The power of a teacher
Before I start my story, let me clear something up. I don’t want to seem arrogant. Everything I have is due to the wonderful grace of God. Without him, it would be nothing. An arrogant man believes that he achieves everything alone, a confident man believes that he can achieve everything through Christ.
My story begins in the late 1970’s in rural North Mississippi. We didn’t have much; my father was a single parent factory worker who raised my sister and me alone. We grew up in a small rural community and attended the local county schools.
My first years in education were not the best. I was an overweight child; we were poor and much of our clothes were second hand. Sometimes my weight and my wardrobe made me an easy target for teasing. To top it off, at the young age of eight, I had a third grade teacher who practically told me that she would never get very far; She made me feel like she was inferior. She had accepted this status and had practically given up on me at school. I became increasingly shy and withdrawn; to this day I still have struggles with self-esteem. I lost all confidence in my abilities; it was reflected in my schoolwork. A few years later, my life changed for the better. My sixth grade year I had a social studies teacher whom I will call Mrs. L.Mrs. L she was one of the kindest and most loving teachers I have ever had. Slowly, she began to mold my self-esteem. She opened my eyes to the world and the opportunities that can be afforded to a small town kid like me. On the last day of school for my sixth grade, she pulled me aside and told me that she had the ability to be a perfect “A” student if she wanted to be. No one in all my youth had spoken to me in this way. That day was a milestone in my life; it was a turning point. I would no longer accept being inferior, because someone believed in me! The following year I made the honor roll, which was the first time in my life. Today, I am a middle school assistant principal with three degrees. I am currently completing my Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. All this for a few words from a loving teacher more than twenty-five years ago.
There are many “good” teachers out there. They come to work every day and teach their students to the best of their ability. However, great teachers really love their students. They treat their students the same way they would treat their own children. Good teachers have the ability to cover the curriculum and grow the majority of their students. Great teachers live not only to teach the curriculum, but also to “inspire” and “motivate” their students to reach their full potential. I believe that God puts a Mrs. L in every school.
The power of a teacher is a powerful thing. I am so lucky that God put Mrs. L in my life. If it wasn’t for her, my life could have easily gone in another direction. If you are a teacher, or if you are thinking about becoming a teacher, remember the incredible power that you have every day that you go to work. You have the power to tear down or rebuild the lives in your care.
Lastly, if you had a Mrs. L in your life, come back and say “thank you.” Teaching today is more difficult than ever in history. Teachers need to know that they are making a difference. It’s what keeps them motivated!