Being an educator is a thankless job for the majority of the time. I have several close friends who are teachers, and the rate of burnout is incredibly high–even if you steadfastly love and believe in what you do. Think back to you own time in school, you probably have forgotten the majority of your time with the individual educators. Their names and faces blur together along with the material they so diligently taught. Does anyone remember sign, co-sign, and tangent?
However, you probably also had a gem of a teacher and if you were really fortunate even a couple. I know those few gems work incredibly hard and give so much to their students. If they are truly great, they inspire a love of learning, a strong belief in yourself as a learner, and a curious spirit. I was lucky enough to have 2 of these teachers–in the same year, no less. The way they taught me still effects my daily life, and I often find myself telling of my year with them when I am in discussion about inspirational people.
This week, I am aiming to recognize those two men who so brilliantly inspired me at such a young age. I know that their impact is far-reaching, and I am not the only one who feels the way I do about the energy and creativity they used and possessed in the classroom.
So, think back to the "gems" in your education. Who are those people you find yourself remembering? Do you have anyway to recognize the hard work they do and the impact they have had on your life?
And, because I am not afraid to embarrass myself. Here is a snippet of the yearbook from my 7th grade year. This was the year that two educators had a profound impact on my life, self-esteem, and desire to learn. 7th grad is such an unfortunate year for a girl's looks isn't it?? :)