Did You Have a Teacher Who Touched Your Life?

I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of on Christmas Eve. I knew Prudence through our work on the District's Curriculum Committee, and knew she was the kind of teacher that her students would never forget.

It got me thinking about all the teachers whom I was blessed to have been taught by: Mr. Yarosz in seventh grade, Mr. Impomeni for HS Biology and Physiology, Mrs. Rizzo for HS Chemistry and Mr. Heider for HS Physics. Back in the late 70s and early 80s, girls who liked science were not always encouraged, but these teachers (mostly men!) saw my love of science and and not only encouraged me, but put up with many extra hours of questions! I eventually got a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and did 15 years of research, in no small part due to them.

There were teachers in other subjects who influenced my life just as much. Mrs. Curci taught me grammar and diagramming sentences in sixth grade (remember that? I wish my kids were taught to do this!). Mrs. Fuchs was my honors English teacher for three years of HS, and taught me to love all forms of literature. Mr. Bliss was in charge of my HS's foreign exchange program, which exposed me to kids from other cultures. Miss Lomangino was my Latin teacher for four years, and I can still hear her pithy sayings in my head (in Latin!). Dr. Zanetti retired from teaching college to teach HS Economics (really well!). Then there were the teachers who also coached the teams I played on: Mr Bishe for basketball, Mr. Alia in softball, and Mrs. Kohl for volleyball. I wasn't a naturally-gifted athlete, but they helped me to bring out the best in myself.

I want to give tribute to all teachers who make it a point to help kids reach their highest potential. In memory of Prudence Hockley, who was one of those special teachers, and all the teachers who touch so many lives, my family is making a donation to the Northshore Schools Foundation. http://www.northshoreschoolsfoundation.org/

What about you - was there a teacher who touched you?