topic Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher? in Community Chat

Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

house_cat — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:03:32 GMT

I'm heading back to school after a long winter break.

I love teaching and I love the kids, but I could use a little inspiration on this rainy Monday morning.

I remember being in 5th grade and complaining to my friend that I was always stuck sitting next to the "bad" kids. My teacher overheard and asked me to stay after the bell. She said, "Do you know why I sit you there? I sit you there because you are a good example for them. I'm hoping they see what a lovely girl you are and that you are a good student. I'm hoping they are inspired by you."

Well, that sure surpised me. Since then I've always been aware of the example I'm setting for others. I'm not always proud of myself, but I try.

Is there something you learned from a teacher, other than academics, that you can share with us?

Thank you.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

CalminHeart — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:08:39 GMT

Kids will live down to your expectations.....or up to your expectations.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

just bee — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:18:47 GMT

My high school French teacher lived in an apartment in Palo Alto with her devastatingly handsome, Oxford-educated, British husband. He politely greeted a group of giggling students, then excused himself and disappeared into another room while our teacher hosted a private dinner for us.

I remember when she brought us dessert: Enormous fresh strawberries, a bowl of sour cream and a dish of brown sugar. We dipped our berries in the cream then rolled them in brown sugar. It was a life-changing experience.

It taught me that no matter your circumstances, you can bring a little elegance to your life and eat well. When I went off to college, not long after our dinner, I introduced others to the berry experience.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

aggravated — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:39:49 GMT

@just bee and @house_catJust wanted to let you know that I love your stories! I don't have anything to compare to that.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

SilleeMee — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:39:46 GMT

"You can do anything...if you put your mind to it" - my highschool math teacher, Mr. Brodie.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

just bee — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:41:51 GMT

@aggravated wrote:
@just bee and @house_catJust wanted to let you know that I love your stories! I don't have anything to compare to that.

Oh, I bet you do. Remember our teachers who aren't in a classroom.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

coco14 — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 14:42:04 GMT

In high school, my French teacher was also my English teacher - she taught me to not ever "judge a book by its cover".

A kind patient person, who saw something in me that I did not - she took the time to find out why I was so rebellious and I thanked her so many times when she was alive and in my prayers now.

She wrote me a glowing letter of recommendation, which secured me a job at a major financial institution and started me on a fifty year path.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

NicksmomESQ — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 15:01:26 GMT

When I was in 3rd grade my teacher scolded me for something I had done. Feeling,badly about the incident I approached her the next day.I apologized for being a "bad girl". She said " Oh dear,you're not a bad girl at all.You just made a mistake".She then hugged me & said"we all make mistakes it's how we handle them that matters.Don't ever define yourself by your mistakes but rather what you've learned from them".

That was life changing for me!! I have never forgotten this lesson.I carry it with me.I've taught it to others including my son & few of his friends.

Thank you Mrs.Loewy!!!

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

jlkz — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:01:53 GMT

Years ago as a high school sophomore, I had a French teacher who took me aside and involved me in giving dramatic ( think male military leaders from early history ) speeches in Forensic competitions. This nun took a quiet, studious teenager and showed her how powerful she was: she could command the attention of anyone she wanted.

well, that first year I made it to the national competition level. I was never the same and could be counted on to voice whatever needed to be said. Even at my 50th ( 55th in September ) high school reunion, there are folks who do not believe that I am not a lawyer !!!

My successful careers at AT&T, adjunct college professor, entrepreneur / consultant, and career counsellor are the fruit of that teacher's effort to bring me out of my shell.

She has made all the difference in my life and in the introduction to a document for a college honor society, she is one of the 4 women I honored.

We kept in touch over the years and in a final earthly goodbye, I carried her ashes to their resting place.

Did she have an impact beside my deciding to get a B.A. and M.A. In French ???

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

gmkb — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:02:00 GMT

This is about my son, not me. When he was in high school, he was having trouble with calculus or trigonometry. I did not know this until half way thru the semester his math teacher called me. He told me that he tutored each day a half hour before school began and had asked my son to attend, but he never showed.

I was embarrassed because my son never told me. I told his teacher he would be there beginning tomorrow. I drove him each morning rather than take the school bus. He went every day for the remainder of the semester and received an A grade.

That teacher went above and beyond for giving the extra help and for calling it to my attention when my son resisted. Today, many years later, we are both grateful.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

hckynut — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:24:13 GMT

@house_cat

Unfortunately going to a Catholic grade school, the nuns left me with only sore knuckles. Other than religion there was nothing that stands out in my memory during any of ths years.

I do have 1 teacher I remember very well to this day with a thought. You're looking for inspiration on this rainy day and my memory of her is anything but inspirational. I will say at times it seems like it was yesterday, when in fact it has been well over 60 years ago. Will leave it at that?

hckynut(john)

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

dex — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:26:15 GMT

I hated to make mistakes...upset me grately.The teacher told me that the only people who never make mistakes are the people who do nothing.She also said that new ideas and important information can often occur from a mistake.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

cherry — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:26:54 GMT

Nothing.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

sunshine45 — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:28:47 GMT

"the meek shall inherit the earth"

one of my favorite teachers wrote it in my yearbook.

still learning and hoping

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

Shanus — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:33:36 GMT

I don't remember ever liking math. As I got into high school & math classes were impossible, I'd tell my teachers that I didn't understand why I needed to learn this since I'd never have the occasion to use it. Boy was I wrong. When I majored in art and metalsmithing, I not only was required to take drafting classes (a lot of math), but now have to measure for drawing & know my fractions, etc. for mixing chemicals to do my metal work. I learned that all education will be used at some time in your life.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

qbetzforreal — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:34:51 GMT

Always to say what you mean.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

gmkb — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:42:20 GMT

My sister taught in an area where many children came from troubled, dysfunctional homes. She always took extra care with those children to encourage them to succeed.

She would mention that at Christmas time the school provided some help to parents with gifts for the children. Parents were asked to submit a few items the children would like. She said you would be amazed at the selfishness of some parents who said their 7 year olds wanted TV's, cell phones, Walmart gift cards, etc. The children, of course, would mention what they were hoping to receive

One situation that stands out was a little girl whose only wish was a soccer ball. Mom said she wanted a TV. After Christmas she asked the child if she got her soccer ball and she sadly said no. My sister got her a soccer ball and told her Santa left it at school for her. There were many such occasions.

No matter where my sister and I went we would run into a grateful parent or former student who would give her a hug and thank her for being such a good teacher.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

gmkb — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:58:23 GMT

@hckynut John you must have been a mischievous child like me. I was always getting my knuckles hit with a ruler. But to be fair those were the days that public schools did a fair amount of paddling. I can remember boys, primarily, heading to the principal's office for the paddle.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

Mama Mia — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 17:51:29 GMT

"somebody's got to pick up the garbage" meaning everyone isn't going to be a doctor or lawyer or whatever. Sixth grade teacher many years ago.

Re: Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

Moonchilde — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 18:21:20 GMT

That teachers are human beings with lives, troubles and sorrows of their own.

My high school Spanish teacher was a refugee from Castro's Cuba. He emigrated with a wife and child, and although he had been a wealthy practicing attorney and had a doctorate (we addressed him as "Dr B"), he needed to support his family and wasn't able to study for a new bar exam. He became a high school Spanish teacher and also did tax accounting to supplement their income.

He praised me, and did his best to give me self-confidence and a good sense of my self-worth and potential, when my parents did the opposite. That class was the highlight of my day. I got straight As in it all three years.