I am sure everyone can remember the teacher that set your mind to yearning for more. I can remember a couple.
I was an instructor in the Navy for a few years, that is not as challenging as teaching in a public or private school. Even if I was qualified, I am not sure if that would be a profession I could be comfortable in this day and time.
In the past few days I had the chance to sit under a teacher I had in (1962) summer school, Dr. Vhooris. He was teaching Bible when my goal was to be a preacher. He was just out of school himself, after spending a few years in the US Army. He was young, lean and a ‘spell binding’ teacher. Now in his 80’s, he had to be helped to the podium. He is now bald and a little over weight. No longer the young fire-eating professor he was in 1962.
I wish I could have heard the words, I sat, as always, in silence, but watched him, and I also watched the audience. NO CHANGE! Like him, hate him or disagree, YOU STILL LISTEN. The audience was captivated. I smiled remembering how he could keep my interest, and make me want to learn, or prove him wrong.
There must be teachers today, who teach to see young lives change and lights come on when a point is truly ingested, but I think they are farther apart than they used to be. I think at one time teaching was considered more of a moral calling. An inner drive to grow young minds and not just a job.
Today I was remembering Mrs. Brevard, from Valdese High School. She taught Algebra 1. She had a knack, of pushing until you smiled in relief when you realized ‘X’ was not that illusive.
My mind went to the latest studies that show that we as Americans are ‘dumber’ over all, than we were 50 years ago. Teachers, TEACHERS! we need teachers, teachers who are backed by administration, parents and society. Teachers who can teach and not spend half their time trying to enforce discipline.
We have a niece who just won ‘Teacher of the Year’ in Gastonia. A sweet dedicated lady. A good friend Bonnie, who has excelled as a teacher. Jackie (who is very sweet) over at ‘Teacher’s Pet’ (http://jackiesteacherspet.blogspot.com/)is or was a teacher.
Good Teachers are GOLDEN!
Nite Shipslog
PS:
I never graduated from HS, College or anything. But I have attended a few. LOL
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today’s classic:
Sherry beside a 1937 Ford Convertible, her year!
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11 comments:
My elementary school teachers seemed to have a bigger impact than the others.
I agree we need some great teachers - but we need to pay them more. My daughter has worked 5 years without a raise. And her paycheck is even lower because they make them take mandatory furlough days. It's like don't pay me - I just want to do my job for the fun of it!
Congrats to your niece.
sandie
In my adult life I worked as a care-giver through a Home Health and Hospice program. I was honored to be assigned to the job of caring for my favorite teacher in her last days. She remembered me from years before and she said it was comfort knowing it was me coming in to care for her. I will never forget her kind, gentle teaching methods. I will always remember her fondly.
'love & hugs from afar'
To remember the teachers who made a difference in our lives is commendable, Jack.
You are a true gentleman; anyone who reads and follows you can figure that out in no time at all.
I believe that a dedicated teacher is truly called...and it is a calling of the heart.
Hugs and love,
J.
Congrats to your niece for getting that award! I have several teachers in my family and I know what a tough job it can be. Teaching kids today involves a whole lot more than the basic 3 R's for sure. A good teacher makes all the difference. But yes, they do need the support and backing from the parents too. Parents are the first teachers kids have and their job isn't easy either. But when they work together it surely does help.
I had one teacher that took the time and understood that my shyness was what was holding me back. To all , especially Jack, I TRULY WAS SHY. I can't say the same any more. At times I am to out spoken and hear about it. This teacher took the time to help me understand that I could do the work but just needed the confidence.
A great teacher you are Jack, I remember the day at Hines Park when I came with my mom (Mel) to meet you and Sherry. Dar and Bill had also stopped by with Syrus and he was so awe struck by you. You could see the light in his eyes as he watched your every move and listened to your every word, you even had me in awe. You can truly tell when someone enjoys what they do and I saw that in you. Don't ever stop being you because you are one of the sweetest, caring and fun loving guys I have ever met, with a wife who is just as sweet! It reminded me of the old days sitting around and talking with my Grandpa...
Enjoy your day and don't ever change!
Sara
Jack, I would have loved to sit in that class with you to hear George Vhooris. He was a fantastic Bible teacher. Gifted. Dynamic. And as you pointed out - a spell-binder. You also have that knack for keeping an audience's attention. Our G-daughter (Chloe) will never forget your visit with us.
My daughter is a teacher. She says when trying to get a point across to a student sometimes they look so puzzled, then all at one it's like a light bulb has been turned on as they grasp the meaning of what she is trying to get across to them.Makes her happy to see them do that.
I remember my best, & have purposely forgotten my worst.
I remember a third grade teacher who would take a child not feeling well onto her lap and continue teaching. That wouldn't be permitted in this day and time and isn't that a shame because she was so kind and sincere.
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