3 teachers, 3 clues I learned…
On teacher appreciation day (Tues 5/8), I usually think back on my most inspiring teachers, wishing that I could thank them for everything they taught me:
Mr. Walker from Harrington Park Elementary School:
He taught me to write from my heart. I learned to use writing as a powerful tool to express my point of view.
Mister Fred Rogers:
He taught me, through television, that I can believe in myself. I also learned how powerful an educational tool television can be.
Dr Rosemarie Truglio at Teachers College, Columbia University (now at Sesame Workshop) taught me about the research on children and television as well as how to maximize the creative to teach. She gave me the confidence to write my first show, The Magic Library, which turned into PBS’ Super Why!.
What makes the great teachers great is pretty simple to list but it comes with incredible characteristics that would better any parent as well. After all, a strong correlation exists between the growth that goes on inside a home & the learning the continues outside of it.
My list of traits to be an effective teacher, which also holds true to be a great parent, would include the following:
• Belief, Care & Respect for their students & a Strong Understanding of who they are
• Passion for their work
• Creative & Flexible method of teaching
So, go hug a teacher, and thank them for everything they do!
I love this post Angela! I have a few teachers who really inspired and woke up my own passions, but it was not until I became a mom that I fully appreciated just how important a good teacher is, and just how many there really are.
I have three children, all who have some sort of learning challenge, but it is our daughter who has the most severe issues.
We have encountered so many caring and creative teachers. I still remember her preschool teacher who in order to help Lizzy learn to use her words would do things each day to help facilitate her speech. For two years they would hide her lunch as a game so Lizzy had to say where it was. Even though Lizzy is now 10 each time I hear her say a sentence I think back to her teacher who never, ever gave up on her.
And, I greatly appreciate the team of teachers who work with her everyday, coming up with new ideas to keep her engaged and learning. I can never thank them enough.
Thanks for sharing your own experiences. Great post!