So many young people moan and groan about having to get up and go to school every day. Even if they actually like school, it’s the thought of getting moving and going through the often mind-numbing routine that can cause most kids, teens especially, to want to throw the covers back over their heads and sleep a while longer. However, there may come that year when a special teacher can change a mind and eventually, a heart.
I was fortunate enough to have at least one of these truly gifted teachers almost every year. Though there were a few teachers who can make even the most enthusiastic student grimace when you walk into their room, for the most part, I was lucky to have several teachers who not only made the topics interesting, but also conveyed the impression that I counted as a person. Not every student agreed on what made a good teacher, and I was usually alone in my criteria, as the majority of my classmates felt a good teacher was one who allowed you to goof off and hijack class discussions into silly conversations. Conversely, I felt a good teacher was one who actually believed in the subject matter at hand and really cared whether you understood it or not.
Though I had many good teachers for whom I tried to put forth my best effort, it was in high school where I first truly adored a teacher. He was my 9th grade English teacher. It may seem a little strange to have a male teacher for this class, but he was custom made for the role. He wanted his students to care about words and how they were assembled on a page. He wanted them to really consider the power of words, whether they were written by Shakespeare or the writers of your grammar textbook, he put passion into his teaching. His rendition of “ Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” is still one of my favorite memories. Thank you, Mr. Giles.
Not surprisingly, the other two teachers who made a lasting impression on me during high school were also English teachers. Both 10th and 11th grade were special because of them. Miss Thornhill, my 10th grade teacher, was a warm, caring and passionate teacher. She could read any poem or short story and cry because it touched her so much. I have many fond memories of her warmth and laughter. Mr. Hershey, 11th grade, was memorable in his own way. He was sharp and sarcastic and loved tormenting his class with assignments. However, he really cared whether his class understood symbolism and setting and went to great lengths to leave a lasting impression, especially when acting out scenes from a play.
I believe there are many teachers who enter the profession because they truly care about leaving a lasting impression. A truly gifted teacher cannot be taught, they are created, and the spark they can ignite in a child’s heart and mind can be carried out to touch others.
Writer Bio: Angela Mose
I am a mom of 7 who has successfully homeschooled for 20 years. I was married for more than 25 years and have recently started my life over. I have a passion for writing and music and when the two can be combined, it is utopia. A Maryland native, I am planning to relocate north in the near future and will continue to strive to learn and experience new things on a regular basis. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home while exploring new ways to increase my knowledge and skills and help improve the lives of those around me.
