Seattle Press on Line - Appreciate Your Teacher

Teacher Ted

Appreciate Your Teacher

By Ted Lockery

Jan 31, 2002 -- There is a saying among teachers that we never grow old; we just lose our class.

While I hardly feel 10 years older than when I started teaching a decade ago, I have had to say good-bye to hundreds of students—students whose lives intersected mine in ways that were often deep and meaningful—students with whom I have since lost touch.

In June, when that fateful day arrives, I am always filled with mixed emotions. I know it is time for my students to move on and to eventually strike out on their own. Yet I can’t help but wonder if I contributed anything to their growth and self-discovery.

Prior to teaching, when I was a carpenter, I didn’t contemplate whether or not I had successfully hung a door or framed a deck. Gratification for a job well done was immediate, with the fruits of my labor staring me in the face. In education the results are largely intangible. We only find out if we have made a difference in the lives of our students if they themselves tell us, either in a letter or with a visit.

Fortunately for me, my teaching career has progressed from elementary school, through middle school, and on to high school. In some cases I have “caught up” to my students, giving me that rare second chance to work with them and to see how much they’ve grown.

During lunch visits with my former first graders, I often ask what they remember from our days together in elementary school. They mostly remember the field trips: an overnight aboard the schooner, Wawona, a visit to a Jacob Lawrence exhibit, a five-day “History Trek” circumnavigation of Washington State.

Others remember isolated incidents: dissolving pennies in vinegar, dropping eggs from the school roof, and eating pickled grasshoppers. One student, now a Nathan Hale junior, said a memorable moment for him was when I pointed out that the word “game” had a silent “e.”

While none of these sorts of disclosures are life-changing events they are still thrilling for a teacher to hear. To have the opportunity to reflect, with our students, on what we did together when they were young children—what thrilled them at the time—is so rare. Yet when it does happen, it gives teachers a boost like none other.

I wonder how Mrs. Gavaghan, my first-grade teacher, would feel if I told her that I still remember how she held a lit candle before my mouth, having me blow out the flame as I pronounced, “wheelbarrow,” emphasizing the “wh-” sound. Or how Ms. Walsh, my third-grade teacher, would react if I told her how much I appreciate, to this day, her showing me how subtraction, on the number line, is the same as adding negatives?

I suspect that they would feel the same sort of thrill and sense of accomplishment that Mr. Lipsky, my seventh-grade science teacher, would feel if I were to tell him that I still remember the momentum experiments we did, rolling weighted wooden carts down an inclined plane.

Reading this, I’m sure you can summon a Mrs. Gavaghan, a Ms. Walsh, or a Mr. Lipsky in your memory of school—teachers from whom you may have inadvertently kept your appreciation a secret.

Have you ever considered dropping any of them a note? Why not give them a call, or stop by for a visit? You don’t have to wait for Teacher Appreciation Day (May 7th) to brighten a teacher’s life. It would mean so much!

Trust me, I know.

Ted Lockery is a teacher at Nathan Hale High School. He can be contacted by e-mail at teacherted@seattlepress.com.

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yohannes	May 04, 2003	Nashville	looking for one
I just completed my study for my MBA and was looking for a word of thanks to my professors. I came accross your article. It is was heart touching. You must be a teacher with full of passion to your profession. It is unfortunate that the Internet seems full of thank you letters for employers but hard to find one for one's teacher who has delivered the workforce. thank you again