Loved this post. Made me stop and remember all of the teachers who changed my life – simply because they got to know me and the other teachers in the class. Mr. Imbalzano in English Comp! Any teacher that can make English Comp fun is amazing! And college. I went to an all girls Catholic college because all of our family had gone there. But I was sure it was going to be dreadful. I so wanted to go to the state university with my friends. First day in Botany class – which I was required to take and which I was dreading. In walks an ancient nun in the long black habit and hi top tennis shoes. And instead of lecturing she took us out into the world of botany. Nature walks to look at plants. Trips to gardens. Working in the gardens on campus to learn how plants grew and reproduced. It’s from her that I learned my mom was not crazy – music will help your plants grow bigger. And it was from her that I developed my love of nature and gardening. Thanks, Sister!

The philosophy professor that would initiate the most fascinating discussions. The personal speaking instructor that helped me conquer my fear of speaking in public. The Russian history professor that helped me understand my dad’s heritage and appreciate what a truly great woman my Baba was. The choir instructor who always marched as he conducted and made singing pure joy. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to connect with me and every other student in your classes.

Heidi, you are right. Why can’t a SuperStar teacher get SuperStar fame. Randy got it, but you shouldn’t have to be dying to get such an honor. Others deserve it too.

Betty, you are picking now are you not?

Sally, I need to choose better headlines so you are not afraid to open post. You’ve been teaching your whole life?

Claudia, thank goodness for your summer teacher, makes such a difference.

Pam, I think you are right. One of the things I learned was that I really have choices, and don’t have to go by the book. Give your daughter a big hug for me. She is blessing the lives of many.

PopArtDiva, Wonder if you can even have a boring art teacher? I guess it is possible, it would be a crime. You knew what you wanted to be and went out and ran with it. Curious if those with a burning need to make and create are all rebels at heart? I’m concerned with how the creative classes are being squeezed out at many public schools. Kids should be able to letter in a sport and develop a creative talent, not choose between.

Although I have about 140 hours of college credit with a very good GPA I did not get my degree. I’d decided to go into social work and was lacking 1 class and an internship. Husband got job elsewhere. But as my children were born I realized the emotional drain of such a profession would not leave me with enough patience for my own family. I could go back and pick it up, but I’m happy where I’m at.

I too took a unique approach to my education – I took all my art classes first, even went to an art college – The Art Center in LA (Pasadena now) – because I wanted to get out there and be a professional artist.

Eventually I got my degrees too, but the art classes were first and foremost to me and since I paid for my own college education I wanted to make sure I got the training I wanted before my money ran out!

You love your perspective on your education. What you learned from your ‘chosen’ professors and classes probably contributed more to your life than you will ever even know. I can remember teachers who were special to me, and the reason was that they had a passion for teaching and for their subject matter. It’s as you said, they brought the subject to life. My daughter is a school teacher, now librarian. The things she brings to the children amaze me…guess that’s why she got Teacher of the Year! When a teacher/professional loses their passion, they should change careers. Thanks for sharing a great story. I really like the new look of the site, too.

I loved your post. I didn’t attend college right away after high school, because I hated high school. I was easily bored by teachers. In fact I’ll never forget the only time I ever failed a class and had to go to summer school. The summer school teacher was so much more fun and interesting that I aced the class.

College, since I was doing more of the choosing, that was a breeze too:-) Great things to be thinking about as we see the stores already starting to sell school and college supplies!

Claudia
http://happynutritionist.com

I opened this blog post with some trepidation, afraid that you were going to talk about some of the bad things that have been in the news over the last few years!!

I am so glad that it was a positive post about teachers and students. I have loved many teachers, and have been inspired by them. My Mom and my grandmother were both awesome teachers.

I have worked as a teacher in many settings, in a state run hospital for the population that used to be called “retarded” before it was disbanded in the 80′s, in rehab centers run by Good Will and Easter Seals, and in many other capacities over the years.

I love teaching, and love to have students contact me to give updates.

My husband and I both teach for real estate schools, and hear from students all the time. They always remember their teachers.

Hugs,

Sally
http://www.drsallywitt.com

It is a shame we don’t hold teachers up on the pedastal we do celebrites. Our children are so important to the future of our country and we even begrudge them pay raises when they need it most.

Randy was an exceptional teacher, and I had my share of those as well. He was a great model of what many teachers are doing, just not in the same public way. I am sure he is “up there” having wonderful discussions with the other angels and has probably already memorized everyone’s name!

Thanks for a great post,

Heidi