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Solomon wrote, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10). Tonight I went to Amelia’s Back to School Night. I would like to modify Solomon’s statement a little for my own purposes: “Who can find a good teacher, for she is worthy of far better than rubies!” [tangent: Why don't we pay these people?]
Amelia is blessed to have a wonderful teacher this year. It was hard for me to sit still in my seat during the teacher’s presentation, because I wanted to get up and do a happy dance. Had the presentation been someone’s Facebook update, I would have sat there and clicked “Like” over and over again. I wanted to hug her. [Yes, I do tend to be over the top effusive when I like something, but what if I were only over the top down about things? Wouldn't that be worse?]
Anyway, basking in the moment of happiness that is realizing you probably got your child’s classroom placement right, that your interference and energy were not for nought, nor were to the negative either, I stopped to think on the excellent teachers who have blessed my life.
I have had a lot of teachers. Several of them were life-changing. Mrs. Long helped me to discover a life-long love of reading and an appreciation for science. Mr. Anderson brought history to life and taught us to recite “The Charge of the Light Brigade” and “The Jabberwock.” Mr. Klag helped me to realize that I had talents. He was interested in who I was and what I thought about.
There was a teacher, whose name I have forgotten, who taught my 7th grade history class. He taught us how to soak paper in milk and a little lemon juice and then bake it in the oven to make it look ancient. He also assigned us to do oral history interviews with our neighbors. Mr. Larson taught us science, and you couldn’t doubt that he was excited about it. He also taught us French and humility simultaneously. He helped me to understand the difference between looking for checkmarks and looking to learn.
Mr. Johnson loved me, even though I didn’t love him back. Somehow, he tricked me into absorbing a lot of geography despite my pride. Mr. Jeppesen taught me the desire to aspire. Disappointing him was deeply disappointing to me. Mr. Hall was kind and tolerant. Mrs. Roylance taught us to work.
And that is just through high school. If it weren’t past midnight as I write this, I would have to continue–sundry Sunday School teachers and college professors easily deserve mention–and I know that there are others as well. All of these people were passionate about what they taught. All of these people were genuinely interested in their students. All of these people changed a life. Mine. I have found a lot of good teachers. Thanks to all of them.
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5 Responses to “Good Teachers–far above rubies”
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Just wanted to note a propos of this post that a certain father-in-law of yours was one of my favorite teachers ever!
Yes, my fellow Phil 105 friend, I am quite a beneficiary of his teaching as well. It was a great way to start college. I am also thankful for his Keys to Scripture Study Class. And the Nietzsche course–I would love to take that again. Were you in that class?
Therese! I wondered if that was you commenting. Good to have contact with you again.
I want to become one of those teachers! I’ll have to chat with you a bit on how I can become like your daughters teacher. I finally turned in my application to the program last week and I find out in October. I will let you know what happens so I could perhaps solicit you for advice on what parents want in a teacher! I’m so excited for it! I hope your family is doing well!
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