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Discuss a teacher who had a positive influence on your life. What did he/she do that was influential for you?
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My sixth grade teacher had an influence on my life. Her love of teaching was obvious every day. And every day I felt like the most important student in the course.
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I had a mentor many years ago who modeled genuine and sincere relationship building with her students. Beyond any classroom management strategies or instructional techniques, it was her investment in the lives of her students that influenced me the most. I try to live out her example daily in my own school. I do believe that at least most of my students believe that I truly care about them.
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I went to a public school for kindergarten to 3rd grade. We did state testing in 3rd grade and it was found that I could not read. I was one of those students that had slipped through the cracks and was neglected. My parents pulled me out of the public school system my 4th grade year and enrolled me into a private school. My 4th grade teacher Mrs. Wizard was so loving, compassionate, and patient with me. She never made me feel bad for not being able to read, yet she took the time to help me and would also give me appropriate level reading books. I love that lady and I still do!
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I will never forget my Kindergarten Teacher Miss McCann. She spoke to my mother at a conference one time (which I was present for) about how all I wanted to do was play and build with blocks (which by the way I still find relaxing and love to do to this day at age 52…) . Now this may seem insignificant, but many years later I realized that I was a hands on visual learner. Things that I could manipulate, I understood better. I vaguely remember anything else significant, but that stuck with me. It helped me understand myself a little better. Then there was Mrs. Fivehouse who I was convinced had it out for me. She was constantly “picking on me”. As I reflect back, I know it wasn’t that. She wanted me to be all that I could. She taught the course ( namely me ) a lesson in the importance of following directions . I was notorious for having perceived foresight into what I should do instead of actually following directions which led to mistakes in my work. She gave us a test. The instructions (which she read aloud) stated to read the entire test first before doing anything else. I wanted to get the test done first and correct. So I answered all the questions. I got to the last question which read, “Do not answer any questions. You followed the directions and read the whole test first. You are finished. What did I learn from this? There is a time and place for everything. It is important to follow directions. I did the whole test but I did not follow the directions. If I had, I would only have had to read. That stuck with me. She didn’t call me out and shame me. It taught me a lesson. Then there was Mrs. Inglis in high school She was the Voice of Democracy Speech writing contest. She encouraged us and believed all of us had the potential to write well and receive an award. That year, I was the winner. I never won anything in my life. Never thought I was good at much of anything. Mrs. Inglis believed in my talent, supported my talent and then accompanied me to the award ceremony. She was a lovely woman and her kind, gentle spirit believed that I could write an award winning speech. I felt pride and will never forget that moment.
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I’ve had some special teachers pour into me and it always made me feel valued and important.