Something non-academic that you learned from a teacher?

house_cat · ‎03-09-2010

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.

~ house cat ~

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

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

just bee · ‎03-10-2010

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.

~My philosophy: Dogs are God's most perfect creatures. Angels, here on Earth, who teach us to be better human beings.~

aggravated · ‎03-12-2010

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

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

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

just bee · ‎03-10-2010

@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.

~My philosophy: Dogs are God's most perfect creatures. Angels, here on Earth, who teach us to be better human beings.~

coco14 · ‎06-19-2010

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.

NicksmomESQ · ‎08-19-2014

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!!!

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

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 ???

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

gmkb · ‎07-29-2012

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.