me so much love and support. She knew I enjoyed reading and would allow me to read books well beyond my grade level. By the time I was in the fifth grade – I was reading and comprehending on the 9th grade level. I loved her because she took so much time with us. She showed us how much she cared and she shared stories of her own home life with us. She set the pace for me to love all of my teachers and even though some of them did not have the disposition of Mrs. Wilson, I had a foundation of understanding my place, her place and my parents and families place in the educational cog. Today. I teach middle and high school. I know that my foundation and love for reading and children has continued throughout the years. I have managed to expand my gifts and talents into the music world and television and I know that I can bring so much more to the classroom. Teaching is a calling. You have to love with all your heart and want to see the best in each child – no matter how difficult they might be. No matter what background they came from. No matter what kind of words come out of their mouth. You are the foundation for many of these young people and I believe that because I was blessed to receive such love and compassion, I have a double portion to give.
A fifth-grade teacher we called “Miss Mary” was the one who spurred me on. Even after all these years I can hear her announce to our class, “Laurean will be an author some day.”
My chest swelled up with pride. You see, I cam from a family who was poor, downtrodden. Positive thinking and big dreams were discouraged. But Miss Mary planted a seed of hope and desire. And though I did not actively pursue her prophecy for nearly forty years, ( I wasted many years at a job that I hated), it stuck with me. On April 30, I signed a book contract with the Wild Rose Press. Y-a-a-ay!
I have always loved to write, but had no idea how or where to send my material. Then one day I looked through a local magazine and got the courage to call the publisher. They published my essay. I was paid $25, but this spurred me on to another level. I submitted another essay. Then I started writing nostalgic stories from childhood adventures–just to pass on to my child and grandkids–if I ever have any. Ha!
Soon I took and online creative writing course where I interacted with a dozen others. It was so much fun to read what everyone wrote. I made a good friend through this course. She lives 800 miles away and we have never met. But we keep in touch by phone and email.
It took three years to finish the book. Long work hours and relsultant pure exhaustion delayed the process. So, after writing the first half of the book, I told my husband that I was going to quit and finish the book before returning to work. I want you to know that I finished the last half of the book in 5 months!
Because of family illnesses and numerous edits, I did not submit the manuscript until the spring of last year. The first place never replied. The second place replied withing 30 days. They wanted the first 50 pages. Five weeks later they asked for the entire manuscript. After dozens of revisions I have signed the contract.
My brother said, “You are on your way.” It’s almost like hearing Miss Mary’s words in my ear again.
So, yes. Teachers play a huge role in what a child becomes. If that child gets no encouragement at home, he or she looks to the teacher to him or her that she is special and has special talents the world is waiting to enjoy.
I have has many teachers, many great teachers, in my educational career. The very first one I identified with well was my 2nd grade teacher, Mrs Willis, who then went on to become my 4th and 5th grade teacher as well. I still see her every now and then, and I’m finishing my 2nd year in college. Our personalities just click – they’re not the same at all ,that’s for sure, but they definitely complement eachother well. I remember in 5 th grade she made the comment that I write better than she does (as far as eloquence, not neatness). The next one that I really connected with was my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Snider. She and I hit it off from the start. Then when I was in high school she moved to Austria and I was heartbroken, because I can’t keep in touch with people once they move, it’s just the way I am. I try, but it never works. She really brought out the best in me. She was kind and understanding when I suddenly needed glasses that took months to actually get due to a manufacturing error. My vision was to the point where it was 20/200, while the year before in 2nd grade it was 20/20. She made sure I got to see the overhead stuff on my desk since even sitting as close as possible to the screen I couldn’t make anything out. She realized I was ahead of my peers in school, and though the school didn’t have a gifted program, she made sure I got the advanced education I needed – she sent me to other classrooms (4th and 5th grade) for math and English. She took a personal interest in me and my family, and my mother taught her some basic German before she moved to Austria.
In middle school, none really stick out as being excellent, though one that I still like to go see now and then was my 7th/8th grade French/German/Social Studies teacher, Mr. Brill. his sense of humor was just great, and he too got along well with my entire family, and even asked my mother to help him with teaching German.
And in high school, there were a few that stick out. My junior English teacher, Mrs Fry, is the biggest one. She really brought out the writing skills in me, encouraged me to enter contests, and just took to me for whatever reason. She was nurturing, she knew about our family’s financial troubles and tried to be accommodating. She’s now my brother’s adviser while he’s on academic probation, and he’s really taken to her as well. She’ll be his English teacher next year. She is the one who got me started in dog sitting. A year and a half ago she asked me to dogsit, and now I have 4 clients, and these last 2 months I’ve dogsat every other weekend for someone. She’s really the one that saw the diamond underneath and polished until it shined.
However, in college, I took a creative writing class, and that teacher ruined all the hard work Mrs Fry had put into me. She hated my writing, and in turn I learned to hate my writing. I haven;t done any creative writing in over a year, and it’s really a shame, I have no desire to write anymore. that teacher ruined me.
And sadly, none of my teachers never actually understood me 100%. None of them realized I had a problem. Well, the realized, the just didn’t connect my problems with eachother to get a full picture of what is wrong with me. None of them knows how much of an imposter I felt throughout school, because they all thought I knew more than I actually did. They made me out to be a genius, and I’m not. I’m just a pedantic socially challenged person. I’m an Aspie. I didn’t know it during my school years before college, and therefore neither did they. But now it all makes sense.
And as far as college goes, no teacher as really come close to any of the teachers I mentioned that made a positive difference in my life. I can’t even learned the names of my teachers anymore, I was so put off by them early in my college career. The only one that comes close to being a great teacher is my current Archeology teacher. She takes me for who I am, though sadly she doesn’t know the real me 100%. But she called me a scientific thinker, a good archaeologist, and really takes a personal interest in me. I still feel like an imposter, though, because I don’t -feel- like the good archaeologist she called me. I don’t want teachers to suck up to me, I want them to be honest.
The best teacher that I have ever had was and still is Mrs. Unica. She taught me in math. She was so understanding and nice. And whenever I didn’t understand something. She was really patient and she explained things really well. She never made me feel stupid or uncomfortable. And she always encouraged me and told me never to give up. And it is because of her that I still get A’s in math.
mine was mrs thayer, my creative writing teacher in high school. her encouragement was beyond my deserve. i have a memory of her being an outstanding teacher but, then again, i did have a liking of her subject. i hope that wherever she may be today, she is happy. thank you mrs thayer.
What school is she in????
A really great teacher has passion for the subject they teach. I had a professor once who taught a class called “freedom of speech”. A lot of kids took it thinking it would be an easy A. It wasn’t – not by a long shot. Professor O’Mara challenged every single person in that class to examine their own values relative to how “free” we thought speech should be and convinced every one of us of the total importance of speaking up and not being silent when liberty is being challenged. When he got going, nobody slept in his class! His passion came through in his words, voice and body language so that he taught with every cell in his body.
My favourite teacher ever was my grade 5 & 6 teacher Mrs. Prangley. She was the nicest teacher ever and I was so happy to have her for 2 years (last year and the year before). I was so bummed though this year because I couldn’t have her another year. She was the only teacher I had that cared about me so much, she even came to some of my hockey games when we played in town.
My teacher this year, on the other hand, is horrible. She is nice and everything sometimes, but she doesn’t care squat about me. She was at the exact same hockey baquet as I was. I got an award at that banquet. The next day she asked my friend why he wasn’t at the banquet last night, but said nothing about my award. Plus she always talks about her kids. Every time she gives an example for something it always includes her kids.
Anyways this was supposed to be about a teacher we loved, and Mrs. Prangley was the one I loved and I will never forget her. <33
I guess that I am the sour apple in every class, and always was. I don’t like it when teachers pick on the kids in the class, any of them, and never did. Since the teachers aren’t supposed to pick on children, you never see it coming. It doesn’t matter if they skip a year, it is still never forgotten. They need to remember that they are not,”the baby”, or “the babied”.
mrs ross shes really helped me through all the years during high school shes kind, cool to talk to, really pretty and always makes everyone laugth never forget her x she’s awsome =D
mine was mrs. hash. god bless her.
I had a Mrs.Montgomery in 4th grade to. I actually had three teachers that were awesome. The first was my 3rd grade teacher Mrs.Hartwig. I still go to see her on occasion. The second is my other 3rd grade teacher Miss Weisel (now Mrs.Raber). She was so much fun but then she moved. The 3rd is my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Dowell. She was the most fun of them all and I can’t wait to (hopefully) have her for Algebra I next year.
My favorite teacher is my freshman basketball coach Mr. P, although I dont have him as a teacher yet, he is an inspiring person and always wants to help others. I think a great teacher is someone who no matter what doesnt want to give up with their students, loves their job and inspires kids everyday.
Klapper. He was also the headmaster. He was the first teacher who showed me that frustration and anger could be channeled into something creative. He used to bring his big dog to school which I found reassuring (a teacher with a heart!). The classes that he taught always did such interesting things–his senior class had to buy a fish (many of the kids had never had to buy fish at the market), boil it down until there were only bones left, then reconstruct the fish correctly and figure out how to hold the bones together, then write a paper about it. In my class, he had us buy a pomegranted and for several weeks he’d just make us set the fruit in front of us as he conducted class. By the end of about a month, he said we were to write about the fruit–anything we wanted but it had to be creative writing. The outcome was very interesting because you got to see a lot more of who your fellow classmates were (one complained that she wasn’t supposed to do the teacher’s job which was to tell her what to write about–she went on to become a teacher herself). In another class, he was interrupted by a message from the administration and whatever was on the message irritated him. He crumpled the paper and violently threw it against the wall. He told us to write about that thing, that piece of paper, whatever we wanted to make out of it. I loved the challenge, loved finally being allowed to have a mind and perspective of my own, finally being allowed to stretch my wings, and I finally knew there was another way of teaching and learning that was like fresh air in a confined room. I’ve tried to track him down online but can’t find anything at all for him; I’d just love to say thanks.
Mine was my 4th grade teachers, I have memories of K – 3rd, but my 4th grade teacher is the one that had the most influence on my life. One the last day of school, Mrs. Schneider had a fellow student and I stay back for one minutes. We stood there and she put a hand on each of our shoulders bent down and told us we were her favorate students and she enjoyed having us in her class. That one gesture of a teachers love for her students impacted me. I became a good student in class, I did not disrespect any teachers and I always made an effort to get to know them also. I even went to college to be a teacher.
My 6th grade teacher, Sister Madonna, greatly impacted my life. She used music in her classroom quite often which I thoroughly enjoyed. She used music to teach academic concepts which helped me to remember them. But the most wonderful thing about Sister Madonna was that she played the guitar during class. She made learning fun. Because of her, I, too, learned to play the guitar. I am a teacher and I, too, use a lot of music to help children learn. Thank you, Sister Madonna! Wish I knew where you were.
I’ve had great teachers all the time. So great that being in 7th grade I look forward to school and like school better then weekends. Monday is my favorite day of the week. Saturday my least favorite. My teachers have made me love school so much I think of school as my home and my house my second home…Thats what truly great teachers can do.
That’s so weird. I remember having a teacher at my elementary school named Mrs. Montgomery who taught THIRD grade. Creepy.
My influential teacher is my current English teacher, Mr. Arena. He’s always smiling, always in a good mood, and he’s got a great outlook on life. I know that if I have a bad day, 6th period is the class the puts a smile on my face again.
If only he could make me just as enthusiastic about math.
Mrs Smith
I was five by the time i was diagonsed with dyslexa and at that age in 1978 it was hardly recongnised my mother knew i was different compared to my sister and so she arranged Miss Smith a wonderful patient independent teacher who worked endlesslyto provide top quality English skills with out her i would never be as bright as i am today my heart is still out there i have never held back Thankyou Mrs Smith of Shenfield Essex XXXXXXXXXXX Always let God be with you .
My eleventh grade English teacher is the best teacher I’ve had thus far. He’s so intelligent, funny, and honest. I’ve learned more in one year of his class than in all of my high school years.
my teacher was Mr. Golles
Stout Middle School
BEST TEACHER EVER
Mine was first grade teacher Mrs. Waterfield at Great Bridge Elm. in Chesapeake Va. I had every childhood disease that a child could get. Chicken pox, mumps and even had my tonsils out. I loved school and loved to read. I wanted my first hard back book so bad. I missed 63 days but Mrs. Waterfield came to my house and brought my work and I passed. Do you know of any other teacher that would go out of their way for you like that. She was so special.
Ya I know what u mean. My teacher’s name , well i have 3 Mr. Ramirez my current teacher, Mr. Munoz, my 6th grade teacher, and Mrs. March. They were all the best teachers in my life, well so far. They motivated me so much. I thank them so much for that!
stanfa!!! 9th grade
I remember my last year’s teacher who ended up replacing our homeroom techer who left on materninty leave.
She was so understanding and showed alot of equality among all the students and I’m glad to say that we still keepin touch. She’s the best teacher in the universe in my opinion!
As for the not so inspiring teacher I have a certain homeroom/science/french/english teacher that – I’m not gonna say ‘can’t teach’, because she can, she just doesnt know how to get the students to cooperate with her in the learning process.
She’s very impatient (she yells alot), instead i recomend asking the students to settle down.Obviously at first they won’t get that ‘the-scream-when-in-need-of-attention teacher starts talking, that she’s serious, but after a while the students will like the ‘good mood’ that she’s in. In my opinion that’s some immature behavior.
Although I know that she’s a really nice person outside of school, she loves to argue and always thinks she’s right.
Also she’s young so she has attitude (even towards the older more expirienced teachers) *hint to teacher: do not roll your eyes or give dirty looks to you students they will pay you back with the same treatment*, she thinks she’s always right and won’t let you get a word in to have a conversasion w/ her *another hint: when your students talk to you, try to take their side !but don’t argue!, be more flexible with your perception of things and your opinion.
I hope her student won’t kill her…after all they did rearange the keys on the keyboard to her computer, make a dump out of 13 lunches in the centre of the classroom after shoving all the desks to one side, putting chalk in between the layers of the chalk eraser (so that it writes instead of erasing), stolen things from her desk, writen ‘JOIN THE MARCH OF FREEDOM’ behind the overhead screen and many, MANY other things. All because of the way she acts.
Hope this helps some unfortuate techers improve :S
I’m not sure of the spelling, but I had a teacher in 4th grade, Mrs. Wuerth, who had a big influence on my life. She was a secular and fairly progressive teacher at a Catholic school. We kept guinea pigs, mice, gerbils, and other animals in the classroom. We did experiments with plants, and saw monarch butterflies emerge. We had current magazines in the room, I seem to remember an issue of Life magazine with a streaker on the cover. And I remember having little weekly meetings where she sometimes actually managed to get the kids to talk about their feelings. She was a remarkable person, and I still wonder how she is doing. I wrote the school years later–actually, just the church associated with the school, the school itself had been closed for years–trying to find out more about her or how to contact her, but they weren’t able to help. I’ve had some other great teachers, too, most of them in high school.
My favorite teacher of all time-who help broden my little 4th grade horizons would have to be Mr.Burrows. I love that man. We did so much in his class. We even made cartoons and an entire movie set in the future. Great teacher-but now I see he doesnt get the appreciation deserved anymore-The new generation of parents have come about, and dont care about ” A Wrinkle In Time” or Bill Nye.
Heh..I had a teacher in the eighth grade who motivated me. He was a history teacher yet he tought me about literature and poetry. We had our problems and differences, but he always pushed me. And i thanks him for that. Thanks Mr. Fowler
This is such an awesome question. I have many teachers that have impacted my life and will enjoying listing them!
I was a very young age in kindergarten at Flowery Field Primary School in Manchester, UK. I had a teacher named Mrs Green. While I do not remember her very well, I am told she was fabulous with me. I do remember her giving me a book as I loved reading, and I have this book to this day. She had actually gone and bought a book about a girl and her wellington boots, because I hated wearing mine! She hoped to convince me to wear them so I didnt get sick. What a lovely lady!!
I emmigrated to Perth, Australia when I was 6 years old, and here I have had some brilliant teachers, along with a few bad ones!
In year 5, at Beldon Primary School, I had Mr. Elliot Reid. He was fantastic. He was genuinely interested in each individual. He recognized good behaviour by giving us mini awards each week. If the whole class was good, he would take us out to the oval for the last hour of school each day and let us play football or just sit and chat with friends. He introduced me to music, playing the keyboard… I have gone on to play classical piano. He motivated me further with my reading, and gave me books to read that were way beyond my age level. I read them (to everybodys amazement) and continue to love reading. He had hilarious humour and ill never foret him.
At high school I was lucky enough to have a few teachers whom I enjoyed seeing, and participating in their classes. I went to Belridge Senior High School.
Mrs Cassidy, the Performing Arts teacher. One word: WOW. By now, I was extremely into music. I loved playing the piano and keyboard, but she got me into singing as well. We would have performances with microphones and a proper stage and everything. Not only did she boost our self esteems, but was always there to talk to about personal matters too. I must admit, she must have been my favourite teacher I have ever had.
Mrs Smith, my home economics teacher. Now let me tell you, I am HOPELESS with sewing. But she continued to be patient, and helped me constantly. And yes, I did finish that pillow case! Hahaha. I had a few personal issues arise, and she was the first one there to lend an ear and offer advice. She would get me out of classes I didnt like to focus on something I can use. I will always remember her kindness.
Mrs Fuhrman… Work Ethics teacher. Well, we had ALOT of conflict with eachother.. however dispite our personality clashes, I learnt alot from her. For that, I thank her and respect her.
Also, Mrs Godfrey, another home economics teacher… I had a friend pass away recently and she attended the funeral. Bless her, she always had a beautiful heart.
Mr Papersergio… Jesus christ. Well we clashed constantly! He would send me out of class all the time! He was a maths teacher, and I was never interested in Maths. I will say however, once I was out of his class, we got along. A wonderful person with a good sense of humour.
One last thing. A teacher in primary school said id never amount to anything. Id like to say a big “stuff you, i made it!” I am now a successful admin officer in an Accounting Firm. I do everything from Reception to Payroll to basic tax advice.
A big thankyou to all the teachers who motivated me.
I still appreciate Mr Winter, my English teacher in my advanced course of English, who made us read “Hamlet” and “Macbeth”. I hated him for that; but I can still quote Shakespeare when it comes to it. He pushed us through the very depths of the English language, and although I forgot so much, I’m still thankful.
I’m German. Would you believe?
My 6th grade teacher was the best. Not only academically, but she is also helping me through some very difficult emotional times in my life right now. She is not only my favorite teacher, but my mentor. God placed me in her class that year for a reason..I’m lucky to know someone like her!
My most inspirational teacher (during my formative years) was Mrs. Marie Brown Carson of Holy Family Catholic Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama. She passed away on last Sunday. She was my 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teacher. Before Mrs. Carson became my teacher, two of my classmates had been every teacher’s favorite from kindgarden through the end of the 5th grade. Many of us felt cheated and unimportant. Mrs. Carson brought all of that “picks and chooses/teacher’s pet’ crap to a screeching halt. She treated every one of us fairly! I know she has a very special place in Heaven for all of the fair-minded people who changed this world. God bless you, Mrs. Carson…for teaching me and for and treating me equally and fairly!!!
Hands down, Ms. Carol Dyas, my high school English teacher in Pittsburgh, PA.
She was dynamic, bold, tough and caring. No push over, to be sure! She set her standards high and expected no less from her students.
I called her “Mom” in high school. Twenty plus years later my children know her as their “Grandma.”
I never let her out of my life. If you are lucky enough to meet someone so extraordinary, hold tight with lots of love and respect.
I appreciate Carol and love her. I tell her all the time.
If you aren’t lucky enough to be in touch with a teacher that meant a lot to you take the time to contact them. Even a simple note saying, “You made a difference,” will mean a lot.
My life is better for knowing Ms. Carol Dyas!
Thank you God!
just curious…what school did your Mrs. Montgomery teach at?? My favorite teacher was also Mrs. Montgomery, at Lomarena in Laguna Hills. Any chance it’s the same teacher?? That would be too funny. ;o)
Mr.Doherty of WVHS my senior year 07′ poetry class,he made the class interesting…taught us is a way we could understand and actually learn something most of us found useful. He was a bit strict but still one of WVHS greats.
I’ve had so many great teachers throughout high school. My favorite would have to be my freshman Biology teacher, Mr. Lobo. Anybody who had him loved him. One of the first days of school he told our class that if there is anything bothering us, or anything we need to talk about and we dont want to goto a counselor or our parents, we are always welcome to goto him. Hes young, and so he can relate to the students. I learned alot during biology freshman year, not only about science but about the world and myself.
I am about to finish my junior year of high school, and I still goto his classroom every now and then to say hi and talk. When I found out my mom had cancer, and I wasn’t sure if she was going to live or not, I went and told Mr. Lobo. He was the first person(besides my best friend) who I told. I told him about the money problems my family was expecting to come upon, and he went to my councelor and told him that I should be comingin soon to talk. He wanted me to try to get finacial help through the school and community.
He’s one of those teachers who cares greatly about his students, and tries to help. He’s always going to be my favorite teacher, and the one I never forget about.
Being interactive, making classes fun, and actually caring for students is what I think makes a great teacher.
I had a teacher, Mrs. Debbie Wiskerchen, in the 4th grade, and because of her, I am going to be a teacher. She was the best teacher I have ever had, and I would love to be just like her. She was nice, understanding, and really helped me when I needed it. She is a terrific person, and I wish I still had contact with her. I really miss her, and I want to thank her for a wonderful year at Jordan Elementary in Arizona. I wish I could tell her all this. She REALLY inspires me to this day.
I still remember my 7th grade Reading and Social Studies Teacher. He was fantastic. He was sensitive to my needs and made accommodations for my undiagnosed disability before it was fashion to do so. He gave me opportunities to be successful. I thrived in his class. Everyone wanted to be my partner during games. I felt good about my abilities. No other teacher had been able to do than before. Most of them made me feel worthless. To this day, I remember him as being the first teacher who made a difference in my life. He inspired me to be a teacher for students with disabilities. I teach in Special Education programs. I hope I can pass on his gift to other students.
Oh yes ! I remember one teacher who wanted us to pass in Maths. She found ways to help us. I also remember another teacher who could not be bothered about the weak students; also in Maths. To all the good teachers, I do appreciate them. I also appreciate all those who should not be teachers because while they fail to teach us the subject, they however taught us about life, about people.
This is great, make sure you send a link to this teacher so she can read what a difference she made in your life, and probably in others lives.
My son’s had a great teacher, Mr McCaig, sadly passed away but I’m happy to say that he knew how much we loved and appreciated him.
He went way beyond the call of duty, even stepping in and playing Santa for me twice when I had Xmas parties for the boys soccer teams because he enjoyed the kids.
What a great teacher he was!
Susan
http://www.LivingWithRheumatoidArthritis.com
Mr. Daw…long sigh……..I will never forget this wonderful man who believed in me even when I couldn’t believe in myself. If you only knew what a terror I was and how from all measures of the world’s standards it seemed impossible that I would ever amount to anything, he always lifted my spirits. I am now walking in my God ordained calling and will never forget this one and only teacher who so greatly impacted my life.
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MR. DAW.
I had two teachers who I’ll never forget the first was my 7th grade teacher Mr. Shawn Crropelese. Who taught me how to tell time. He took a lot of extra time it was like he saw the dimanond in the rough and polished me til I shined. The second was my 9th grade science teacher Mr.Neal Rubin. They both got me excited about learning, opened up new areas of intrest and made me feel good about myself.
Remove my questions. My friend commented here rudely and I would like to apologize for his actions. I pushed him aside from the computer after the last comment and I would like to ask you to remove all of these and take no actions against it. My apologies.
I wonder if the person who commented before me was british… because my math teacher once told me that english people said “maths” plural instead of just “math” like how we say in America. Off topic but I thought it was interesting.
On the topic of teachers in general, I think the best teachers are the ones who have high expectations for their kids. If the teacher doesn’t ask a lot from the students, the students are not goign to give them a lot. That seems to be the general resposne and I’ve seen this demonstrated in my school. I had a history teacher who expected everyone to do well in his class. Everyone did do well because nobody wanted to let him down and if they did, they would study harder next time because they didn’t want him to be disappointed. My french teahcer on the other hand doesn’t expect a lot from her students, therefore nobody cares that much about her class does not try as hard. And it was generally the same class for both teachers.
Im touched by your writings.You know when i was a kid i wasn’t really into studies and all and i never even bothered to attend classes and do my homeworks thats maybe beause of my bad childhood.I remember that one day when i failed big time and i felt so disappointed, i knew that i can’t my parents and even if i tried they wouldn’t have cared about it.But This one teacher, she was our maths teacher, despite of the kinda student i was a Rebel so to speak, she walked into my class and told me, ” You know Schubz there are people who loves you and i care about you don’t be disappointed you can start this all over again..” tears were just running down my cheeks, and from that day onwards i had the motivations to pursue my studies and Now im doing my 3rd year medicine.I can’t never forget her.
Miss Barry was that kind of teacher to me. She stood a whole 5′3″ tall with short graying hair and she wore glasses. Rumor around school said that she had been a nun at one time but I haven’t the faintest Iidea why she gave it up. I do know that she was feared or hated by all her students and anyone who went to Nichols Jr. High School and had heard for english remembers her. She had a way of standing out in your mind. She was a strict discplinarian. She fear no student and I can attest to that. I watched her stand up to one of the school bullies who I would avoid and he stood a good eight inches over her head. Her greatest weapon was the word she used the ost and that was good. She was the first teacher who taught us that all was good with the world. Everything seemed to be good to her. She used the adjective good with just about everything she described. I learned from her the action verbs: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been, could, can, have, had, has, do, does did, would, will, should, would, must. The Gettysburgh Address was something she used to have her student memorize also because she thought it one of the greatest speeches said in american history making it one of the greatest pieces of american english writing. To this day that speech knocks around in my head. That one best thing she taught us was the greatest literary project she had us do to get a final mark in her class. That was to write an english term paper. Yes in the seventh grade this lady wanted to prepare us for writing papers like we would have to do in college. The paer was to be titled, “The True the Good and the Beautiful” and it was to be a collection of poetry picked and analysed by us. I am sorry I never saved it. I would have liked to look back on how I wrote then. nThrough the years my fear and awe of Miss Barry has turned in to love and admiration. She was a teacher her cared and did her best to prepare her students for the future.
none of my teachers in school but one of my lecturers in college i like because she used to do what i want to do and that is to be a zoo keeper
I had a great professor in college. I never truly understood what he ever saw in me as I was an average student and tried to just blend-in but he kept believing in me and even told me that if I ever decide to push myself, I could achieve great heights. He inspired me to give my best in whatever I do.
Unbelievable as it may be, I can’t remember his name but I can still picture him. He taught Management classes at St Paul’s College in Quezon City. He was married to one of our Euthenics professors.
Wherever he is, I hope he is well and that somehow, he knows that he made quite an impact for me.
When I was in third and fourth years junior school (ages 9 to 11) our teacher was Mr. Barlow, affectionately known as ‘Pop’ Barlow. Even the troublemakers respected him – he made achievement fun, no matter what level, just any achievement. He could have taught monkeys English and Arithmetic! In my Secondary school, the teacher I remember the best was Miss Wilson, our French Teacher, when she became ill and was unable to teach (ever again it turned out) I would go round to the house she shared with her, equally elderly, sister, and do their shopping for them, and pay bills etc. Not only was she a fantastic teacher, she was also a really kind friend.
Oh yes, I remember good ole Mr Bowman, he took me into the boiler room. He wanted to cousel me for being a bad boy. He said: “You don’t mind if I use a few little cuss words here, just between us men, do you”? I replied: “No Sir, You old S.O.B., I think you are real G.D. A.H.and I really appreciate you letting me go get you that glass of water from the cafeteria before we came in here. I hope you don’t mind I loaded it up with salt so it would taste better for you. With that, Mr Bowman got kinda frustrated and escorted me to the assisstant principal’s office. He taught 9th grade Algebra and at the end of the year I had a solid 40 average but he told me he would give me a passing D+ if I would promise to never take math courses again. I dearly promised. I later got my MBA in Accounting and became a CPA.
My favorite teacher is from 1st grade, Sister Rita Agnes. There is one partictular phrase that she always told us, it’s kind of silly for an adult, but perfect for young children: “Always try and never cry”. She left a lasting impression on me. She was strict, but very loveable.
My high school English teacher, Mrs. Dardis. Taught me to appreciate folk music, especially Joan Baez. Instilled in me love for the classics, Shakespeare (Julius Caesar), and great literary books. Not stuffy at all. Young and pretty and kind of a hippie…Gave me “records” to listen to. Loved to teach…it was contagious.
Actually I’m one of the few that never had any teacher that motivated me.
I’m an internal medicine doctor, and only motivation I ever needed was one within me.
I guess I’m an exception.
I’ve had few teachers that I liked, but none a role model, or motivator.
Actually my motivator was a television doctor called Dr. Gannon on the old medical show called “The Medical Center”!!
Yep! For me I’ve had to! Mr. Raisdana! He was the greatest! He inspired us that we could do something! He also loved poetry, every day in class or on our school trip to Malaysia, he always read poems he had wrote! When he left I wrote one for him…
They say that all you need to know you learn when you are young,
But I believe that thats not true because of all you’ve done
You’re more than just a teacher, you’re a companion, a friend,
And the list of all we’ve learned from you never never ends
You said that when united, accomplish anything, we would,
You believed in us, you said that with a will, we could
We’re so glad we got to know you, for however short it was,
You made a difference in all our lives, like no one ever does
Intrepid you were, and intrepid we’ll remember you,
And hope, that maybe someday, we’ll be intrepid too
(he always used the word intrepid)
Also, Mr Johnston, he was committed to us helping people and making a difference. Actually, that was part/most of our grade. We help people in our community and all over the world. Because of him, I AM convinced one person can make a difference!
They both cared about us and would help in anyway they could about everything!
My English teacher at Ullswater High School in Penrith, Mrs Harrison, one of the really good teachers’old school’ respectable and basically brilliant! I was having major problems at home
and didn’t have much success at school because of this; apart from English. It was the only thing I passed not because I was particularly good at it but because she was just such a good teacher, and I felt like I didn’t want to disappoint her. I wish there had been more like her.
You brought tears to my eyes,I had`nt thought about Miss Paton for a few years,she was my 5th grade teacher @Burnie Primary school in Tasmania in 1961…I believe she taught me how a lady should act while riding on the bus home..in a lecture the next morning..which I have carried with me to this day.I enquired about her periodically when vacationing there and her mum told me she had moved to Sydney…God Bless you Miss Paton where ever you are,and thank you.
I appreciate two teachers, Mrs. Sexton, my typing teacher in Junior High School in New York, 1961. I hated the idea of having to learn to type, little did I know that the computer age was in the making. Needless to say that I am glad that I learned what I could. I have taught others the basics of the keyboard in my former work as a supervisor with a security company. Secondly, Mr. Wexman who taught Woodshop at the same Junior High School. Thanks to Mr. Wexman, I was able to remodel my home with little help from anyone except a plumber.
Hi Everyone, Richard S. here! Thanks for all the great comments. And since a few of you have asked, my teacher was Mrs. Marilyn Montgomery at Carl Hankey Elementary School, in Mission Viejo. She was the best! steffany, it could very well be the same Mrs. Montgomery…wouldn’t that be great!?!
I had a teacher that totally motivated me in a weird way. Weird but good. One day he said “Kids, especially girls, always grow up to be just like their mothers…” Well to put it mildly I had a poor excuse for a mother, so he motivated me to not be like her. I dont think I would have anyway but he made sure of it.
Sooo thanks Mr. Leslie
I had three teachers you made a difference in my life. Mrs.Mackenize, my grade kindergarden teacher and yes I still remember her. Why, because she held me liked she loved me and taught me that there was a big world out there. 2nd was Mrs. B. King, my grade five teacher who also held me and loved me and taught me there was a big world out there and then Mr. Murray, my adult high school teacher who did not hold me like my female teachers but held me captive by his wisdom on his subject he taught – World History – and he did teach me about the big world that was out there. All were very significant in what they taught, how they taught, when they taught me, who I was at that time in my life and where I was. I never forgot them and I never will, they were very important in my life and how I live my life today. Of course, then you have your family members as teachers as well.
I had many teachers that made a difference in my life.
The first one was my Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Hammers @ Campus Elementary in Boise
Mrs. Shaffield @ Whitney Elementary in Boise, Mr. Carpenter @ Whitney, Mrs. Kelloggs @ Whitney
One was even a Substitute teacher Mrs. Tanner @ Borah High in Boise
I would have to say that 99% of my teachers really made a huge positive impact on my life. I could write a novel .
Cheers to all the Teachers Past Present and Future.
I had two teachers that really got to to where I am today. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Anderson was like a second mother to me until I was in 5th grade when I transfered schools, which she transferred to one year later because my old school closed down. She is still, almost 20 years later, a great friend of mine and my families.
The second teacher who had an impact on me was my Political Science teacher in high school, Mr. Connell. He sparked an interest in politics I had not had previously my freshman year of high school. He inspired me, and drove me to where I am today pretty much. I’m a 3rd year Politics major at a major university in Washington D.C..
Teachers, and education in general, are the glue that bind society together. Without whom, nothing in today’s complex world would be possible. Educator is possibly the most valuable occupation today.
I am a greatgrand mother who appreciate Mrs Gorman a teacher in early learning school in Sulphur Springs, Tx she i have not met. I see my grandaughters work and the different things she informs us of things to come. I want to tell her Thank you for all the extra things she makes time for.
She is a Teacher. one we can be proud to have working here in Hopkins County.
Thank you, Joyce McGary and Hannah
My eighth grade teacher, Sister Jo, will always be in my heart. She has supported me, listened to me, and done everything she can to make me a better and stronger person. I still keep in touch with her to this day and I appreciate her sooooo much!
I’d have to say my high school typing teacher Ms. Scott has had a huge impact in my life. She has always been there for me and we have remained friends for nearly 15 years. She is a great lady and I’m glad we have kept in touch.
Ms. Scott got me through my high school years by supporting and guiding me. I had a rough 4 years. Kids were mean and Ms.Scott was there when I really needed to talk. My Senior year I lost my right leg and I don’t know if I would have done so well if I didn’t have Ms. Scott to talk to.
My 10th grade Chemistry teacher, Mr. Harris is amazing.
I still talk to him on a daily basis, and I plan to keep visiting him even after graduating high school. He keeps my feet on the ground, and he keeps me smiling, I know that I can come to him on anything.
Then there is my Culinary teacher, who is the father I never had, I even call him ‘dad’. The day I met him, last year, he said to call him for anything, if I get hurt, if I get in a fight with my parents and need to crash, and he will even bail me out of jail. The other day I asked “Would you still bail me out of jail 10 years after I graduate?” And he answered “Without a doubt”.
I always say that I hate school, but without school, I wouldn’t have the people that I have.
Mr. Herb. (grade
was and is an amazing teacher. He was fun, yet disciplined us. You could imediately identify that he had a strong relationship with God. I had a great time learning with him.
I miss you herbie
yeah i remember a nun who gave me safety.i lived in a dysfunctional home w/an alcoholic mom(she hasnt had a drink in 10 yr?) and this nun showed me kindness,compasion and all incompsing love without being overly protective.she bought me my communion dress.she made sure i ate breakfast by pulling me from class and putting 2 of the same muffin in fornt of me and having me eat them and tell her which one was better,lol!! all that i understood at the time was she was VERYnice to me and that she was always around.years later when i was in rehab(imagine that,lol!) there was a woman who worked at the house i was in. in a conversation w/her i found out that she knew sister maura and thru a few phone calls i was able to contact her and say thank you. yes i cryed. i’d always had and will have a place for this woman in my heart. love &light ot all!!! kathy
mrs. harmon you were the best my 6.th grade teacher in hartford at dwight school she was funny, caring and knew how to make the good things in her students come out. take care mrs. harmon you are an angel
Mrs.Stager was my 7th grade teacher, and she was always such a cheerful peppy person. She never looked at the bad side of things, she was always positive. She would bring in alot of interesting things for our science class, like Madagascar cockroaches, or let us watch fun videos like Bill Nye. I always felt better when I saw her everyday, I guess her cheerfulness was addictive. Sadly she passed away last month to Ovarian Cancer..I wish I would have visited and told her how much of a difference she made.
I’ve had a few…my favorite was Ms. Fraser from 6th or 7th grade. she had a wonderful, quirky sense of humor… and she had a passion for what she taught… she’s the only person i know that could make diagraming sentences and grammatical contexts fun…
she also taught me the value of expressing one’s self.
Without her lessons I would have never learned or been interested in journaling, writing poetry, letting the past go.
Humor and Passion and a certain Creative Impulsiveness I think make an excellent teacher… I was a ” difficult” student … but she got through so all you teachers out there don’t give up. Just try another way…same with parenting …
I was very fortunate to have many good teachers in my life. Bible believers will identify with me when I say I’ve learned many good things from God and Jesus by reading the scriptures and other related spiritual food.
My mother is a good teacher, as children learn best by example. She is generous and continues to keep her mind active by reading up on the latest events, especially those that are spiritually related. She has a good sense of humor.
My 1st Bible study teacher was a young woman named Regina Feldmann. She was a happy regular pioneer, as full time volunteer ministers of Jehovah’s Witnesses are called. At about the age of 5, I wanted to know why she didn’t celebrate Weihnachten (Christmas) and other holidays and she explained it to me in such a manner so that I never missed the holidays when I stopped celebrating them too. I knew I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.
My home economics teacher, Mrs. Wendy Sepic, really loved her subject and taught me how to do things like, find things easier in a book or dictionary. She was not a perfectionist but very encouraging. I made a wool coat that could have been done better but she told me I did a good job for my first try and had a pleased look on her face.
Roberta Herburger, also a regular pioneer, taught me how to take notes when I was a young girl. She said that it was her 20 some years as a regular pioneer that helps keep her mind active and sharp, as she is in her 80s now.
Mr. and Mrs. Antonio, a circuit overseer couple of Jehovah’s Witnesses, were very encouraging to me. I enjoyed when he related how he used to
hang out on street corners” doing nothing important as a youth and later became a regular pioneer when he matured.
Mr. Carpenter, also a circuit overseer, was known for his mildness and kindness.
Mr. Woodly, a district overseer, I remember for his reasonableness and wisdom, as he encouraged the congregation to read at least one verse a day if they weren’t already reading the Bible every day. This is because of Luke 16:10, that whoever is faithful in least is faithful in much. He explained that if you get in the habit of reading a little bit a day, you will eventually increase your scripture reading.
Well, I could go on and on but you get the idea of what I consider a good teacher.
One teacher made me absolutely hate school, Ms Olshesky (sp?) she picked on kids and refused to talk or tutor kids that weren’t in the popular cliche…
I had a hard time with math and this teacher didn’t make it any easier… Fortunately I had good teachers too or I would have been miserable.
Attitude can be a good or bad thing… please teachers out there, have a heart and an actual liking of your job otherwise, do the students a favor and go elsewhere.
The greatest teachers I’ve had were in law school, and they were generally not warm people; they didn’t even know our names, and we didn’t expect them to. But they knew their stuff inside and out, and they could make things clear by the shortest route possible.
The teacher who comes first to my mind was my Torts professor. That was a first-year course, and I had arrived at law school with absolutely no study habits. I had a very good memory and cramming always got me A’s. I wasn’t used to thinking about how things worked. So I was quite shocked to get a 73 (still passing, but let’s face it, not good, and certainly not something I was used to seeing). When he said he was available to students who wanted to review their tests with him (NOT with an eye to changing the grade – we wouldn’t DARE!), I went to see him. He went to my exam and as he mentioned the issues and the law I started saying, “Oh, yeah! I knew that.” He put down my bluebook and looked at me. I will always remember his answer: “You MAY have known it, but you didn’t TELL me, and I wasn’t gonna GUESS.”
He was the one who started me on an understanding of what “due diligence” meant. I started working like crazy, not even knowing whether it would help (I was beseiged by fears that I really didn’t belong in law school) – but in time my average exam grade was 20 points higher.
I don’t even think he ever learned my name. But I’ll never forget him.
My junior high teacher in Catholic School (St.Marys Sacred Heart), Miss MacMurray–English teacher. She always had the gift of eloquence– she always made everything so interesting. She was very inspiring. She would bring pictures of her travels and one was of her kissing the blarney stone–so we always said she got her gift of gab from Ireland!!
Good article, but terrible title for this piece. It sounds like a cheerleader wrote it.
I’ll never forget Chuck Ebert. He was a teacher, and my father when I didn’t have one. He was a guy that never thought about himself first, always about others. When I die, I’ll talk to God about him, and how I want him to be rewarded. People sometimes are overlooked. He is a fellow who has been overlooked too many times.
when i read this, i immediately thought of the teacher i have for social studies this year, mrs. mcgann. this year was probably the hardest year of my life. i had to go through so many tough family issues, and she was always there for me whenever i needed someone to talk to. the school year is going to end soon and im rele going to miss her. Mrs. McGann, thank you so much, i will never foreget you
Cookies
Mine was Ms. Borden, fourth grade.
I’ve been very fortunate throughout my educational experiences! From Mrs. Sorkness in first grade through Dr. Mahn, a statistics instructor in college, I can only think of one teacher who seemed to be there only for her paycheque.
The common traits my teachers had were:
1. A willingness to listen and guide rather than demand only facts.
2. Acknowledge efforts as well as stellar performances, and do it appropriately.
3. Encouragement not only in their classroom and their subject, but in life.
4. Were willing to let you come in after school or on lunch break to get extra help when needed.
For Mrs. Sorkness, Mrs. Booth, Ms. Paulson, Mrs. Dullenty, Mrs. Goerke, Mr. Luff, Mr. Patton, Ms. Swant, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Woods, Mr. Ramos, Mrs. Dale, Mr. Hewitt, Mr. and Mrs. Stuker, Ms. Linda Grace Stevens, Dr. Mahn, Professor Hostetler, Mr. Barrett, Professor Big Leggings and Professor Deans, THANK YOU for believing in abilities and hard work!
while reading other people’s stories, i only thought of one teacher: mr. marcus! he taught my economics class, and later my multimedia class. he is so dedicated to what he does and has inspired me to do so many things with my life that i probably wouldn’t have. he is one of those teachers who simply knew how to connect with his students and inspire something amazing in them. thanks mr. marcus!
Mrs. Gilpin, Forth Grade.
when i read this, i mmediatly though of teacher i have for society course MS Hanan . she was the geratest teacher i saw in my life , she thought me many many thing not just in studying but, in every thing around us and how to do planning for futuer .
she was really gerat teacher which i will never forget it
The one teacher that made me realize that things in life are important not just school but my LIFE was my freashman history teacher HB. He became like a father to me and took me under his wing and tought me that sometimes life does suck but hey only you have the power to make yourself happy. He became a father to me that year and we have become good friends ever since. Thank you HB so much for being there for me when ever I needed an someone to talk to, someone’s shoulder to cry on and just being you for understanding the hard things in life for me.
So I am following in his footsteps and I am following my passion for history and become a history teacher myself someday. Thank you so much HB. You are and will always be my hero.
Mine is Mrs.Lovell. She was the best teacher ever. Her kindness tought me trust and to forgive and to forget.
Mrs.Lovell was the nicest teacher ever.
My math teacher from the 8th grade Ms. Rose played a big roll in my life. She was so open and foward about everything. She didn’t stress us over big test and cared more about her students then the work. She found fun ways to solve problems we didn’t understand. She believed in recycling and every Friday, we would go outside and pick up trash around the school. We also got to go around the school inside and fix stuff. (broken doors, bent lockers, ect.) I’m so glad that my brother gets to experience somewhat of what I got to. She’s not his teacher, but she helps out in his class. She was so fun to be around and made you laugh.
My first eight years of education took place in a one-room school, Grades 1 – 11, and the teacher was my mother. Fiercely dedicated (you had to be, with that workload and that payscale), she believed the way to teach was get the students started along the road and let them make their own discoveries, stepping in only if they strayed too far off track.
I remember how the younger grades (myself included) would listen as she read ‘Macbeth’ with the Grade 11 class and ‘Prester John’ with the 9s, and the Friday afternoons when every student in the school recited poetry and talked about the poems they’d chosen, and the short stories and serials she read aloud from ‘The Saturday Evening Post’.
She taught me to love learning and books and that anything you undertake must be given your very best effort. I don’t know of any gift greater than that. Thanks, Mrs. Rogers (Mom).
This is the first time I’ve read a blog like this related to ‘answers’ ~~ it is good to hear that many people have had teachers they remember well into adulthood… I never usually get this personal but I would like to name a really great lady, an example and an inspiration to me: Mrs L Edwards (she would not approve of her Christian name being used here, I am certain!)
She taught me English grammar, at a time when most schools had taken it off the curriculum. This came about initially mostly because I was interested when she first offered to tutor me (maybe for a small amount of money: I have no idea, but I would venture that there was, in fact, no charge.) She was already retired by the time I was ten years old, the time of our first encounter, and likely missing teaching… I was hooked after our first hour together. She had that rare quality of helping another person become as enthused as she was about a subject: to those who never benefited from her tuition, English grammar may sound pretty boring but I can honestly say that I was never bored… it led me to my initial degree and I have no doubt that it has helped me in so many other areas of which I may still be unaware.
Besides all that, she was, as I implied earlier, a real lady ~~ not affected, but a genuine, charming lady who had the innate qualities of graciousness, warmth and humour, to name but a few, in abundance… she never overtly attempted to teach me my “manners” but I am certain that I was as much influenced by her demeanour as the subject we officially studied together.
A chance click bought me here tonight… it has been a pleasure to read some of the entries and a real joy to remember this remarkable lady in such detail.
I never realised, while she was alive, just how great a teacher she was and how much I owe to her. She was also very perceptive, though, so I hope very much indeed that she did know what an important role she has played in my life, right from that first lesson onwards.
Somehow, writing this tonight, I have a feeling that she is not so far away, even now… she may well be checking not only the grammar, but content and style as I write… if she were, I wouldn’t object
I imagine she would not quite approve of smileys and so forth, more because her generation would possibly regard such things as not quite proper and not from any rigidity in her attitude towards language. It was she who taught me that language is ever-changing as well as the approved syntax of the day… I was encouraged to break grammatic rules ~~ provided, of course, that I was aware of which rule I was bending or down-right breaking, at the time!
To all the great teachers who have given so much and to my own role model, in particular.
Layla
I had a learning disability and couldn’t learn how to read. That was back in the day they just pushed you along in school. When I reached 8th grade I was reading at a 1st grade level. They put me in a special reading class. Ms. Shaw was my teacher. I don’t know what she did, but she taught me how to read. By the end of the year I was reading at a freshman in college level. She was and still is an amazing woman. I have kept in touch with her all these years. She admitted to me that she never even went to college. That she started out in the school system as teachers aid. She was proof that being a good teacher has nothing to do with having a degree. She opened doors for me and many other students.
My favorite teacher is a teacher I have now.,Mr Kingman. He’s so amazing! He’s so good at teaching and he’s such a kind person. I’ve always been the person to respect all my teachers, i’ve always been more mature than most kids so I tend to get along well with all my teachers. I think they play a large role inour lives and I would love to become one. (Plus Kingman is sexy hehe)
my personal favorite’s name is Mary Jane Clements. she taught me world history. she showed all those traits you listed. she even kept us interested that day during the french revolution that she spent a whole entire 90 min class period talking about the uses of the guilotine. not that a few of us 9including me) werent a bit queasy by time we left.
Mine was Mrs. Kokinda.. OMG! best teacher ever. She helped me when i needed it.. she was the most kindest teacher i have ever had… she made learning fun and easy.. i wish i had more teachers like her..
My favorite teacher is Ms. Jennifer Dover she is the best teacher in the whole world. She teaches Drama and Dance at McDowell high and she is one of the sweetset, open minded, friendly teachers in the world.
Mine was Mrs Keywoth, grade 4 teacher. She was fun to have around , a good teacher and my friend and i could always have a good chat to her about Harry Potter!
Mine was Ms Simone Kyle – the most influential teacher of my time, Taught me drama and theatre, it was her class i discovered my love for the arts, i am forever greatful as i am passionate and successful!
WOO MS KYLE
MAH FAV. TEACHER WAS MS. TURNER …. SHE iS THE BEST i MET HER WHEN i WAS iN THE 6TH GRADE AND TiLL THiS DAY WE KEEP iN TOUCH ….
SHE HELPE ME PiCK COLLEGES AND … DO THiNGS i THOUGHT i COULDNT DO THANxx AL0T MS. TURnER
I had long admired the two or three ROTC instructors–sergeants–in high school, but Mr. DeHaan, my vocal teacher stands out the strongest. Eastern High in Detroit has long been leveled, but Mr. DeHaan, and his hard tactics in corraling mischievous boys and teaching the fundamentals of voice and music theory was admirable. His bald pate would turn crimson as he mouthed blue words at the class to get us to pay attention.
To pass the final semester we had to write down the music as we listened to an LP record. With that knowledge, plus the years that followed, my music career was paved better through what I learned in Mr. DeHaan’s vocal class.
May God bless him.
Mine was Mr Stacy. After two years in his Engineering Tech Prep class, he made me realize that I wanted to stay the hell away from anything having to do with Mechanical Engineering. I am now a happy college student studying Software Developement.