https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaHJRLoCyWc
We all have them. Mine are Mrs. Totman, Mr. Soloman, and Mr. Schlusberg. They are the teachers that changed our lives. They're the people that altered our world view, broadened our horizons, inspired us, motivated us, and perhaps most importantly, were there when we needed them.
The teachers we remember are the ones that make us put in the effort, even when we don't want to. They're the ones that show us the importance of believing in ourselves even when it seems like the world is against us. They're the teachers that give the most honest feedback (even if it is in scary red pen). They are fair and honest, and teach us that, yes, there is such thing as a stupid question - but asking stupid questions doesn't make you a stupid person. They pull us out of our comfort zones, and always show up to office hours. They put up with an educational system that is inherently flawed and do their best to work within the flaws. They never, ever give up on us.
Everyone has a story of a teacher who went the extra mile and did more than was asked of them. We talk about these teachers with one another, we relay their kind words and selfless acts to friends and family. But how often do we actually tell these teachers the effect they've had on our lives? There are few perks to being a teacher; bad pay, disruptive students, complaining parents, strict school boards, little funding. But what almost every teacher will tell you is that they became a teacher because of the students - because they had the chance to change a life.
For the past 21 years teachers have defined the day-to-day experiences of our lives. In many ways, those teachers have helped shape the people we've become. So take a moment before you graduate. Call your third grade science teacher who taught you the anatomy of a frog and thank her for also instilling in you a life-long love of animals. Send a letter to the middle school gym teacher that forced you to play dodgeball, even though you were "sick," and showed you how great it can be to face your fears. Email your high school guidance counselor who helped you get into the college of your dreams. Thank a teacher, hug a teacher...or better yet, pay it forward: BECOME a teacher.
We all have them. Mine are Mrs. Totman, Mr. Soloman, and Mr. Schlusberg. They are the teachers that changed our lives. They're the people that altered our world view, broadened our horizons, inspired us, motivated us, and perhaps most importantly, were there when we needed them.
The teachers we remember are the ones that make us put in the effort, even when we don't want to. They're the ones that show us the importance of believing in ourselves even when it seems like the world is against us. They're the teachers that give the most honest feedback (even if it is in scary red pen). They are fair and honest, and teach us that, yes, there is such thing as a stupid question - but asking stupid questions doesn't make you a stupid person. They pull us out of our comfort zones, and always show up to office hours. They put up with an educational system that is inherently flawed and do their best to work within the flaws. They never, ever give up on us.
Everyone has a story of a teacher who went the extra mile and did more than was asked of them. We talk about these teachers with one another, we relay their kind words and selfless acts to friends and family. But how often do we actually tell these teachers the effect they've had on our lives? There are few perks to being a teacher; bad pay, disruptive students, complaining parents, strict school boards, little funding. But what almost every teacher will tell you is that they became a teacher because of the students - because they had the chance to change a life.
For the past 21 years teachers have defined the day-to-day experiences of our lives. In many ways, those teachers have helped shape the people we've become. So take a moment before you graduate. Call your third grade science teacher who taught you the anatomy of a frog and thank her for also instilling in you a life-long love of animals. Send a letter to the middle school gym teacher that forced you to play dodgeball, even though you were "sick," and showed you how great it can be to face your fears. Email your high school guidance counselor who helped you get into the college of your dreams. Thank a teacher, hug a teacher...or better yet, pay it forward: BECOME a teacher.