Since this is teacher appreciation week, I thought I’d talk about some of the teachers who influenced my life.  When I was in kindergarten, there was the kind, elderly, Mrs. Braham.  She was one of those very ample women, much like me today, who when she went to write something on the chalk board, would proceed to erase at the same time. When she turned around, her black dress was clear evidence.  Mrs. Braham taught me about letters and numbers and opened my imagination to wonderful stories that stirred me to write my own later in life.

I remember a history teacher who was so thrilled to inform us about the Civil War, that he actually acted out each battle, as if he were a general – all done on the top of his desk.  As he emoted each detail (as all good actors know) spit would fly, and wouldn’t you know, I was in the front row.  I love history today, probably because of his dramatic interpretation.  I wish he would’ve provided a towel though.

There was the drama teacher who laid the groundwork for my eventual career.  She taught me to take chances, to not be afraid, to follow my dreams. I also learned that the mask I used in my own life, wouldn’t really hide what was inside my head.

We all have been affected by teachers who went the extra mile to help us. There were those who branded us with their knowledge and inspiration leaving us prepared for life.   They gave us wisdom and knowledge, but they also urged us to go beyond our limits – to stretch ourselves – to believe we could do things we didn’t think we could.

I thank God for the gift of good teachers.  The kind that will spend their own money on special school supplies.  The kind that gives of their own time after school to help a student who is struggling with an assignment.  The kind that stays awake nights thinking about lesson plans to stimulate and interest your child.  The kind that loves your child almost as much as you do.

Teachers are not all perfect. Just like parents, they’re dealing with outside issues. They try their best to create a great learning environment for your children, often at the expense of their own checkbook. They inspire, ignite, initiate thought and ideas, spur young minds to learn and share part of themselves each day with those same kids. The ones we remember are those who touched our lives in a special way. Thank you to all in the education arena. You are indeed amazing. God has placed you in the classroom for a reason.

James 3:1-2 ESV “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”