The Accidental Teacher
I sort of fell into a teaching career. That’s probably not what the parents of my students want to hear, but it’s the truth. I always thought I’d be a lawyer, actually. But when Chris got into graduate school at Yale about two weeks after I was accepted to law school, I decided to go with him to Connecticut and to turn down law school. When we got to Connecticut, I worked in the legal field for another year before finally deciding it really just wasn’t for me.
So I took a job working at Yale in an administrative role. While I loved that job and my co-workers, my favorite part of the day was getting to interact with the students. I loved seeing them grow throughout the year. As the school year went on, they became more confident, more self-aware, more mature, and sometimes they even got a little smarter…
Two years ago when we moved back to Florida, I looked everywhere for a job in college administration, but I couldn’t find one to save my life. After months of job searching, my friend, Sarah, told me about a job opening at the middle school where she taught. They were looking for an 8th grade language arts teacher, and Sarah wanted to know if I was interested.
At that point, if it had been a zoo calling to ask me to teach their blind fruit bats how to read, I would have taken the job. We were in desperate need of a second paycheck. Miraculously, my saint of a principal hired me with a hunch that I “had what it takes.”
The week leading up to my first day of teaching was awful. I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, could barely even speak. I had hated middle school and, up until that point, hadn’t really enjoyed most of the middle school aged kids I’d ever met. What the heck was I supposed to say to these kids? What did I know about literary skills and reading comprehension? Just between you and me, I wasn’t even exactly sure I could identify a pronoun in a sentence.
The morning I woke up for my first day, I showered, dressed, and drove to work in complete silence. My hands were shaking beyond belief, and I am sure my eyes were as wide as saucers. I walked into my classroom, looked around at the bare walls and thought, “What am I doing here?”
And then the first period bell rang. Students started filing into my classroom. The sound of middle school girls shrieking and middle school boys tumbling down the hall filled the air. And, suddenly, I relaxed. My hands stopped shaking, I started talking again, and instinctively I just knew what to do. Instantly, I was at home.
For me, teaching came so naturally and so quickly that after just a couple days, it felt like I had been doing it all my life. That doesn’t necessarily mean I am the best at it, but I’m certainly not the worst and I am amazed with every test my kids take that they are actually learning from me!
My students know I am new to teaching and so when we hit a lesson or a unit concept that I may not be so familiar with (the grammar unit always kills me!), I tell them right up front, “You and I are going to have to learn this together,” and then we do. Students make wonderful teachers. We’ve learned how to use commas, how to analyze poetry (not a favorite genre for me OR for them), how to write a clear introduction to an essay, and how to draw a plot diagram. And by the end of each unit, we are all so proud of ourselves for how much progress we have made.
Reading is a big part of my classroom. My students are required to read 30 books in my class by the end of the year. When I told them that on the first day of school, you should have heard the complaints. I thought they were going to throw pencils at me. “But Mrs. Brown,” they whined. “I’ve never read 30 books in my whole life, much less in a year!” “Me either!” I tell them, “But we’re all going to do it, so suck it up and start reading!” I teach 125 students. In the first semester, they read a total of 1,127 books. That averages out to nine books per student in eighteen weeks. In my classroom, they get a link on our reading paper chain for every book they read. This picture is from the first quarter, so it isn’t the full length chain, but my paper chain is now so long that it wraps around the ceiling of my classroom twice. I tell them the Fire Marshall is going to shut us down.
Every day they come into class telling me about what they are reading. They even send me emails to my school email address from their homes at night telling me how much they loved the book they just finished and how they can’t wait to tell me about it the next morning. Parents are going on and on about how they have to make their kids put their books away so they can do other homework. For students who had never read books for leisure before, they continue to amaze and inspire me. I find myself reading more just to keep up with them. In one of my classes, we all started reading the Harry Potter series together. Some of them finished before even I did, and every day we would compare where we were and what was happening in our novels. When I finally made it to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal last month, I took so many pictures to bring back and show my kids. I owe J.K. Rowling more than she’ll ever know just because of all the conversations she prompted between my students and me. 
Teaching is about so much more to me than just paper chains and books and grammar. And I think it’s about more than that to my students, too. It’s about forming relationships with the kids and bringing that education to a place where they can use it in their lives. I think that is what I love the most about education. In order for it to be the most successful, you have to meet the students right where they are, and to do that you must learn enough about them to know where that starting place is. That personal relationship is something I never got from an office job.
I was always pretty successful in the corporate world, but there is nothing like the feeling of success when a student who has only read one book in their whole life suddenly completes their seventh book in one quarter. Or the feeling of success when a student who could barely put a sentence together writes a killer essay. That level of satisfaction only comes from working in a career field whose sole purpose is to make children better people.
In twenty years, my students will probably not remember how to use a comma correctly. In twenty years, I’ll probably NEVER know how to use a comma correctly. My students will probably not remember the short story we read that made me cry in class as I read it out loud and they laughed at me. My students will probably not remember me walking down the hall dragging 1,000 paper rings on a paper chain, stopping anyone who would listen as I told them how proud I was of my classes. In twenty years, my students may not remember me at all. But in twenty years, I will remember each one of them and the fact that they taught me how to be a teacher.
Are you longing to make a difference in the world through your career? If you’re interested in teaching or nursing, Capella University might be just what you’re looking for to kick off a fulfilling career. Capella offers a rigorous and supportive learning community that transforms your education into work that makes a difference in the lives of others. As a teacher myself, I can promise you that your degree will change more lives than just your own.
To see others stories like mine and to see what the Capella community has to say, visit them on Facebook or their Graduates page. To support teaching, literacy, and careers that make a difference, BlogHer will donate $1 (up to $500) for every comment left on this post to one of my favorite charities, “Reading is Fundamental,” which helps promote literacy and lifelong reading skills for kids. To help raise money for this wonderful cause, please leave a comment below telling me who your favorite teacher in school was and why.
Many thanks to BlogHer for supporting such a wonderful cause and to Capella University for promoting teachers, education, and careers that truly change lives.
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98 Comments
Jamie
My favorite teacher was my math teacher that moved up with me so she taught me seventh, eighth, and tenth grade. She was a wonderful teacher and to this day, over ten years later, I still think about her sometimes. AND, she instilled a very strong love of math in me!
Sarah
I had so many wonderful teachers growing up I don’t think I could name just one. I think the combination of them is what made me a great person.
Erin
I was blessed with a ton of great teachers. One of the many that stands out is my fifth grade teacher Mrs. Harris. She was constantly encouraging my love of reading and really helped me grow as a leader by letting my friends and I do creative things, like organizing a Goosebumps (remember those?!) party, complete with green slime punch, or writing and reading aloud a fifth-grade newspaper. She was great!
Tiffany
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Hackney in 3rd grade. Maybe it was because she was my grandmother and maybe it was because she was genuinely interested in what was going with each and every one of us. Not a day went by that she didn’t stop each of us and ask us how our day was going and if there was anything we needed to talk to her about. Anything at all. That meant alot to me and the other students. She is still subbing at the school my kids go to. And she is still the same as she was all those years ago. Everyone at school calls her Mama Betty and she brings cookies or brownies to every class she subs for. She is one of a kind.
Cali
Thanks for the post. It inspires me as I think about taking the leap from corporate world to teaching!
Jenn
My favorite teacher was my drama teacher, Ms. Harris. She really help me come out of my shell and taught me so much. Another person who really influenced me in high school was my colorguard instructor.
Nikki
I have two favorite teachers! Mrs. Hesse, my reading teacher in 7th grade, really instilled a love for reading that I still have today! My other favorite teacher was Mr. Stanley for math in High School. I hate math so much, but he was always available to help anyone out who would make the time. He never missed a volleyball game, and he would even get there early to tutor me before the game! Way to be brave and teach middle school! I’m not going to lie, that age group scares me a bit. That’s why my degree is in elementary education!
Mary Kate
As a middle school librarian, this post really warms my heart! It means so much to me to see teachers promoting reading in such great ways – really, truly – thank you. It’s my first year in a middle school, too, and these kids can be intimidating!
My favorite teacher was my high school chem teacher – Mr. Powell. He taught me all about thinking for myself. I loved his class so much I thought about becoming a chemist.
Le
Send my dollar to a GREAT cause!
kelly h
I was fortunate to have serveral teachers that still stand out in my mind, but my favorite was my first grade teacher. she was sweet and encouraging and really fostered my love of reading and writing. Thanks for the opportunity to support a great cause!
Katie N.
Reading IS fundamental! I think my second grade teacher, Mrs. Collins was the best. They were all great though!
Jamie @ Laughter Ever After
I love this post! I am a SHAM right now, but have thought about getting certified to teach once my kid(s) are old enough to start going to school. What traits do you think a teacher must have in order to be successful? I’m wondering if I have what it takes, and what ages might be best for me.
Katie N.
And, because I believe they will donate another dollar if I leave a second comment…
I’m so proud that you’re flourishing as a teacher, Katie! Your story gives me hope that if I ever find myself doubting the line of work I’m in, perhaps teaching could be an avenue to explore (if I somehow become blessed w/ a heck of a lot more patience, that is!).
Jenn @ Shopaholic to Small Town
I had several favorite teachers all throughout school, but I think my most memorable teacher was Mrs. Hawkins in the 4th grade. I remember reading Charlotte’s Web and having pet miniature pigs (plastic, not real) that we all named, made houses for and “took care of”. Such a fun little project!
Mindy
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Torres from 3rd grade. My parents went through a divorce that year and she helped me more than she could ever know!
Stephanie@Our Marriage Adventure
I’m glad you shared this. GA has a similar program, called TAPP, that I tried to do. I didn’t make it through because it wasn’t the best thing for me, but I STILL remember the kids I met in my classroom. I love your reading projects and can’t wait to see a picture of your mile long paper chain.
Sharon
I love that you are so up front and honest with your students. I bet that helps them identify with you. I’ll always remember my favorite teacher and how she read the orphan train quartet books by Joan Lowery Nixon out loud to us every day in class. It was what I looked forward to most in school, and today I am a very avid reader. I think I have her to thank for that.
Nicole @ jumpwithbothfeet.blogspot.com
Mrs. Mahoney! I had her for 7th and 8th grade social studies, and she made history come alive. She also knew her students really well, and was able to challenge each of us on a personal level.
Melissa
One of my favorite teachers was Mr. Bradley, the band teacher. We were an unruly, not so talented group of kids and he was so patient with us and passionate about music that, in one year, he managed to help us win an “Excellent” rating (the highest) at the state concert band competition.
Jazmin
In 11th and 12th grade, I had the most wonderful calculus teacher. Mr. Chayo came in before an hour before school started, stayed during lunch, and always made himself available to students who needed help or just wanted to talk. He was inspiring in his ability and passion to teach. He pushed his students, nearly never used the text book, and even managed to get a lot of the class through the AP test. He was amazing. I regret that there are not more teachers like him.
Pam
By far my grade school music teacher. She was kind but firm and had high expectations for her students, but did her best to foster and encourage our natural potential. How’s that for a run-on? 😉 Anyway, I found her n Facebook last year and was so happy to reconnect with her!
Rachel
Mr Wagner, the best math (10th, 11th & 12 grade Algebra, Geometry & Pre Calc) teacher ever! Gave me back self confidence that the horrible, rotten, no good 8th grade math teacher had stolen away.
Renee
A little secret from someone who didn’t “fall into” teaching (I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was in the 8th grade), we all feel that nervous before our first teaching job, or before beginning a new teaching position. You were not alone there. In fact, after a few years of teaching, I still get the jitters on the first day of school.
When I was student teaching in a 5th grade classroom, I had to ask Google how to do long division so that I could teach it the next day. And I was up front with them that I hadn’t practiced long division since I was in the 5th grade myself. We had fun learning it together, and I’m not gonna lie – many of them were better at it than I was. 🙂
Mindee@ourfrontdoor
I thinking the best teachers have a God given gift. There are many who can go through the motions and do an adequate job, but your passion makes me think you may be of the gifted variety.
Teresa W
As a retired elementary teacher, I salute you. Teaching is a wonderful life. I regularly see former students of mine. It is so rewarding to see them grown up and having a good life. You are right about the relationships. You first have to let them know you care before they will let you into their lives.
Rhona
I had a difficult childhood and elementary school was always a safe, nurturing place. I loved almost all my teachers, there always has to be one you know. They inspired me to work hard, to think and made me feel special as an individual. Teaching is highly under rated and underpaid when you consider the responsibility they have in shaping the lives of children.
Kate
One of my favorite teachers was my second grade teacher, Mrs. Mabie. Even my mom still talks about her and how she gave me strong English skills and a love of reading. What you’re doing is so important, the whole world opens up when you can read and write well! I’m so happy to hear how much your students have changed and how happy you are in your career, keep up the great work!
Chloe
My favorite teacher ever was my AP European History teacher from my senior year of high school. I had taken her for World History my sophomore year, and I loved her so much I chose to take an extra history class for fun. The class was by no means easy, but she encouraged us to think for ourselves and challenge mainstream thought. Learned so much from her.
LCR
My fourth grade teacher was Ms. Forgrave. Truely I don’t remember much about her class but I still remember the prayer she had us say at the end of every school day (Catholic school). I still say it at night and now say it with my daughter before bed.
LCR
We got a new 8th grade language arts teacher when I was going into the eigth grade. Mrs. Reed. A previously retired teacher who came back many years later to teach again, she was wonderful. I remember wondering how she had so much energy every single day at her age when I didn’t feel I had half that and I was only 13! She helped make learning fun and adventurous. My love for reading grew from her. They might not remember what they read but a student will not forget who helped them to love to read. You are doing a wonderful thing!
Tara@AMooseyMommy
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Olson. She was tough but fair, and she cared so much about us. She was my 6th grade teacher.
Lorrie
I had so many fabulous teachers! They inspired me to become a teacher. It was the best career decision I could have ever made.
Alice
My favourite teacher was my secondary school English teacher. She used to bring her chocolate fountain in now and then and we’d have a ‘debating’ lesson on books or things that were happening in the world. My dad is a teacher, and someone told me that if you’re meant to be a teacher, the job finds you even if you’re not looking for it. That’s obviously true in your case! Alice xx
Kelly P
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Onychuk, but not when I was actually in her class. She was not nice, pretty or young (all of the qualities I thought were important in 4th grade). I realized when I was older how much I learned from her. When I graduated from high school everyone was allowed to invite a favorite teacher to commencement services. I invited her and she cried. I don’t think many people had ever asked her to come, but she was a great teacher!
Kelly P
Also, my mom and bff are teachers, so I know how hard it is. Well done for taking to it so naturally and thanks for supporting a great charity.
Laura B
I bet they’ll remember you more than you know!
Jessica W
They’ll remember you. 🙂
Katie
Thanks so much for encouraging kids to read! I have always loved reading but having known many people who decided they were ‘not readers’ and had to really get proficient as adults in the work force.
paula s.
My favorite teacher was Mr. Edwards. He taught history in high school. He was the only teacher who called me out for not putting forth any effort in learning. He is the only one I remember noticing that should probably be doing better than I was. Unfortunately for me he was promoted to principal part way through the school year.
Lauren
I love it when people discover how wonderful it is to read for recreation! That’s one of the biggest gifts my parents gave to me, the joy of reading. 🙂
Kristinia Palmer
I loved reading as a kid so from all us adults that are readers now I say “Thank You”. My sister is a teacher and I know first hand how hard and trying your job is as a teacher but like you my sister loves each of her kids even the “trying ones”. Great post today!!
Rachel P.
Leaving a comment for a great donation!
Amber@ClassyConfessions
Mrs. Toomey was my favorite teacher ever. She was my fifth grade teacher and I cried when I found out she would be my teacher. Everyone was terrified of her. But she was the best. She pushed me to be my best and not to just do what I had to do. She is the reason I want to be a teacher and I want to be just like her!
Alicia
My favorite teacher was my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Wiles. She took that extra time to make sure that I could count money and tell time. She noticed that I needed a little extra help. She was the kind of teacher who cared and made her class fun. I actually have a teaching degree, but realized that I wasn’t meant to be a teacher pretty quick during my student teaching. I did finish, but left the teaching field before I got my first real job. I have so much respect for those heroes….teachers….who go into those classrooms everyday because of my experience.
Ashley
Having the students read 30 books is such a great assignment. I wish my niece would get into reading for leisure like your students do. She needs a wonderful teacher like you!
Lori @ I Can Grow People
In the middle of my college years I had some trouble at home and found myself out of school for a year. When my high school art teachers found out I was looking for a job they urged me to apply to be a substitute teacher. At the age of 20 and looking like I was 15, I returned to my alma mater to be a substitute teacher for various art classes. My first class: ninth grade studio art. I was a complete, nervous wreck. I swear they smelled my fear!!! For six months I was a art sub for high school and middle school. It was rough, but a great learning experience–for me, at least!
Lori @ I Can Grow People
To my utmost amazement, my first grade teacher found me on Facebook last month. I was shocked that she even remembered who I was! She sent me a message saying she thought I was just a great kid and she wondered all these years how I turned out. I loved her so much–she made me feel special and we sang a lot of old songs from the 1930s and 1940s in her class. I went to Catholic school and there was no formal music program (no money for it.) But she had a piano in her room and always made sure we spent time every day singing. And 28 years later, I still remember the words to those songs!!!
Lindsey
Those kids are so lucky to have you!
Lindsey
And now I want to be a teacher! lol
Suzanne
I have two. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Richardson and my third grade teach, Mrs. Singleton. They were awesome and guess what, over 20 years later and I still remember them both very well 🙂 I’m sure your students will remember you Katie.
Rachel P.
I skipped the part about commenting about one of your favorite teachers. Guess I should add that part to my comment above… One of my favorite teachers was a professor I had my last semester in college. My previous semester wasn’t the best, so I had to make a C or above to actually graduate on time in my profession. It was all on this guy for the grade. He was very patient, understanding, helpful, informative, and a great designer. It was a great ending to my 5 years in college, not only because of my final grade, but because of the motivation and insight he provided for entering the ‘real world.’
Kristi S.
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Gaffney. She made my 4th grade experience a time I will always remember. She had records playing in the morning as we filed into our desks. She had a clawfoot tub full of pillows where we could go to read DURING class time as a reward. We did craft projects galore. She read to us every day (ah Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH). She was, and still is, an amazing lady.
Laura
Mrs McMillan — she was kind and always tailored the learning to each student. She also trusted us and treated us like people, not just kids.
Marina H
My favorite teacher was a women I had in 8th grade. She pushed me to submit my writing to contests and became the person I wanted to grow up and be. She wasn’t afraid to tell her students about her life, maybe sharing things that adults wouldn’t normally share.
Rebecca@The Reluctant Housewife
My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Jensen was one of my favorite teachers. She smelled like coffee and peppermint… funny, I can still remember that. She made learning FUN, and reading was a HUGE part of her class. She was one of the reasons that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up.
Casey @ The Baker Bee
Oh, man… that’s a tough question. I had so many amazing teachers. Mrs. Davis in 6th grade & Mr. Harvey in 9th grade stand out… they were both English teachers and were so patient and kind. Dr. Villegas was my favorite college professor. He was my thesis adviser and just a really wonderful person with a passion for teaching those about to enter true adulthood.
Casey @ The Baker Bee
Oh, and also… it is so wonderful that you found your passion in teaching. Those kids will surely remember you. I know that I remember just about every teacher I ever had!
Melissa
Greetings from a fellow would-be-lawyer cum teacher! I also teach middle school 7th and 8th English and I LOVE it. I’ve taugh for 8 (I still can’t believe that!!) years everywhere from college writing when I was in grad school to 10th and 12th grades. Middle school is the best. Period. I won’t teach any other level now. People think I’m crazy or look at me with pity in their eyes. But everyday I get to see the hope of our nation in the faces of some of the funniest, kindest, most hard-working people I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. Glad to hear you’re smitten as well. Love your blog, by the way!
Jennifer@browneyedandblessed
My sophomore English teacher-Mrs. Mooney. We read a number of great books. We would have arguements about the characters and who we loved and why. She wrote my college recommendation letter.
Amy D
This is a great story, thanks for sharing! My favorite teacher was Ms McNamara in 3rd grade, who had a background in drama and would incorporate that into our classroom.
Katy @ MonsterProof
My favorite teacher was probably 4th grade, Mrs. Goff. It was a terribly difficult year for me, as I had just moved and was not doing well to fit in, but she made such a huge effort to keep me engaged. And…I’m a lawyer and wish I could figure out how to get into teaching. It looks like it would take me 2 years of full-time school, though!
Jacquie
I would love to sit in on one of your classes, I bet you are an amazing teacher! My favourite teacher was Mr Walker, he was my year 6 teacher (not sure how grades match, but in the UK thats the last year of primary school, turning 11) He was just an amazing man and taught me loads! Was fab when his granddaughter started at the nursery I worked at, was really nice to see him and loved that he remembered me 😀
Sarah@Crazy Love Gamble-Style
Mrs. Gravatt, she was my 2nd grade teacher. She was super smart & so beautiful. She came down with cancer that year and it was so sad, I think going through that at such a young age will make me always feel the most attached to her. Plus she was a great teacher, so there was that : )
Sharlee@believinginsomething
My favorite teacher (though there are a few right up there) was Mr. Fout. He was my government teacher my senior year of high school. He was one of the first people who actually got me to ask questions and research. He made me WANT to learn. He has since passed away. I keep a picture of him in my classroom as a reminder of the kind of teacher I want to be.
Katie
My favorite teacher was my 5th grade science teacher because he introduced me to the wild world of science!!!!
Laura Cochran
My favorite teacher was my 7th/8th grade AG teacher, Mrs. Leary. She stretched our brains way beyond what was “customary” at the time for the curriculum for our age. 15 years later, I still remember the things I learned in her class (diagramming sentences, anyone?) while many other classes and teachers have slipped into obscurity in my memory. Some of my very favorite books were read for the first time in Mrs. Leary’s class, at her prompting. I am so grateful for the experience.
Laura Cochran
Also, I have to add that RIF was always such a beloved program to me. I’m not sure how much has changed since I was in elementary school (probably a lot!), but I saw firsthand the wonderful difference it made for so many. I was already an avid reader in 4th grade, and my other favorite teacher (Mrs. Rockett) encouraged me in my love of reading. I went to a very low-income school in a somewhat rough neighborhood, and at the yearly RIF event kids at our school – some of whom did not actually have any books of their own at home – got to pick out a book of their very own. I can’t even describe what a tremendous thing this was. I’m very grateful for RIF and grateful for BlogHer for donating to such a wonderful program! Thanks, Katie, for posting this.
Arielle
My favorite teacher was my hs law teacher. I was in a law program so I had her for 1 class every year and she just had that special gift where she made every student feel important and actually want to learn the subject. We couldn’t wait to go to her class and we never wanted to leave. She not only taught us so much about law, legal studies, and the criminal justice system, but she treated us as adults and not kids. Having a teacher who trusted you and who values your opinion makes such a huge difference when you’re a teenager.
Mallory
I love this! RIF is my sorority – Kappa Kappa Gamma’s – philanthropy! We actually just hosted an event tonight to raise money for this charity. My favorite teacher is my Spanish grammar teacher I had in Spain; her name is Ana. I had the most life-changing experience with her!
Jaclyn
I have had a number of wonderful teachers, but my absolute favorites come down to two — Mr. Scheller, my 4th grade science teacher because he made EVERY student feel like an individual, and brought so much more than awesome sceience-teaching skills to our classes. The other is Mr. Koechling who was my Jr. AP English Teacher, my Drama 1 teacher and the director of the fall play the year I was chosen to assistant-direct. He was also the head of the club a group of girls in my grade started called EMM (Education Means More) where we literally just met up after school to talk about subjects that interested us, things we wanted to learn more about, and current events. We were pretty nerdy, haha. I think the overlap in these two teachers is that they both taught us so much more than just the subjects in class — they really encouraged learning in a miriad of ways and about anything at all. I just can’t gush about them enough!
Jaclyn
I should add that you sound like a GREAT teacher, and someone I wish I had in my middle school years! (My teachers were a bit rough during that time, sadly). And that RIF is great! My sorority(Pi Beta Phi)’s national philanthropy is literacy, and while we generally support First Book, I love the opportunity to support anything literacy related 🙂
Barbara Manatee
I am in my 12th year of teaching special ed and I love what I do. My favorite teacher was my journalism teacher in high school – I have always liked to write and loved writing for our newspaper and yearbook. Sadly Mr. Keyes lost his battle with cancer this past year but he impacted many students!
Amy S
One of my favorite teachers was Mrs. Penn because she cared more about me as a person than anything academic.
Amy S
And because I love the cause, I have to leave another comment. I also loved Coach Fox, my Algebra teacher. He made me love math enough to actually become a math teacher. Now I am blessed that God called me home to teach my own children.
Katie's Mom
Her name was Betty Travis and she was my fifth grade teacher. I idolized her. She taught our entire class to play chess and girls how to crochet. To this day I still play chess and crochet thanks to Miss Travis. She was remarkable!
Zow
My english teacher – she was so warm and helpful!
Susan R
My favorite teacher was my high school Algebra 2 and statistics teacher. Mrs. Wasco took time to understand why I was struggling and met with me every morning at 7 am. She built my confidence and I still use concepts that she taught me today in Graduate School. Who knew that an average student in high school would become a graduate student about to get her Doctorate… Thank you Mrs. Wasco!!!
Andrea
I remember every one of my elementary school teachers (from over 20 years ago) and most of my middle school and high school teachers. My favorite teacher would have to be Mrs. Corey, my ninth grade English teacher. She was amazing and now 18 years later there are still things from her class that I remember. I don’t just mean English Grammar things (I do remember those) but little sayings and quirks, I can even picture her classroom. Everyday when we walked in the first thing we had to do was write down the ‘Thought Of The Day’ in our notebooks. It was usually a famous quote or common phrase, but it was always something that would get you thinking. I could go on and on about her class. Don’t you worry those kids will remember you, the paper chain you all created together and the short story that made you cry. You have carved out a place in their minds forever. Keep up the great work!
Linda Y
My favorite teacher was Ms. Souza, my 4th grade teacher in CA. We did lots of wonderful projects, had field trips every month, read a lot, had good discussions, and had such fun every day!
Becky F
My favorite teacher taught me 9th grade history, Gifted/Talented, and then social studies methods when I was in college. She changed my life and we remain friends to this day. In other news you made this lawyer want to become a teacher with your beautiful expression here!
Kate
Wow Katie, I love this post. It makes me want to get back into the classroom even more than I did before. Thanks for all you do!
Sarah White
My favorite teacher was my 7th grade science teacher, Mr Smith. He was funny and science was my favorite subject. He joked with us some and was not serious and strict all the time. Plus he was the first teacher to talk about reproduction! lol
Elizabeth S
My favorite teacher was my 8th grade year, Mr. Missiow. He truly loved teaching and history and I have never had more fun in school, or learned more in one year than I did my 8th grade year. He took us to Washington D.C., all the way from CA, and inspired more than a few of us to head back and try to make real changes as we have gotten older.
beth
at the end of the school year, will you please post a picture of your classroom? I would love to see the paper chain and the accomplishments of all your students!
Alyssa
I have 2 favorite teachers: Mrs. Awa, my 4th grade teacher. She was like a mom, in fact many kids slipped and called her mom throughout the day. She was kind and gentle and just what I needed that year as I had just changed schools. My other favorite was Mr. Slatery, my High school chemistry teacher. I was terrified of Chemistry but he made it fun. It became one of my favorite subjects and because of him I went on to take physics, calculus and go to college for science. He was amazing and knew exactly how to connect with students. He made learning hands and gave us confidence in ourselves to reach and try new things.
Deborah
In 11th and 12th grades at McLane HS in Fresno, CA, I drew everyone’s “nightmare of a teacher” for both American History, then Civics. Everyone told me to beware, she was a Tartar and would make my last two years of school a living hell! I found that, yes, she was strict and demanding… but, oh! She was passionate about learning and the privilege and responsibility we had as students and future citizens of this world. It was her mission to make sure that we were well equipped for the task, and she put up with No nonsense to the contrary.
Rather than being a Tartar, I found her to be humorous, challenging, insightful, and caring. Miss Blumenthal, you left your mark in ways you never knew.
Annie
Great post! Your students are very lucky to have you as their teacher.
Christy
I’ve had a ton of favorite teachers but my current favorite is my clinical instructor. She’s brilliant though very intimidating. She’ll turn a rock into a diamond.
Jessica
I have had so many great teachers, I can’t pick just one! My mom was a teacher in a different school and she insisted that my brothers and I attend the school we did because of the smaller class sizes. I am so glad she did because I truly feel like every single teacher I had was able to pour so much into me and make me who I am today.
Jessica
My mom was also a jr high English teacher (and math, too). I still have people come up to me and tell me about my mom and the influence she made in their life. I’m sure you are making a difference, Katie.
TN Lizzie
My favorite teacher never had me in a class; she taught me in her kitchen and through every letter and gift. My Grandmother was an English teacher, but she lived 125 miles away. I remember being sent to “ask Mr. Webster” when I used a word I didn’t understand. *blush* She played Scrabble with me until I could beat her, then she made me play with my younger cousins.
Katie, I think you know her secret: learning happens whenever we allow ourselves to be challenged by not knowing something. Your students do not walk out of your classroom the same as they were when they walked in. Thank you for your influence in the lives of the children in your classes and their families. You are making a huge difference!
Kristin
It is so nice to see someone who is truly dedicated, like you, to teaching kids. My English/Lit. teacher during senior year of high school remains my favorite teacher of all time. I felt she really believed in us all, and listened to what we had to say, and taught in non-conventional ways. I still reread a 2 page, double-sided document she gave us at the end of the year, detailing our accomplishments as a class, (thought-provoking, student-led debates, term papers) and what she saw us improve in as individuals. Loved her.
Julia
Hi, I love that you love reading so much and are passsing that love on to your students. Mrs Putnam in third grade started me out. Keep up the good work!!!
Joke
My favorite professor at university taught history. He was such a great storyteller and inspired us with his passion for the countries he was telling us about!
Joke
I have a very fond memory of the sex ed class our biology teacher gave us in high school. It was funny and thorough at the same time. We played a game on sexual diseases that was very impressive as well.
Barb @ 1SentenceDiary
Ms Oberson in the 2nd grade. She was fantastic! And I’m still in touch with my 10th grade chemistry teacher, who started as a student teacher and really made my year.
Barb @ 1SentenceDiary
And I think Reading is Fundamental is a GREAT choice. Happy to support them!
Norma Gillespie
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Newport, my high school English teacher. Now retired, I “fell” into teaching, too, at our local college and remembered to do what she did: write encouraging words at the top of papers. After 46 years, I still have my papers with her words at the top, and became a poet because she believed in me.