#ThankATeacher

#ThankATeacher

As I think back and reflect on the teachers I have had, there are two teachers in particular that stand out in my mind.  The first one...Mr. Harrison my 9th and 11th grade AP English teacher got me to love reading. Throughout my entire education, leading up to 9th grade, I was a big "fake reader". That's what I call it when talking to my 7th grade English students now....fake reading.  I was able to get by and do my work, but I really had no interest in reading.  In Mr. Harrison's class, one of the treasured books that I simply fell in love with was Lonesome Dove.  I am not sure if it was the romantic western story line with Gus McCrae or the mere fact that I finished reading an 850 pg. book that charged my adoration for it.  Regardless, I truly shifted my attitude towards reading and lifelong learning from that point on.  It saddens me that it took until high school for that switch to flip, however, I am thankful the switch did flip.  Better late than never.

The second teacher who I am so grateful for was my lead teacher during my student teaching experience.  Mr. Denoncour, a 5th grade veteran teacher in the Concord, NH school district was a true teaching role model for me.  He had a beautiful way of teaching all the different content areas of 5th grade, but truly worked hard on building relationships with his students.  Something that I hold very near and dear to my teaching practice.  I still use little strategies he taught me to help build my relationships with kids and make them feel important and successful and I truly thank him for all that he did for me. He lives and breathes life-long learning and I feel honored to have had the opportunity to work with him.

I don't think anyone begins teaching looking for a thank you. I know for me know, in the end of my tenth year of teaching, the effort and excitement that students show for my class is a thank you enough.