The funny thing about going to school to become a teacher is that you assume everything you need to know will be learned in those valuable education classes. I took Educational Psychology; surely I understand the mind and motivation of my students. In my literature classes, I gobbled up every classic that my students would ever read. And, without a doubt, discipline would never be an issue because I knew how to create detailed lesson plans and used the latest teaching trends to keep students engaged and on task. But in reality, the most valuable lessons I learned about being a teaching, becoming teacher, and what a teacher truly means to her students came from watching a great teacher in action.
With all of my education classes behind me, I was ready to teach. The only thing between me and my own classroom was student teaching. I had my school assignment, my mentor teacher, and my amazing lesson plans in hand. Just give me those kids and let do my stuff!
And then I presented my first lesson, and it failed miserably.
The kids weren’t interested. Everything was over their heads or boring them to tears. A few boys in the back of the class were far more interested in throwing things at each other. A group of girls in the front were doodling hearts and flowers all over their handouts. And if it that class lasted five more minutes, I would have been in tears.
Feeling defeated and deflated, I turned to my mentor teacher, Mrs. Christ, and said “I’m not sure what happened. I thought I had everything I needed.”
With absolute patience and a kind smile, she put her arm around me and suggested we take another look at my lesson. She gave me positive feedback and some places to make changes, but more importantly she gave me insight to my students. In all of my fancy lesson planning, I forgot all about my students.
“These kids work really well in a group and these kids don’t. Let’s change these groups.”
“This is a great idea, but it’s too advanced for the students. Let’s think about how we can break it down and introduce it to them.”
“Sometimes you have the kids time to think. Don’t rush them. They”ll get it”
“You can do this. You can do this!”
In the weeks that followed, I did a lot more listening and watching. I watched Mrs. Christ interact with her students. How she encouraged the ones that were struggling. A pat on the back for the kids on the right track. And a stern look from across the room could quiet the rowdiest of kids. She could bring the quietest student into the conversation and made sure each child felt like an important part of her class. I watched the kids traipse into her room at lunchtime for help and sometimes just for a chat. I saw how she interacted with them inside the class and outside of class. This is where my real learning took place.
Clearly I learned a lot from my education classes, but the most valuable lessons I learned where watching Mrs. Christ work her magic with her students. For the time in her class and for her patience, kindness, and everything she taught me without even realizing, I am truly thankful.
So what about you? Do you have a teacher that you loved or made a difference in your life? Check out this video from Kronos, explaining why we need to #ThankATeacher, and then go enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom to win a $50 Amex gift card for yourself and a $100 Staples gift card for your favorite teacher.
“What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches.” – Karl Menninger
I couldn’t agree more and couldn’t be more thankful for my time with Mrs. Christ.
So be sure to enter the giveaway and #ThankaTeacher by giving them an amazing gift!
*****This post is sponsored by Kronos Incorporated, but my love and appreciation for teachers is 100% my own! *****
Christine Luken says
My favorite teacher was Mr. Barczak, because he made learning fun and really cared about the students.
Rebekah says
My favorite teacher had to be one from first grade. I even remember accidentally calling her “mom” one day in school. She was a hard *ass, but she made me fall in love with school.
Jennifer B says
I would have to say that my favorite teacher was in my Kindergarten class. I think teachers should be appreciated more! They do so much!
mita says
My high school math teacher, she pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of!
Pam says
Great teachers can make such a difference in people’s lives. This is a great initiative.
Mary Happymommy says
My high school History teacher was my favorite because he inspired me to become a history major in college.
nicole dz says
My favorite teacher was named Mrs. Beams in middle school. She always went above and beyond for her students and always offered extra after school help. She was really dedicated to her teaching.
Jennifer Marie says
My favorite was my 7th grade math teacher. She always made learning fun and made me really interested in the subject
Elena says
My favorite was my first grade teacher because she was nice and supportive
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
A good teacher can make all the difference and I have several teachers that made a life long impression on me.
Jessica To says
My high school Latin teacher was my favorite. He was very passionate about what he taught.
Tabathia B says
Mrs. Hunt who was my 7th grade social studies teacher because she encouraged my love of history and of english and was a great teacher who made learning about the past interesting and fun.
Lisa Jones` says
My Favorite Teacher Was My First Grade Teacher Mr Creedan I Had Such A Crush On Him!! LOL!
Shauna says
That is just awesome. I love my kids old teacher from Kinder… she was kind, yet stern and wouldn’t let anyone get away with anything. Love her!
Cherise says
I can’t think of a favorite teacher from my childhood but I have one of my son’s. He gets extra help every day after school by a teacher who stays to help him, she is awesome!
Susan says
Ms. Low from HS English was the best! Related to all students and really cared, she would chase you down for missing assignments so that you would pass! Also, Ms. Ellis from 8th grade science, made me feel so confident. She was so organized and I knew exactly what was expected of me! I actually became a middle school science teacher!
Lois Alter Mark says
I had some great teachers and, thankfully, so did my kids. A good teacher can change a student’s life.
Trisha says
I had an amazing Child Development teacher in High School. I looked her up the other day and I think she is retired. If I could thank her today, I would!
Ellie W says
My favorite teacher was my third grade teacher, Mrs. Kennedy. She instilled in me a love for the written word.
Janeane Davis says
My favorite teacher was my 5th grade teacher because she was smart, pretty and well dressed. I wanted to be like her when I grew up.
AnitaB says
My favorite teacher was Miss Klimec in the 4th grade. She was ultra stylish and all the girls wanted to be her.
Amanda says
My favorite teacher was my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Hostetler. She was a really amazing down to earth woman, and after I moved, we actually continued to talk for years.
Debi says
What a great giveaway. I think my favorite teacher was my 4th grade teacher, from when I first moved to PA. He was great.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
My favorite teacher was my college costume practicum teacher. She taught me everything I know that lead me to where I am today. I still learn things from my students.
Amanda Sakovitz says
My 5th grade teacher Mrs Saltmarsh because she was tough but pushed me to do well.
Jenn @TheRebelChick says
My favorite teach will always be Mrs. Blanchard, she taught me 10th grade English and 11th grade. She was an inspiration and I don’t think I would have become a blogger who writes for a living without her encouragement!
patricia says
My favorite teacher is my first grade teacher. She was very patient and tailored her teaching style to each student to maximize their interest in learning.
Thomas Murphy says
My 8th grade math teacher was my favorite because she helped me get ready for high school.
Louida says
My 6 grade teacher Mr. Garlington was my favorite teacher. He always made learning fun and was uplifting. I remember our whole class threw him the best birthday party. I wonder where he is in life today?
Lisa says
My son’s Kindergarden teacher was the best!
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
My favorite teachers were my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Prange, and my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Barton. Both were lovely women that inspired me to learn and to care about learning.
StacieinAtlanta says
Oh my gosh there wore so many really wonderful teachers…I couldn’t pick just one. Really, for me it was the teachers that made things a little fun while pushing me at the same time.
Danielle says
I had so many incredibly inspiring teachers that still influence my choices, and ultimately my life, today. They have a big job, and they know it. It never ceases to amaze me at how much devotion most teachers hold to their work, and to the children in their care. Gratitude to them all ~*
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says
My favorite was my high school chemistry teacher…crazy, right? Send me to college and graduate school with passion for more!
Carly Bellard says
My favorite teacher was my HS Chorus teacher, Mrs. Fossum! She still teaches in Alpharetta, GA. Great lady!
Shell says
She sounds like she was a great mentor teacher. I had a fabulous one, too. The trust she had in mine gave me a lot of confidence.
krystal says
It’s always nice to recognize those individuals in education who make a difference. THanks for this one!
that cynking feeling says
I had several teachers who inspired me to become a teacher myself. I was reminded of one of them, Mrs. Heyl, recently. I don’t think I ever thanked her. Sadly, she passed away (much too young) and I missed my chance to express my gratitude.
Dee says
A great teacher is so hard to forget – I had some fantastic ones!
Kristen says
My 5th grade teacher was wonderful…I was very shy and she helped me be more outgoing.
Heather Hayes Panjon says
My Favorite Teacher Is My 5th Grade Teacher Mrs, Lord, She Really Went Above And Beyond For All Of Her Students, She Taught Me So Many Life Lessons!
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I so love my son’s teacher. I am not ready for my son to move to the next grade.
Elizabeth J. says
My favorite teacher was my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Spurlock. She really helped me with my confidence in math which I always struggled in. Thanks for the chance!
Carlene R. says
My 7th grade English teacher. Everyone else hated her b/c they said she was so mean. I liked her because as long as you did what she asked you got left alone. She just was the kind of person who expected us in 7th grade to act our age and take responsibility for our actions. I guess I went to school with a bunch of people who wanted to be babied for a while longer.
Sarah C says
My favorite teacher is Mrs. Polteno. She taught two of my children. She was really there for me when we were trying to figure out what was going on with my son and his behaviors. She became a really great friend.
Amy - Funny Is Family says
My kindergarten teacher, Ms. Craig had a huge impact on my self-esteem, and was a great foundation for my education. My son’s teacher is similar, and I’m so glad he has her to kick off his elementary years!
nataly carbonell says
My favorite teacher was my 3rd grade teacher.She taught me more than just a math lesson, she helped me overcome my insecurities and have more confidence in myself.
Karen says
My favorite teacher was my third grade teacher. She was the nicest person. My mother’s a teacher so I always love these appreciation posts like this!
Rachael says
One of my favorite teachers was my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Carter. She was a plus size black woman that was really cool and I could tell she truly loved being a teacher. And she had these really cool natural finger nails that were so long that they were curled.
Jenn says
My favorite teacher was my Kindergarten teacher. She was so vibrant and fun!
Julie Truesdell says
My favorites were Mr. Judnick (8th grade science) and Mr. Rasmussen (10th grade English). Amazing, inspiring teachers!
Dawn says
I had several fantastic teachers. It would be so hard to choose just one.
Janeane Davis says
With teaching as with many professions, much of what is used most is learned outside the classroom, and appreciated because of what we learn in the classroom.
Brett says
My favorite teacher was the one I hated most. But I respected her. She put up with nothing. She challenged me and dared tell me I was being lazy when no one else would. And when I started teaching it was her model that helped me find my path
kelly tillotson says
I had a great history teacher in highschool that instilled a love of learning and work ethic in me that will always be appreciated and not forgotten! Thank you!
*kelly
kelly-tillotson@hotmail.com
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
Teaching is such a thankless job. I can name a few that greatly changed my life and I probably will never get a chance to thank them.
Leigh Anne Borders says
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Clodfelter at E J Swint Elementary School. She was the one that inspired me to become a teacher and I am forever grateful! I absolutely LOVE my job!
Rosey says
My 1st and 3rd grade teacher (same teacher) was my favorite because she took such an avid interest in my learning. I remember she invited my mother and me to her home for dinner once too. Not sure why? But I remember being happy to visit her house, and I remember her white dog, lol
Veronica says
I wanted to be a teacher when I was young. I think it is because I had some wonderful teachers in my life. the two that I can recall are my 5th grade teacher Mrs Harty and 6th grade teacher Mr Green. They did push me to be the best I could be
Heather @ It's a Lovely Life! says
I’ve had a few really great teachers and most of them it had to do more with them caring than the actual teaching. Being a teacher is such a tough job and they deserve so much respect!
Tracey says
I still remember my favourite teachers and how they inspired me to grow and pursue my dreams.
Ashley M says
I had a teacher from 1st-3rd grade that I adored. She was supportive, encouraging and fun!
meredith says
My fav was my bio teacher mrs pike since she challenged me
Sonya Morris says
My high school history teacher because she made learning fun.
Jessica says
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Keefer. She was my elementary music teacher and she just really cared about everyone and took an interest in their lives.
Janice McKnight says
I had several favorite teachers. My first grade teacher who first inspired me to love school at an early age; my fifth grade teacher who let me see that teachers could be a little stern but still sweet, and my high school English teacher who let me see that teachers can be cool and friendly. Learning from each of them helped me become the teacher I am today.
Joanna Sormunen says
University gives you the basics. But the real learning about teaching begins when you have the students with you. Every student is different, every group is different and you are always learning, always need to become a better teacher and excell!
courtney b says
my math teacher was amazing !:) i love him! he really helped me when no one else did
Cálaeb Temple says
i loved my 5th grade teacher mrs. hurst. she kept us motivated and it showed every day that she loved teaching.
Ashley Tucker says
My highschool science teacher Mrs. Thomas because she made learning fun!
Jessie C. says
My favorite teacher was Mrs. White, my literature teacher who taught me to love and enjoy reading.
Gina M says
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Wheeler. I actually had her for both 3rd and 5th grade, which was great! She really made learning fun, and loved to bring history to life.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Jessica Ward says
Thank you for the opportunity!
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Gray, she instilled on her students a lifelong love for learning, and now, as a teacher, I do my best to pass on this special gift to my kindergarteners. <3
Debbie Denny says
It is sometimes the teacher who learns what and how to teach… That makes a Great teacher. You hang in there.
Melissa says
My favorite was my English teacher in 11th grade. He always encouraged me and wrote me a kick ass letter for college.
amy pugmire says
My first grade teacher. cause I had just moved to a new state and she made me feel so welcome and special.
Natalie S says
My fave teacher was my 4th grade teacher, Ms. Jones. She was just awesome all around. She really cared about the students and made learning super fun.
Melinda says
i don’t remember a teacher that impacted me. I do know of a one in my daughter’s life. I’m glad she’s had the guidance for the last 4 years
Janet W. says
Ms. Sutton was my favorite teacher because she made learning fun and was so helpful to me and my classmates.
Amy Desrosiers says
My favorite teacher that inspired me to teach was Mrs. Tallman. She was my special ed teacher when I was little. I grew out of my extra help classes thanks to her!
Anitha Kuppuswamy says
My 8th grade science teacher she made learning fun!!
Leidy says
I loved My kindergarten teacher, she was a very special, loving and kind woman who taught me more than just school work
Julie says
My 2nd grade teacher , Mrs. Edmister, was my favorite. She was so patient and kind to me. She instilled in me a love for reading. Thanks for the giveaway
Betsy Barnes says
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Miller in the ninth grade. She was a nurse who taught Health Education and Medical Explorers leader. She had a wonderful sense of humor which made her class fun, plus, she taught me the importance of volunteering and giving back to my community 🙂
Janice Cooper says
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Hill because she inspired and told me I can do it.
ellen casper says
My favorite teacher was in 7th grade science class – Ms. Roberts. Her class was hands on so it was fun.
Dawn Keenan says
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Waters, my 4-6th grade social studies teacher. She taught me how to live up to my potential, a skill I’m still perfecting to this day.
Raya says
Mrs Schoop was a favorite teacher. She encouraged my love of reading and would allow me to spend time in her room just looking at books.