To get in the right frame of mind for the school year, I reached out to my co-workers to ask about their favorite teachers. And, to get the other side of the conversation, I asked some of my former teachers and my friends and family who teach for any insight they’d like to share. 

Our Favorite Teachers 

Looking back over my school career, I have so many favorites it would be difficult for me to narrow it down to one because each teacher “enlightened me” in a different way.  

Mrs. Carrin in first grade helped me learn to be thoughtful about my actions.  

I really enjoyed storytime in third grade when Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Robinson would read to us.  

It is difficult to believe all these years later that diagramming sentences in Ms. Sigmon’s, Mrs. Chaney’s, and Mrs. Taylor’s classes is something I think about every day. And now, I have the freedom to “write around” words or phrases that are difficult for me.  

Mrs. Greene, my fourth-grade teacher, planted seeds to grow my interest in history. Those seeds flourished with my eighth-grade teacher, Mr. Pack, my high school history teachers, Mrs. Hubbard and Mrs. Wilson, and my college instructors, Dr. Forgus and Dr. Winders.  

My relationship with Dr. Forgus is an interesting story in itself. When I didn’t do as well as I thought I would on a quiz, I made an appointment to visit her during office hours. We sat down to discuss my grade, and I asked her what she wanted me to get out of her class because I was obviously missing the point. That’s when I learned about her and her family. They had escaped from Estonia, which was being invaded by the Soviets. Their escape was harrowing. Her intent was to open our eyes to different perspectives in history and to invite us to think about not just the winners but the common people who dealt with the outcomes.  

Faye Cooper, Secretary/Treasurer Emeritus of the Mast General Store - My favorite teacher put me in the corner a lot in the first grade. Her name was Mrs. Giles. I also had her in the fifth grade. I was five feet tall in that grade and felt very awkward, but she supported me and helped me through many changes that year. Because I grew up in a small community, I was able to stay in touch with her throughout her life. And when she retired, I wrote her a letter of appreciation. She was a very special lady and a very good, caring teacher. 

Anna L. (Buyer at Mast Store’s Worldwide Headquarters) - Ms. Sarah Miller was my absolute favorite teacher.  She taught (and currently teaches) theatre and makes sure that her curriculum and lessons are inclusive. She pours her life into her students. Once, when I had lost my voice during the spring musical, she made special arrangements with the pediatrician for me to be seen after rehearsal at 9 p.m.! Sarah Miller is an incredible teacher and taught me the importance of openness in life and of the traditions of storytelling. 

Kimberly M. (Training Coordinator in Greenville) - I graduated from Travelers Rest High School two years ago. I have a few teachers who have made an everlasting impact on my life. The first to come to mind is my band director, Mr. Wylie. Not only was he a great mentor in my musical learning, but he guided me through life. He taught me to accept and grow from my mistakes rather than being ashamed of them. I will never forget the times that he would keep bubble wrap in his room to give to students who “needed it.” No matter how many years pass after high school, I will forever carry the direction and guidance he gave to me and his other students. 

Ashlyn C. (Inventory Control Clerk at Mast Store’s Home Office) - I went to Blowing Rock for 10 years. I loved so very many of my teachers, and I still hold many of them close to my heart. My favorite was Mrs. Tincher during my middle school experience. She opened a whole new perspective for me that led to my love of the sciences. Mrs. Tincher was the reason Blowing Rock started the Turtle Island Adventures which were so amazing! She is such an outstanding instructor and strives to cater to each individual student. My biggest struggle was with the periodic table, and she found a way to teach it to me using colors and a song; it helped me so much. She was always more than happy to take the time to tutor me in her free time. Her favorite way to prepare us for a test was with review kickball. She went above and beyond to make learning as fun as possible. I miss her bunches, and hope she is doing well! 

Thalia V. (Community Relations Manager at Mast Store’s Home Office) - This is in loving memory of my high school cross country coach and leadership studies teacher, Paul Egleston. Paul was an exceptional teacher in and out of the classroom. He taught all my older siblings, and when it came my time, I was glad to have my turn in his classroom. He taught me how to process emotions through cross country; he seemed to always know when I was having hardships with my family. He also taught me how important it is to find your passion by encouraging me to be a leader in the classroom and empowering me to lead those around me. He was a once-in-a-lifetime mentor to so many students. Our hometown community lost him suddenly last month, but I will always remember him as a great coach in athletics and life. 

BJ C. (Training & Development Coordinator at Mast Store’s Home Office) - In high school, I had a hard time fitting in. But my music teacher, Max Hunsicker, saw some talent in me and gave me a chance to do something I came to love - getting on stage. But he taught me so much more. He taught me integrity, humility, confidence, and compassion. Those lessons have stayed with me for my whole life, and I have him to thank. The best teachers offer lessons that go beyond the classroom. 

Clearly, a teacher’s impact goes far beyond the required material that is presented in the classroom. 

Teacher to Teacher: A Little Advice & Some Things to Try 

I reached out to some of my former teachers, classmates, and friends who are still in the classroom, and my brother, who is a high school teacher, for their advice for new and experienced faculty members.  

Believe in your students. As my homeroom teacher shared, “Students will become what they think you think they are, so treat them like responsible, intelligent beings (even if they aren’t right now), and that’s what they will become. That thought was echoed by several teachers. 

Come to class on the first day and share your expectations. Do not waver; when your students know you are serious about learning, they will follow your lead. 

Limit the likelihood of interruptions to keep your time in class directed toward learning. If there are distractions outside, draw the curtains and close the windows. Do whatever you need to do to keep the focus on the lesson or activity.  

At least once each year, ask your students how you’re doing. This suggestion is primarily for older students, but it could be applicable for younger grades, too. Their responses should be anonymous and ask for complete honesty. You may learn something that will help you grow as a teacher, AND a compliment or two might work their way into the mix. 

Remember that grades and a score on a state exam doesn’t define a student. As my brother says, “It kills me to see a student be so defeated by their score on a test. Sometimes that doesn’t truly measure the growth and successes accumulated over a semester. Give me a student that puts forth the effort, and I’ll show you a successful student.” 

Communicate with your students’ parents. Send an e-mail at the beginning of the semester to introduce yourself and to open the door for discussion. Then, at some point later in the semester, send at least one more e-mail sharing something positive that has occurred. Make it clear to the parents that if they are concerned, you, as their child’s teacher, probably are, too. 

Be ready to help in some unexpected ways. This help can take many forms. As one of my high school classmates shared with me, she keeps an “emergency clothes stash” to help avoid further embarrassment if a spill happens (she says they do in 5th grade). She also suggests keeping personal hygiene items handy, including everything from deodorant and hair ties to feminine products. 
 
Every teacher that is still in the classroom and responded to my query said they keep snacks, food, and a little extra money in their desks just in case their students need something to eat. My brother said he and one of his students had a “hiding spot” for snacks because they were embarrassed about having to ask.  

Most importantly, the impact you have on your students is going to last far longer than the time you spend with them in class. Be careful of your actions and what you say. 

Everyone Can Help 

Teachers aren’t the only ones who can help students. We all can, and by pitching in, we can help reduce the financial burden on teachers to purchase needed supplies for students and the classroom. 

Here are some ways to help: 

Many communities have a fair, festival, or school supply drive like the Back2School Festival. Depending on the community, students can load up on school supplies including backpacks, notebook paper, composition books, pens, pencils, and even shoes and haircuts. These events accept donations of the physical supplies or cash that can be used to purchase other needed items. 

Volunteer to help with back-to-school activities at the school. Teachers can use help in putting together parent packets, preparing bulletin boards, or even putting their classrooms back together after the summer.  

Donate supplies that aren’t “school supplies.” Think facial tissues, hand sanitizer, liquid soap and refills, paper towels, zip-to-close bags, feminine products, and even kid-and adult-sized t-shirts to be prepared for those spills and other accidents. 

Clear the Cart for Teachers. Some teachers put together lists of supplies they need help with for their classrooms. These lists might include more expensive supplies that students need, but can’t afford, like graphing calculators, etc.   

One of my friends shared that she helps offset student lunch debt at the elementary school she attended, so students don’t have to worry about having a meal or snacks, and they can focus on learning. Looking at figures from 2015-2016 compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 52% of students in the United States qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. If you would like to offset lunch debt, call your local school board and ask for the number to the School Nutrition Director. That person will be able to provide the best information to ensure your contribution is recorded correctly.  

My kindergarten teacher said, “A positive attitude about school and your child’s teacher is one of the most important contributions parents or anyone can make.” And my brother added, “Grace and flexibility from and to everyone is appreciated.” 

It is an exciting time of year. A time filled with new promise, new friends, and new adventures. I so appreciate each and every one of my teachers – the ones that pushed me to do more, the ones who challenged me, the ones that allowed interesting debate, the ones that made learning fun, AND the ones who made learning hard. They all made an impact on the person I am today, and I’m thankful. So to all the students, teachers, principals, volunteers, bus drivers, coaches, nutritionists, band leaders, teaching assistants, parents, and more, here’s to a great school year! 

 

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About Sheri Moretz

Sheri works in the Mast Store Marketing Department as our Storyteller and defacto historian. She has worn many hats over her almost 30 years at the store and is always the first to step up when someone gives her a good - or any, really - excuse to wear a costume. Relating to this blog she shares, "My family is filled with teachers, including my brother. My grandmother on my mother's side graduated from Watauga Academy and knew the Dougherty brothers (the founders of Appalachian State University), and on my father's side, there are numerous teachers, principals, and instructors. I'm just glad that I had so many teachers who generously shared their love of learning with me."

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