Teachers Who Make a Difference

We all have our favorite teachers.  Some are favorites because they sparked an interest for us, or they praised us, or they simply were enjoyable to be around.  I have had many teachers I would place in my "favorite teacher" box beginning with my first grade teacher, moving onto teachers from my 6th-12th grade years with most being my English teachers although I had an exceptional math teacher in high school and a very talented band director from 6th grade through 10th grade.  All of these individuals believed in me which in turn helped me discover myself.  There was one teacher, however, who inspired me to write more.  Sadly, he will buried this Saturday in Austin, TX, so I will journey there to pay my last respects to a man who was very influential in my life path decision.

I met R.S through his wife who was one of my favorite high school teachers and friend. She taught English, Speech and Communications, and was our one act play director.  She taught me so much about analysis, but I loved her speech and drama classes the best.  It was my destiny to act, and her dedication to our small school programs gave me the outlets I needed.  I met her husband during one of our events, and his deep low voice drew me in quickly.  I listened with intent.  His stories were of those places I imagined I would visit some day.  His quick wit was welcome, and we sparred back and forth a few times.  He spoke with his full body but in particular with his hands.  I too speak with my hands, and I have been told many times that I could not talk if I had to sit on my hands during conversations.  I say it's the Italian in me (alas I am not Italian, buy now my niece believes we are Italian), so when I saw another person voice excitement through hand gestures, I was elated.

R.S was also a professor of English at the college I first attended.  He brought our literature to life as he read his favorite passages. He would have made a marvelous Shakespearean actor.  He could not be missed in a crowd as he towered above us all, but it was more than his size that people noticed.  He was full of mischief and his eyes smiled always. He made a difference for many students, and I know he will be greatly missed by his family, his closest friends and all of his past students.

If all teachers had such an impact on students, no longer would we read the negative remarks made by those who feel that educators do nothing for students.  As an educator I know that we all strive to help our students in their own uniqueness, so when I read comments that suggest we do not,  I feel for my fellow colleagues.  Some day the world will know how many lives teachers have touched in ways beyond academics which really is what matters most.  As I reflect back and make a mental list of my great teachers, I find it ironic that my first teacher invited me to an evening meal in her home, and my last great teacher R.S. did so as well.  Breaking bread together is a sign of friendship, so here is a taste to long lasting friendships to all of those great teachers in my life.  Thank you!!!!!