"FOR TEACHERS & EDUCATORS"
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"Be the best you can be."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Aliash M., Age 9 --- Ontario, Canada
"If you get too far into it, you're out of it."
Copyright © 1995 Tom Giammona
(This had to do with students focusing too deep on one particular problem.)
"Yard by yard, life is very hard,
But inch by inch, it's a cinch!"
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Daphne Allenberg --- British Columbia, Canada
"Children are the only future the human race will ever have.
Teach them well."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Cynthia Udell --- Michigan
"There can be so much tugging at your students' minds and hearts - troubled family situations, changing friendships, uncertainties, doubts, and fears. Be aware of them as a whole person."
Karen Katafiasz --- Submitted by D. Peirlloux --- Louisiana
"To be the best, all you need to give is all you have. Never under estimate yourself, because you have what it takes to be the best."
Copyright © 2001 Viola Carrasco-Rodriguez
"It is far scarier to live in a box
Than to be afraid to open the door."
Copyright © 2001 Michelle Ewens
(Your job is to expand the original thoughts of young people.)
"I had a teacher who played for an international sports team. She inspired me to proceed when I was near to giving up and told me that I shouldn't follow anyone because then, the best I'd ever be was second best."
lomu --- Submitted by Mina S., Age 17 --- Sydney, Australia
A Gift to Your Child
"Your child will not remember your wealth or fame, as it would not be for them to gain. Your child will not appreciate your achievement, big or small, for they have their own little war. It is your daily actions, they will learn, which will be their weapon in life's unpredictable turns. May the result good or not, it hedges on your daily thought. What have you taught your child today?"
Copyright © 2001 Christopher Loke
"Practice what you preach."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by S. Mohan --- Karnataka, India
"Model for kids and let them watch. That way they can practice a new way to learn --- trial and success."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Russ Herron --- Arizona
"Once a teacher, always a student."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by Maria B. --- New York
When I start my freshman year in high school, I thought it was going to be the worst year ever. None of my friends were in any of my classes and I never saw them either. Transferring schools, too, made it harder on me plus I wasn't doing too well in my classes.
I had been going through a lot lately with my parents' divorce and personal issues. I dreaded coming to school for about the first 3 or 4 months. One of my teachers, Ms. LoPiano, made an impact on my life so much that I will never forget her.
Ms. LoPiano was my history teacher. It was her first year teaching, right out of college and only 22. She was pretty cool and I remember walking into her room and just smiling because I loved her class so much and being in her presence.
I also remember that every time I walked into the room, she asked me how I was and what was going on. She was just one of those people who could brighten up the room with her smile. One day I stayed after school with her just to talk and go for help. I told her what was going on in my life and about most of my problems w/my parents and my own.
After that we got closer and talked every day. She became like a older sister to me and sometime acted like my mom. I have always looked up to her as a role model or a mentor to guide me through the tough times in my life. I loved being with her and just knowing that she was there for me.
I knew I could confide in her everything that had been going in my life for the past 2 years and that she was some one who could understand and not judge me on that. She made me believe in myself and gave me self-confidence which I never had.
For all the love, support, care and friendship that she gave me - no one can ever replace her. She was always there for me for that I can never repay her. She taught me more than just about life. She taught me how to deal with it and cope with anything that came my way. She made me feel good about who I was and gave me reasons to live and make do with what I have.
She will never understand how much I care and love her and for all that she has done for me - I would just like to thank her for everything. She will remain in my heart and life forever and always.
Written in 2001 by Mer Moore
"All the flowers, of all the tomorrows, are in the seeds of today."
Author Unknown
--- Submitted by Ali Lafcioglu --- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
"Has anyone ever had a teacher that meant the world to you? Well I sure have; Mrs. Sandra Riggins.
There was a time in my life were I need someone to care. That time must have been the start of my 10th grade year. I was a mess. But Mrs. Riggins was always there for me, she was behind me 100%. I never had to think twice if she would still be there tomorrow because even after all the trouble we have had, she was still there when I needed her.
I know even after I graduate from High School, you'll always have a part of me that I can never get back. She's the one person in my life that I can honestly say I trust the most. At times it scares me, but I know that you would never intentional hurt me. Not only because she told me so but because I know what a type a person she is.
She's more then a teacher; she's a huge part of my life. I would like to thank her for everything. Thank you MRS. SANDRA RIGGINS! I will never forget everything you have done for me and I hope you will never forget me!"
Written by Carmen A., Age 16 --- California
"Teacher is he/she who knows something that other people don't.
Teacher is he/she who shares everything even when he/she is in sorrow.
Teacher is he/she who shows their smiling face even if they are angry."
Copyright © 2001 Shyam Laishram
"The desire to win means nothing without the discipline to prepare."
Copyright © 2001 D. Jones
"I am in 8th grade and have the best history teacher ever!! She is so cool! We can say anything in front of her or to her and we know she isn't going to get mad. She is like a kid and I think it is important for kids to have a teacher they feel comfortable around. Not that I don't feel comfortable around the other teachers, it's just that around her we can say kid stuff...things you would be embarrassed to say around other teachers. She jokes with us and everything and it's cool we have someone like her. She is the best ever!! "
Written by Rebecca S., Age 14 --- Alabama
"Teachers rule and they are cool."
Author Unknown --- Submitted by L.W. --- New York
Throughout my life, I have been inspired by great teachers; teachers that influenced me in so many ways, yet they did not know. Out of all the great teachers I had, Mrs. Greenblatt influenced me like no one in my life.
Mrs. Greenblatt was my Humanities teacher in high school. She was very lively and always spoke about life with a passion, like no one I've met. She taught me many great things, everything from Freud to finding the ideal mate. Everyone liked her. The students used to make fun of her behind her back because she would readjust her wig every to often. She was beautiful, despite her wig.
One day in class, after Mrs. Greenblatt had returned from a trip, she opened herself up to the class and told us why she wore a wig. She was struggling with lung cancer. She spoke to us with great confidence and told us that she would fight it. The thought of retiring was not an option because "we kept her alive and going". I could have never imagined that she felt that way about us, her students.
After that year, I went of to college and promised her that I would return and visit. When I eventually visited her, Mrs. Greenblatt immediately hugged me and told me that her cancer was gone. She had grown hair and looked great! I had never felt to happy for anyone before! I then again promised her that I would return and keep her updated about my "college life". She even gave me her home address and her telephone number to keep in touch.
A couple of months later, I heard she had passed away. I couldn't understand why. Why did the cancer return? I was confused and upset at life because it wasn't fair that SHE had to die, she still had a lot life in her. What affects me the most after this day, is that I never had the chance to tell her that she was the greatest person that I have ever met. Even though she is gone, her spirit remains with me were ever I go.
Every day I think of her and how much she has taught me. She went beyond her duties and taught me a great deal about life. How can a teacher affect a student so much? Mrs. Greenblatt affected my life forever. Now I'm in college and pursuing a career in Education. I want to be like her and motivate students in many ways just like she did. Her spirit will remain with me forever.
Copyright © 2001 Maria Mora
"To have courage, one must first be afraid.
The deeper the fear, the more difficult the climb toward courage."
Jim Bishop, columnist --- Submitted by Joseph W., Age 17 --- Pennsylvania