Um, I know it is Wednesday, but it has been a while since I participated in Katie’s “Take Time Tuesday” which is a link up of posts that take time to reflect on what we are grateful for. As usual, my cup overrunneth in the gratitude department. I recently wrote a post on expectations that expounded upon my gratitudes. So, I will use this post to relect upon some of the awesome teachers I have had in my life and to share a link to a great new documentary called TEACH that reflects upon what it takes to be a great teacher in America today. It also brings up the important topic of how difficult is is becoming to get young people to become teachers today.
When I was asked to tell you about TEACH, I sat and thought back on all that the teachers in my life have offered me. There were more good ones than I could possibly recognize in this post. I will mention a few of the most memorable and will try to remember many more in my thoughts.
- Mrs. Goldberg was my Kindergarten teacher. She helped me to learn to raise my hand and speak up. Believe it or not, I was painfully shy as a little girl.
- Mr. Conforti was my “G & T” teacher in 6th grade and 8th grade Science teacher. He helped me to see that Science was cool.
- Mr. Jenkins was our planetarium teacher – yup, we had a planetarium in our middle school! He taught me to look up and imagine what was out there in the universe and to identify constellations. I still hear his voice when I look at a beautiful night sky.
- Mrs. O’Leary was my 9th grade Biology teacher – she taught me to love Diet Coke and that using humor and sarcasm could add to your message instead of detracting from it.
- Ms. Fischer was my 9th grade English teacher. She fostered my love of writing and helped me to do it better. She encouraged me to develop my own voice.
- Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Miller were my coaches for cross-country and track. They taught me to work hard and that heart could beat talent sometimes. And when it didn’t, they helped me to be a good loser. They also showed me the value of being on a team and being a team player.
I could really go on all day and mention so many other teachers that impacted my life for good. I encourage you to think back on how your teachers positively impacted you, too. I am sitting here with a big smile on my face.
ABOUT THE MOVIE
“TEACH, Academy Award-winning director Davis Guggenheim’s third documentary film about education in America asks the question: What Does It Take to Be A Great Teacher Today?
Following four dedicated teachers from different schools across the country over the course of one school year, TEACH gives viewers a window into the challenges, demands and rewards of teaching, with the purpose of elevating and promoting the profession, as well as engaging new teachers and supporting current teachers. We see that for the best teachers, it’s not just a job but a mission.
As intense as it is emotional, this year in the life of four public-school teachers illustrates how tenacity, passion and a belief in innovation drive these educators as they navigate the daily ups and downs of the 2012-2013 school year. These educators use conventional and unconventional methods and do whatever it takes to overcome obstacles and strive for success.”
A two hour special television event presented by Participant Media, TEACH is set to debut on the CBS Television Network on September 6th at 8:00 pm ET/PT. TEACH will also air on the new network, Pivot on September 14th at 8:00 pm ET/PT
How have your teachers impacted and inspired you? Take the time to thank those great teachers who have helped you or your children and check out TEACH, too.
Thanks to Participant Media for sponsoring today’s discussion. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.