Patti Secreast enjoying a day at school
Teachers: Doing What They Do Best
I’m sure most everyone has seen the bumper sticker, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” Even though I agree with the bumper sticker, teachers do so much more than just teach reading. Testing, parent conferences, lesson plans, disciplinarian, role model, guidance counselor, nutritionist and nose blower are a few of the many duties and roles a teacher does everyday.
In spite of a heavy load, teachers stay in the profession not because of money or fame, but because they love children and have a passion for teaching. Although I had many wonderful teachers, one of my favorites was a second grade teacher.
I grew up in the 60’s during the days teachers didn’t see the necessity of scheduling an activity for every minute. My second grade teacher often let us have free time after our work was complete, which I loved. It was almost like a reward, which in itself was motivation to finish. Some of the choices for free time were reading comic books, drawing a picture, putting a puzzle together and board games. My favorite was drawing. Having drawing paper and colored pencils readily available, I often finished my work just so I could draw pictures to hang on the bulletin board. No wonder I liked school.
I’m sure every one reading this blog remembers a special teacher who made a difference in their lives.Two NC teachers who recently retired from the Rowan-Salisbury School District, Patti Secreast and Dr. Dwayne Robertson, were known by many for making a difference. Patti, a middle school teacher was strict when it came to expectations in the classroom and yet was admired for her caring, motherly way. Colleagues said, “Her students loved her because she loved them.”
Elementary music teacher, Dr. Dwayne Robertson ( Dr. Rob) not only could make a piano sing, but could also make his students sing as well. In other words, his students wanted to perform because they wanted to make him proud. Even though both Patti and Dr. Rob struggled with leaving the profession this year, in the end, they realized it was time to turn in their computer, printer and I-pod.
If you would like to read more about these two inspiring teachers, check out the hyperlinks above.
What do you think makes a great teacher? Who was your favorite and why? Leave a comment, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
(The photo at the bottom is Dr. Rob being his usual fun self).
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