Remember when?

I have a few favorite memories of my teachers. They stand out for different reasons. But they are evidence that teachers are people too.

Memory 1
First grade - I don't remember her name, but she didn't like me. She had me tested for Gifted and Talented services and was super happy when I was admitted so that I could be out of her room for about 8 hours a week. The pull out program was awesome fun for a six year old. But no matter what I did, my homeroom teacher brushed me off and treated me like I was a bother. I guess I was probably annoying and whiny. Maybe I even hurt her feelings when I came back to class and shared how we got to do the really cool stuff in the other class. Regardless, I endured first grade.

Second grade - Mrs. Brewster let me read every book in her room. She was compassionate when I couldn't draw a bit as we followed the video. She gave me the opportunity to run a reading group. When I ran out of basal books to read, she let me read whatever I wanted. She gave me the all knowing eye when I consistently misspelled "groceries" and "happiness". She showed me how to be a teacher.

Sixth grade - I saw my science teacher in the intimate apparel section of a department store in a long fur coat and sexy heels. We knew she was getting married and I watched her as I hid behind several racks of bras while she perused the panties. I don't think she ever saw me and I am glad because that would have been AWKWARD.

Eleventh grade - My level physics teacher looked at me one day and asked, "Why are you in this class of lunk headed jocks instead of AP?" "Um, because I am going to be a teacher and have no need for higher level science classes on my transcript. Also, that class is crazy hard and I want a little break this year." "Well, I guess that makes sense. Will you tutor some of these guys?" I was honored and glad he recognized that I found the class not too tough.

Sometimes being recognized is a good thing. Sometimes it is not.