As an educator, I get the opportunity to team teach with a variety of teachers and see a variety of teaching styles. It has been an interesting experience for me. I was involved in industry most of my adult life, and have only entered the teaching arena in the past 5 years. I have so much respect for our teachers. They come into a classroom full of students (mine are middle school) who, quite frankly, don't give a crap about learning anything, but are there because they have to be. One colleague of mine, Di, who teaches seventh grade English is truly amazing.
Di is a short, lively lady in her early fifties. She is bounding with energy, and loves what she does. Not only that, she loves her students. And she is not afraid to tell them. On the first day of school, she told her students, that above all else, she wanted them to feel safe and cared about in her room. She is strict, and demands the best from each student, regardless of their learning capabilities. She is compassionate, and caring. Her teaching style is amazing, and even more amazing, the kids are learning. It's like she has this aura about her that makes most students want to learn and please her.
From grammar to literature, Di has a way of teaching that makes even the most mundane subject matter interesting. Her Christianity shines in all that she does, which is refreshing, especially in a public school, yet she never pushes it on her students. She just sets that kind of example.
Our school is so lucky to have her. She told me the other day that she is considering retirement in a couple of years. The school will surely miss her, but when she leaves, she will leave a legacy of learning, kindness, and understanding that will be remembered by all whose lives she has touched.
My hat is off to you, Di. I am proud to call you my friend.