Before we grow up and become “real adults,” those who work a 9-5 job, your “job” is to go to school. From the time we are 3 or 4 years old, playing in preschool, to college graduation or even graduate school for some, we are greatly influenced by our educational system. Education is at the very root of our society and something for which we should all be grateful. But at the root of the education system, is teachers. Teachers have an undeniably large impact on today’s youth and play a huge role in their mental, physical and emotional development. Teachers help to raise children into functioning members of society and provide them with the skills and abilities to be successful as they transition into adulthood.
Yes, teachers will teach students about english, math, science and history, but they do so much more. I’d like to highlight teachers that really teach. I am not talking about teaching the facts in subjects like english, math, science and history – but those that teach us about life. I am talking about the teachers that teach students about respect, compassion, love, honesty, and gratitude. When many “real adults” look back on their childhood and educational experience, they seldom remember the teacher that simply taught english, math, science and history. Rather, they remember the teacher that taught them to be respectful, how to show compassion, how to love others, and how to be grateful.
Personally, as a student who grew up in Chaska, Minnesota, I know I am not alone in believing that our schools had plenty of teachers who made an impact on their students. However, one that specifically sticks out to me as a teacher who really taught his students was Mr. Downs. Mr. Downs was a social science teacher at a middle school in Chaska that had a great impact on my educational experience. Filling each day with laughter and positivity, Mr. Downs fostered a classroom environment that welcomed each student and made them feel comfortable. Through his daily lessons, Mr. Downs conveyed the information needed to successfully pass his class, but he also cultivated a classroom that really focused on becoming the best version of yourself you could be. He taught that honesty is important, respect is necessary and appreciation for the little things in life is what matters. I remember Mr. Downs would play his guitar and sing Bob Dylan’s “Blowin in the Wind,” which students loved. Mr. Downs, along with so many others in the education system, is a teacher who really taught. I am sure I am not alone in my appreciation for the life lessons that Mr. Downs taught so many of us.
Who is that teacher for you? Who is that teacher that really taught? It is important to reflect on these people, because they helped us to develop into the people we are today. Likewise, it is important to recognize the impact current teachers have on today’s youth – and appreciate the life lessons they are teaching our students. Be grateful for these people. Be grateful for teachers who really teach.