“Good teachers explain, superior teachers demonstrate. Great teachers inspire!” -- Unknown
On the very first day of school, Ms. Thomsen lied to her 4th Grade class. She explained that she loved them all equally. That was a fib because there slumped in the front row, sat Kyler - a disheveled boy with a reputation for being unmotivated, unfriendly, and untidy. Ugh!! Why was there one in every classroom?
"Kyle’s a bright boy with a hearty laugh. He’s well mannered, a joy to be around," wrote his 1st grade teacher.
His 2nd grade teacher penned, "Kyler is an exceptional pupil, well liked by his classmates, but he’s deeply troubled by his mother’s terminal illness."
Notes from last year were the most enlightening: "His mother's death crushed him. Kyler seems apathetic about school. Friends are few. He occasionally sleeps in class."
Mrs. Thomsen felt her face blush with shame. It worsened when Kyler gave her a clumsily wrapped Christmas gift. The box contained a rhinestone bracelet (missing a few stones) and a half-empty bottle of perfume. She donned the bracelet and applied some of the cheap perfume, before hugging him.
"You smell just like my Mom used to," he said modestly.
He left . . . she wept. That very day she quit teaching and instead, began inspiring young people.
His mind awoke almost immediately; the more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. He became one of the brightest kids in the class. Mrs. Thomsen admitted lying again – Kyler was more than equal – he was her “favorite."
He went on to finish high school before she heard from him again – a short note thanking her for being his ‘best’ teacher ever.
Four years later he graduated Magna Cum Laude from an impressive university. She received another letter declaring that she was still his favorite and best teacher. Eight years later a third letter arrived – this time signed by “Dr.” Kyler. He was a pediatrician now. She still held the top-teacher honor in his eyes.
One final note came a few years later – an invitation to Kyler’s wedding. He asked if she would sit in the place usually reserved for the groom’s mother.
Of course she did, adorned with the bracelet-sans-rhinestones and wearing the perfume that Kyler remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. They hugged each other warmly before Dr. Kyler whispered, "Thank you Mrs. Thomsen for believing in me. You’re the BEST!"
Fighting back tears, she clarified, "You have it all wrong dear. You inspired me! I didn't know how to teach until I met you. If a child can't learn the way I teach, then I must teach the way they learn.”
My God, thank you for those who listen, nourish and inspire. Thank you for teachers who expect much . . . and love enough to demand more. Thank you for that special teacher each one of us remembers. Amen
