Today Mary is sharing something very dear to her heart. She asks some great questions at the end of the blog. We're both looking forward to hearing your answers! All comments get your name entered twice in the monthly drawing for a $10.00 gift certificate to Bath & Body Works.
My primary school librarian read wonderful stories from picture books. One of my favorites was Sam, Bangs and Moonshine. I loved the wonderful tale of the inquisitive girl and her cat, and the father whose love was overshadowed by grief over the loss of his wife…so many powerful emotions interwoven with haunting illustrations. As you can guess, library hour was my favorite time of the week.
In sixth grade, I had a wonderful teacher who nurtured my writing. She came to school early in the morning and worked with me, and I completed my first full-length novel that year. I will never forget this wonderful woman. We corresponded through my college years before losing touch. I will never forget her, though, or the boundless encouragement she gave me.
In high school, I had an English teacher who loved books as much as I did. He understood my passion for words, and encouraged me to read books with more depth and to appreciate their beautiful imagery. He also began a writers’ group, and published some poems I wrote in a school anthology. It was thrilling!
Without these dedicated teachers, I may not have pursued my love of writing…and might very well not be where I am today. I remember them as I teach my middle-school students, and try to ‘pay forward’ the encouragement I received.
So I ask…has there ever been a teacher who impacted you with compassion, dedication, or encouragement? If so, how did this teacher help you to get where you are today…and what would you say to him or her if given the opportunity?
5 comments:
Her name was Mrs. Johnson. I would have been in second yr junior so about eight or nine. I can still picture her today in her oversized blue dress and black hair.
I wrote this story about a girl who ran away and joined a circus and nursed a sick horse. Can't remember the details, but across the bottom of it she wrote - I love this. Keep it to read to your parents grandchildren.
Since then all I did was write and write and write. Still am. And all I wanted to do was be a published suthor.
Well even if I never sell another book and go back to rejection letters, I did it. Thanks to that small note on an english project.
Clare,
What a beautiful memory. I'm sure the teacher would be so pleased to know how she impacted your life. As a teacher myself, nothing touches me more than getting a note from a student to let me know how much they love my class, or to tell me how much more they understand a certain subject or concept due to the extra help they receive from me.
Thank you, and God bless!
Clare,
What a beautiful memory. I'm sure the teacher would be so pleased to know how she impacted your life. As a teacher myself, nothing touches me more than getting a note from a student to let me know how much they love my class, or to tell me how much more they understand a certain subject or concept due to the extra help they receive from me.
Thank you, and God bless!
There was a Mrs. Cason who I had for 10th grade english and creative writing. She helped me to focus the creativity that kept filling my wings. I enjoyed learning about different styles of writing from her, and that early encouragement still rang in my ears years later when I wanted to try my hand at writing stories.
Maggie,
Thanks for sharing. Teachers really can make a difference in a child's life.
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