Today is World Teachers’ Days. I have always wanted to be a nurse, and I have always wanted to teach. I get to do both.
Teachers help plant the seeds of knowledge that get us started on the journey that is our life. As young children we may spend more waking hours with our teachers that we do our parents.
I had several elementary school teachers who made an impact on me. I remember Mr. Coon was playing his banjo for us in class when new broke about JFK’s assassination. I’m not sure I had ever seen a man cry before. Mr. Bagley, in 5th grade was the first person to ever tell me I had potential of any kind. Mrs. Rakestraw in middle school was called evil names behind her back, but she proved herself a kind and gentle soul who encouraged students to give their all. Her love of language, spoken and written, have stayed with me these many years.
In nursing school I had some wonderful instructors who were not only dedicated nurses but incredible educators. Their examples helped build the foundation that is both my nursing practice and teaching platform.
So, today, if you are a teacher – know that you are appreciated. If you know a teacher – thank them. Whatever you do today (read, write, balance a checkbook, drive, cook, etc) remember the person who taught you and helped shape you.
k8edid 
When I retired from college teaching, I was very sad. I loved my work and thought that my greatest contribution to society was over. I’ve found, however, that I don’t have to be in a classroom to still be a teacher. I can teach by example. And that’s what I do every day.
Thanks for making me proud of my life choices!
There are so many teaching moments available to us all. You should be proud of your life choices.
I just reconnected with my sixth grade teacher. I wrote an essay about her that was published several years ago, and she discovered this and tracked me down. She’s 91 and still going strong. And still taught school until a few years ago. It makes me happy to think of all the children who were lucky enough to have Sister Anita for a teacher.
That is simply amazing. What a legacy.
I was a ‘reading parent’ in my son’s class today. I looked at the calendar next to where I was sitting, and I noticed today was World Teacher’s Day. I was sorry I had not sent a note to my boys’ teachers.
I will never forget my 1st grade teacher – and I was fortunate to get her again in 4th grade. I had some of the best of the best when it came to teachers. Mrs. Judge, Mr. Boyd, Mrs. Davis, Ms. Whitman, etc.
Thanks for all you’ve done for your fellow nurses, K8. Happy World Teacher’s Day!
Thanks, Lenore – Isn’t if great to remember the great ones?
I couldn’t pass this one. Thank you. There are a lot of good ones and memorable ones worthy of individual posts.
If you are a nurse and a teacher, the difference you make must be doubled. Happy WTD!
I know, a double celebration!
mine was my 5th grade teacher Mrs. Eakley, who wrote in my 6th grade graduation autograph book “ad astra per aspera” or: “to the stars through all difficulty”, a thought that. 60 yrs later, i still cherish as words to live by.
Yes, words to live by, indeed.
Teachers are the best! That’s why I married one 🙂
Lucky you!
Amen! And also, as far as nursing teachers? A friend’s mom is a local nursing teacher, and played a huge, wonderful role in the birth of my son. I don’t think I would even have applied this gratitude to her, but for your post. I think I’d better send my friend a note to pass along to her mom! 😀
Thanks for remembering her – I’m sure it will make her day to hear from you.
We hear so much about bad teachers that it’s really nice to remember that there are some amazing teachers out there. I always think of Mrs. Sutton. When my book was published and I went back to the town where I grew up to give a bookstore reading, she came. Can you believe that? Almost 20 years later!
Oh that is wonderful. We do often hear about the bad ones (and there are some, for sure – my little granddaughter had a teacher who smacked a child – a kindergartener at that). The ones that a dedicated and love what they do are easy to spot – and remember.
I had a wonderful high school English teacher who was known as strict, but who really pushed us to think. I’m sure I never thanked him back then. I make it up now by thanking my daughter’s teachers with words, my time, classroom donations and the occasional present. I love a good teacher!
I’m sure your daughter’s teachers are grateful – how nice that you give of your time, energy and resources.
Loved this! Just got home from tutoring and had a trip down memory lane with my own teachers. Isn’t it funny how we can often remember our elementary school teachers, but then my own middle and high school teachers can be a blur–for me, anyway!
Except for those who mentored me, and stood out.
Thank you for this tribute, K8edid!
I agree – the elementary teachers are much easier to remember – maybe by the time we get to middle school we are so obsessed with other things. When we are younger, adults are such an important part of our development – but as we become tweens and teens our peers play a much more important role. I have to say a had more than a few forgettable teachers – and more than just a few memorable one.
Wow. I’m a teacher and had no idea we actually have a day. Too bad I missed it. Oh well. Why am I teacher? Because of all of the awesome ones who graced my life growing up. Here’s to all of you who make a difference!
Here’s to you, too. thanks for your service. You can celebrate today, if you like.