Archive: Zac Posen & DHL "Totes For Teachers" Giveaway

[beth001]

How embarrassing... I am now a teacher myself and cannot remember the name of my 11th grade Advanced English teacher.
What I do remember is that we sat in a circle, read amazing literature that year, and discussed things on a most adult level. There was nothing about her class that was "less than" any class I took in college (and I went to a high-end college.) She talked to us and treated us like adults, and we rose to those expectations. Although I have been a life-long reader and learner, I have never enjoyed or understood literature as well as I did that year. Thank you Mrs. God-I-Can't-Believe-I-Can't-Remember-Her-Name.

[WGS]

Ms. Cohen who taught 11th grade english. She is totally down to earth and a great inspiration.

[CWilson174]

I have had several fantastic teachers over the years. The first was Ms. Dillon. I had her for first grade and I was absolutely terrified of her. On day one she told us "I do not give A's". So, I figured my scholastic career was already over. But instead of giving out easy A's, she pushed us to learn and do unusual things, like churning butter and growing plants. She made me want to learn more, so I did. And - I got an A.
The second great teacher to come my way was Mr. Talone. I was a normal kid in a normal class when I met him. I did the work I was supposed to do. I showed up when I was supposed to. But I did not shine. Not, that is, until Mr. Talone's class. He sought me out and asked me to do an extra writing assignment each week. He saw something there that I did not. He pushed me to write poetry and essays, and one day very plainly sat me down to tell me I was good at it. "You are talented. You know that, right?" But I didn't.
By the time the class was over, I had expanded my writing and reading portfolios 200%, I knew what my major would be in college, and I had a good idea of what I wanted to be when I grew up.
Years later, I sit here as a professional writer...allbeit one who cheats at work and reads handbag blogs :) but a writer nonetheless.

If it weren't for these two teachers and what they did for not only my education, but my confidence, I truly do not know what I would be doing today.
So, thank you to them. And thank you to ALL of the great teachers in the world!

[lwmaam3]

Mrs. Romano 1st grade. She held me when I had a bloody nose and I started calling her "mom." My mom is also a special ed teacher and I admire her for her compassion and dedication to her career and the kids.

[cascherping]

Mr Hegle - my 8th grade social studies teacher.

He always pushed us to look beyond the "simple answers" and was a great mentor.

[wordbox]

"Mr. L" was the most amazing teacher I've had. He was my 7th grade social studies teacher, and he made my most hated subject so much fun. Luckily for a lot of people, he is now training future teachers, so a part of him will continue to live on in a new generation of educators.

[lc925]

The teacher who made the biggest difference in my life is Mr. Yang, the high school swim teacher and my guidance counselor. He took care of me when I had a rough time at home with my parents and at home with my brother. Also, he was there for me after each dramatic event in my life - making sure I was safe, calling CPS, and consulting with my teachers and a therapist. Even still, being away at college, I am able to speak with Mr. Yang or visit him whenever I am home.

[FijiBuni]

My 11th grade english teacher Dicus. He was so passionate about what he taught and always brought other elements to what he was talking about. He is/was a wonderful teacher that made you want to come to his class. He opened my mind up to other possibilities and had me read some incredible books that I truly love.

[ambreit]

My husband, Mr. B, is the most influential teacher to me. He works with teenagers who are troubled and struggling, and does an amazing job of turning the vast majority of them around. I have worked with former students of his in MY job, and once they hear my last name, they go on and on about how great he was and how much he cared about them. He is my hero!

[LVlovingteacher]

My favorite teacher was my college professor Dr. Johnson. She inspired me and led me to realize exactly why I too wanted to become a teacher! She really made me question and explore my ideologies regarding assessment and curriculum. I know I chose the right field because of her influence!

Thank you for doing this!

[rosiered]

My kindergarden teacher Mrs. Stein because of the way she opened her heart towards children as individuals. She really inspired me both on an individual level to be open towards others and to give life my very best everyday!

[LVBaby]

The teacher that has had an really influential impact on me has been Ms. McCabe. This isn't a story about years ago but one about right now. I just started teaching three years and unfortunately at the time I felt really lost, not in control of anything, and still trying to find myself. I didn't have any type of teaching experience and I was working full time while going to school full time during my first year of teaching. The first two months of school I cried almost every night because I really felt like I was doing a job meant for someone else. Ms. McCabe a brand new teacher to the school but a veteran teacher of 16 years pulled me to side and offered to be my mentor. She explained to me that every teacher has gone through what I was experiencing and that I would move on from it because she was there to support me. Mind you, she didn't know me from a hole in the wall but she helped me so much. She spent time mentoring me in and out of school and even bought me $250 worth of classroom materials for myself and students to use.

If I had to sum up Ms. McCabe into one sentence to explain how she has had an impact on my life, I would have to say that she showed and taught me to use the areas that I consider to be my weaknesses and turn them into my strengths as a teacher . Outside of school I am a reserved, "hate being in the front of the crowd", "quiet" type of person but when I am in front of my class all of those inadequacies disappear and I become a totally different more confident person. Two years later, I have my old students coming up to me giving me hugs and telling me how much they loved being in my class. I have students ask if I would be there teacher next year and so forth. Moments like that touch me the most because I never imagined that I would be the person that so many kids look up or one that they would even remember...but they do.

[duncan_]

Jenny Darling, my foundation year teacher.She has passion in her job, being very nice to every students and always push hard enough on me 'cause she wanted me to achieve the best that I can. And of course, I never let her down.

[gw33ntea]

My favourite teacher has to be my year 11 and 12 legal studies teacher. Through her i was able to learn legal studies without the usual bore and snore of the perceived boring subject. She has allowed me to proudly exclaim "I LOVE legal studies" to all those who view the subject as one that brings them to sleep.

How does she do it? She asks us questions that challenge and broaden our thinking. Questions our perceived views about life, justice and the legal system. Her lessons are always thought provoking and we always come out arguing about what is fair and just, just like true lawyers.

She has also always amused us with her 'old' hippie ways and her lack of understanding and fascination with new technologies. I want to thank her for all these things and allowing me to see the fun side of a subject worth studying.

[Amber Rose]

katy roberts.. wonderful, strong, and inspiring person. She made me a better writer.