Most of us can name at least one teacher we still remember years—or even decades—after leaving the classroom.
Sometimes it was the teacher who made a difficult subject finally make sense. Sometimes it was the one who made learning fun, sparked an interest that stayed with us, or simply showed up with patience and kindness when we needed it most. And sometimes, a teacher’s influence reached far beyond the classroom.
In honor of World Teachers’ Day on October 5, we asked the Lifescape team to tell us about a teacher who made a difference in their lives.
Their answers reminded us just how lasting a teacher’s influence can be.
Elijah Waugh
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Smith, my speech therapist in second and third grade. Her patience and dedication changed the trajectory of my life, helping me find the voice I now use every day as an attorney.
Charley Lewis
My 4th grade teacher was my favorite because she became so much more than just a teacher to me. She and her husband, who was a minister in a small town, were unable to have children, and because I did not have parents, they often took me with them on weekends, where the 3 of us shared the wonderful experience of feeling like a happy little family. Those times were incredibly special and fulfilling for all of us, the relationship we built has lasted a lifetime-we still stay in touch to this day.
Eva Gavin
My parents were both special educators in a small town. My mom was KS Special Educator of the Year in 2008. My dad was a farmer but during the 1980s farm crisis in the midwest he returned to school and teaching to help keep the farm going. Their career as special educators had an incredible impact on my life and I got to skip some school with my dad in the fall for harvest.
Kelsey Eastridge
Mrs. Harris, 4th grade History teacher. I’m not really sure why other than she was nice and that was the year I fell in love with history.
Whitney Williams
My 4th grade teacher was my favorite.He had a way of making everything fun.
Louise Gill
My third grade teacher, Mrs. Carlson, was a wonderful woman who made learning fun.
The details may be different, but there’s a common thread running through these memories: great teachers leave something behind.
A love of history. A stronger voice. A sense that learning can be fun. A feeling of belonging. An example of perseverance and service. Sometimes, simply the memory of an adult who cared.
Those lessons can stay with us for a lifetime.
This World Teachers’ Day, we’re grateful for the teachers who helped shape the people we became, and for the teachers doing that important work for another generation today.
Who was your favorite teacher, and what made them unforgettable?
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