Community Chat

[hckynut]

@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)

[dex]

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.

[cherry]

Nothing.

[sunshine45]

"the meek shall inherit the earth"

one of my favorite teachers wrote it in my yearbook.

still learning and hoping

[Shanus]

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. 

[qbetzforreal]

Always to say what you mean.

[gmkb]

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.

[gmkb]

@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.

[Mama Mia]

"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.

mm

[Moonchilde]

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.