Who Was Your Favourite Teacher?

When deciding to home school our son, one of my biggest concerns was that he wouldn’t have a “favourite teacher” like I remember having. That one, or maybe two, teacher who impacted your life in a way you’ll never forget.

I had four; two from grade three, a substitute and the regular teacher, who both saw something in me I never recognized before. They trusted me with watering plants and gave me extra spelling tests while I waited for the bus after school when everyone else was gone. One I’m still in touch with today and I still remember her with fondness, knowing how many of her students will take so much from her each day.

The others were grade nine teachers. One who believed in me and gave me a chance when other teachers wouldn’t. She encouraged me to write what I felt, to express my understanding and outlook on life. The other recognized when I was trying my best even if it wasn’t always 100% correct. He made exceptions for me when others focused on the mistakes.

These are the people I feared my son wouldn’t have as, although my husband and I would be his teachers, he wouldn’t really have a particular teacher from a certain grade he could reflect on.

And then I realized…

Teachers are not just in public school. Teachers are the coaches he has for every sport he plays. They are the librarians and cashiers he meets, the construction worker he chats with, and his grandparents, aunts and uncles he keeps in touch with.

As we celebrate World Teacher Day remember those who taught you a life lesson you still follow through with today. The friend who taught you how important it is  to just be there, the stranger who recognized you as something more than what you do for work, and the people you haven’t met personally but say uplifting things that may you smile.

And, just as important, be the teacher you admire so that your student can teach you something about yourself.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

author of Being Grateful, Being Thankful