ABSTRACT
If we think back to our early education experience and about the teachers who made an impact on our lives, we remember some of them and not others. Why some and not others? We asked some people to recall their experiences; here are three examples of what we heard:
Part of the reason I went into this profession was due to my own school experience. I had a wonderful experience with an elderly woman who was a volunteer. She helped me with reading. She was so encouraging and patient and above all said I was “smart.” In junior high I had a number of encouraging teachers. Mr. S., a social studies teacher and Mr. C., a science teacher. They were such great teachers who were very supportive and above all listened to my concerns. I will always remember them.
(Sarah, 38-year-old psychologist)Sister L was for sure old school and I remembered that she sent me to the board and embarrassed me when I didn’t know an answer to a math question. Instead of explaining it, she scolded me. It made me develop a dislike for math. On the other hand, Mr. Z made class fun and I enjoyed his class. He made it easy to understand and he influenced me to become a teacher.
(Janet, 45-year-old teacher)In a positive way, it was Ms. G. in the first grade who, back in 1947 before people knew much about learning disorders, diagnosed me with a reading problem and left-eye dominance. She worked with my parents and helped me learn to read and write (and allowed me to be left handed). I was, by then, a step behind everyone else but if she hadn’t stepped in I might never have learned to read or write.
(Tom, 65-year-old lawyer)