Mrs. Starr was my second grade teacher and she introduced me to the idea that we could learn and experience freedom in her classroom. I felt so grown up as I got to stretch my decision-making skills that year. I remember her classroom as a flexible and creative space where I learned new skills, explored concepts, and formed lasting relationships. I never doubted that she cared about me, and I believed that my successes brought her joy.

I think, even at that young age, I could sense the respect that she held for her students. She saw us as individuals and believed we should have a say in our education. In her classroom, we chose our own books, chose our own seats, and chose our own math problems. Now that I am a teacher, I know how much work and planning went into constructing a wealth of appropriate options so that we could be challenged at an appropriate level, but still feel the sense of ownership that comes with choice and control.

In addition to our academic instruction, Mrs. Starr helped us see the value in ourselves and our peers. She devoted class time to her “Student of the Week” festivities, and taught us new and interesting games, always celebrating our latest advances, partnerships, and teamwork.

At a young age, she helped me learn to love the classroom, and I am a creative life-long learner due in part to her support and inspiration. Mrs. Starr, thank you.

Submitted by Beth Campbell who was in Mrs. Starr’s 2nd grade class from 1983 to 1984.

Mr. Dauplaise was my speech pathologist for 3 years. I am a person who stutters. He helped me with my stuttering. But he also gave me hope of becoming more-of going to college. In fact he told me that some of the starting people in the field of speech pathology were people who stuttered. I was able to keep in touch with him by baby sitting for his children after I left the school he taught at. He inspired me to become a speech pathologist today. After 32 years- I am still grateful to him.

Submitted by Patti Bohlman who was Mr. Dauplaise’s student from 1969 to 1971.

All through my years in school, I struggled in math. I barely made it through Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II. My parents tried everything to help, but I would just get frustrated and them as well. In my first year of college, I took a remedial math class. It was a class at night, and I had a teacher who worked part-time as a college professor at night and a full-time meter reader during the day. I remember him coming to class in a button down flannel shirt with faded blue jeans on. I wasn’t sure what kind of class I had enrolled in. As the semester went on, I soon came to realize that he was different from any other teacher I’ve ever had. He taught math to where I could actually understand it. Now I’m able to help all of those young students that have trouble in math because I have an understanding of what they’re going through.

Submitted by Rebecca Long who was in Mr. Anderson’s class her Freshman year.

I had the best chemistry teacher in high school. His name was Joseph Castka. He was about 5 feet tall…maybe a little taller but not much. He made chemistry come alive. When he was teaching us how to balance equations, he would bounce from one side of the room to the other, making sure we would see that whatever you did to one side of an equation had to be done to the other side so that values would remain the same. I don’t think anyone thought that balancing equations was difficult…just a bunch of fun. I love science because of this man.I never had a single thought that science was hard or a mystery that was only for smart kids. What a treasure!

Submitted by Lanie Sussman who was taught by Joseph Castka in 1964.

I was blessed to have many fabulous teachers throughout my educational journey. The one that always stands out the most to me is Mr. Rusk. Ever since I was little, I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher. He didn’t help me make a decision about my profession, but he helped me decide what kind of teacher I wanted to become. He had very high expectations for all his students and he really pushed us all to think outside the box. Many of my peers would complain about how hard his class was and how they didn’t enjoy his assignments. I can honestly say that his assignments made me the writer I am today. In particular, I remember his ’three strikes’ essays. You were to write a three-paragraph essay where each mistake was a point that would move you down a grade. One mistake took you to an A. The next mistake took you to an A-. A third mistake means you get the essay back to make corrections and the highest grade you can get the next time you turn it in is a B+. Yes, this is a tough assignment, but it helped me to become a more careful proofreader. I can now proofread much faster and easier which is such a valuable skill especially in college. Years later, I still note him as my favorite teacher because of his expectations, humor, and drive to make you think for yourself and problem solve.

Submitted by Kimberly Yonke who was taught by Mr. Rusk in 2002.

The teacher who forever changed my life was my Mom. She taught in public school for 35 years. She started her teaching career during World War II. She began her career as the high school librarian. She taught me language arts when I was in the fifth grade. I never said a word in her class unless she called on me. Her dedication and enthusiasm for teaching inspired me and both of my sisters to become teachers. The grace and charm that she used every day was carried over to her classroom. We all sat a little straighter and spoke with better grammar for her. She always insisted that we do our very best and we did!

She lost her battle with cancer two years ago. The cards and visits from her former students meant so much. Her example made me the teacher I am today. Love you forever, Mom!

Submitted by Mary Jane Coward who was in her mom’s classroom in 1966.

Mrs. Krieman was the type of teacher who took all students under her wing to encourage a love of music in their lives. She was my middle school choir teacher and my life was changed because she was in my life!

She truly encouraged her students to appreciate all sorts of music and be risk takers by taking solos and ensemble numbers instead of just staying in the chorus. I was a shy sixth grader who she helped to blossom during my difficult middle school years. I will never forget the concerts, talents shows, and winning the 8th grade Chorus Award from the Rotary Club.

One fun memory is that during one of our talent shows she re-wrote “Master of the House” from Les Miserables to “Master of the School,” and we pulled our principal up on stage and sang it to him. The students and staff loved it and we all had an amazing time bonding as a choir.

I am still in contact with many of my fellow choir members from middle school and high school to this day because of the “family” of students she loved, mentored and cared about. As a middle school teacher myself now, I have a much greater appreciation for the time and dedication she put into the lives of her students! She is an amazing woman who is still in my life today!

Submitted by Julia Armstrong who was taught by Mrs. Krieman from 1990 to 1994.

Mrs. Rogers taught me how to read. She taught me a love of school and learning. I loved going to her class, because she was part like a grandmother, and part like a friend. She was nurturing and caring, friendly and fun, but also made sure we took care of business. I know that the first years of my education helped shape the person I was to become… a teacher.

I know that Mrs. Rogers had much influence on my person. As I went through school, I would contact Mrs. Rogers and she always remembered me and gave me advice. I treasure memories of her classroom.

Submitted by Lisa McCorquodale, Mrs. Rogers’s student at New Caney Elementary in 1986.

A great teacher does more than just teach. My high school band director was more than a teacher to me. Mr. William McEwan taught me to respect authority figures.

Growing up, my home life was not the easiest to deal with. Mr. McEwan showed me that there ARE adults in the world who are good and trustworthy. Trust did not come easy for me. He taught me through example. He never expected less of me than he expected of himself and everyone around him. He taught me to have self respect. He never allowed me to feel sorry for myself. He was always available when I needed reassurance or advice. He also taught me that ultimately, I am responsible for myself, regardless of my circumstances.

Mr. McEwan helped me become the successful teacher I am today. I use the lessons he taught me every day. I strive to be the influence and inspiration for my students that he was for me. I am so thankful for his influence in my life.

Submitted by Dianne Brewer, Mr. McEwan’s student at Coffeeville High School from 1982 to 1988.

My inspiration came from a high school teacher named Mr. Krauthamer. I was in his class for 10th-grade world history. I really enjoyed his sense of humor and he often had to tell me to let others participate. (I loved his praise when I participated; I didn’t do it often in other classes.)

In the spring of my 11th-grade year, Kraut (as we all called him) came to me and said, ”I want you to take my AP macroeconomics class next fall. We’ll have a lot of fun.” I was a little taken aback and told him so. He reassured me that I didn’t have to take the AP exam and that the material really wasn’t that hard.

Fast forward to macro and the first class period after the first exam – which I bombed. We discussed what could be done and he agreed that instead of taking an AP style exam, I could write papers. We outlined the expectations and topics and due dates. It was my first real taste of differentiation and I LOVED it. (I’ve never been a confident test taker but writing was really up my alley.)

Macro wasn’t my best class academically but it was definitely a favorite – in fact it is probably in my top 5 classes ever. Simply because of a teacher who made me feel important and who valued my learning.

Submitted by Elizabeth Tate Bowden, Mr. Krauthamer’s student at Syosset High School from 1995 to 1996.