In my high school, like many others, many of the students complained about the teachers. Teens rebel against their authorities. It's what we're good at, after all. Nobody ever thanked them for what they taught, even if they only taught us what we didn't want. I did know teachers who weren't good at their jobs, and I did often question why they were teaching. However, there was one teacher whom I greatly admired, as did many other students.
I have always been a history geek, so I was excited for ninth grade when I had my first real history class. The teacher was unfamiliar to me. On my schedule it said 'Mr. Wade' as the teacher. I had never heard of him much; I didn't know anyone who had him for a class. So I sat there, waiting patiently. When he came in, it was intimidating. Mr. Wade is a tall man. He silently went from one end of the room to the other, turning on these shaded lamps. He lowered the blinds and shut out the light. He then dragged a stool to the middle of the room. He sat down and said, "History is not just the vocab words on page 168. These were real people who had real problems, made real decisions, and for better or worse, ended up in history."
From there, I learned as much as I could from him. Mr. Wade reignited my love for history, specifically teaching it. He is one of the reasons I'm in college for it right now. The thing I regretted more than anything though, was not telling him. I wished I could have told him the effect I had.
I'm probably not alone. I'm sure there are people who had teachers that inspired them too. They may not have realized it until after they left high school. Teachers are such an influence on us, on how we learn and on what we do with our futures. Some may still not realize the influence that was had, but it's there, I promise. And it goes way beyond learning algebra. Your favorite teacher had a personality all their own. It was probably a big part of what them your favorite teacher. And it doesn't even have to be a teacher from high school! Think about elementary school or middle school, before things got super complicated. A little bit of kindness went a long way.
I was lucky enough that I got to work with Mr. Wade. In the process of getting a license to teach, you have to observe in a classroom setting. A lot. And so I found myself back at my high school with my favorite teacher. And under his tutelage, I no longer learned about government and history. I learned about what it meant to be a teacher, to be a role model. I learned about what it meant to be a teacher that went beyond "turn your books to page 29." Nobody wants a teacher like that. I certainly didn't and still don't. But I did end up telling him what it meant to me to have him as a mentor. I think he appreciated it. So now I go out, hopefully to teach future generations not only about the American Revolution, but about being a better person and mentor.
If you ever get a chance, even if you have to make it happen, let that teacher know the good they did. Teachers don't get enough credit for what they do, in my opinion. And teachers aren't just limited to the ones in the school system. You had to have learned from somebody at some point in your life. Let them know you were listening. Now go out there and keep their legacy alive.
