Newfie June - Teach Your Children Well

Today I was waiting for an elevator in the Education Building at the University. There was a bulletin taped to the wall that caught my attention and I read it as I waited. As this is Alberta's Centennial year, the poster was asking for the submission of stories regarding your memories of your favourite teacher. Of course, you had to have been educated in Alberta to qualify and I was born, raised and taught in good old Newfoundland. It did get me to thinking, however, about a wonderful lady who taught me grade five at St. Andrew's School in St. John's.

You have to realize that I am middle aged, so grade five was quite a while ago for me. The memories remain strong, however, due to the positive influence of Mrs. Taylor.

My year started off with another teacher at the head of our class. I don't remember her name, I just recall her as being red-haired, somewhat cranky and very pregnant. When school started in early September, the daytime temperatures were still quite warm and I'm sure the poor gal was just tired and hot and sick of being pregnant. They say red-heads have a temper. Whether that's too much of a generalization or not, this lady sure had her fair share of temper, let me tell you. I was scared to death of her and was not very disappointed when she went on maternity leave sometime in October. That was when Mrs. Taylor came into the classroom and into my life. It is hard to remember how old she would have been. A child's view of age is so skewed that someone of thirty seems ancient. Looking back, I do believe she would have been about sixty at the time. Instead of just putting in time until retirement, this lady put her heart into her profession. She obviously loved teaching and loved little kids… and it showed. She had the patience of Job, that woman. I recall there were a couple of boys in our class who were real handfuls but that the year they seemed to be less disruptive; yet, I don't recall her ever raising her voice.

I was rather self-conscious at that age, like a lot of kids, I suppose. My father had a reliable job as a St. John's fireman but the pay back then was marginal so we were among the working poor. We never went hungry but we sure went "without" at times. Newfoundland had many millionaires back then and some of their kids attended school with me. They were usually confident, well-dressed, well-spoken and bright. Money made a powerful statement and if your family didn't "have it" then you quietly got along. So, I hid my light under a bushel basket and tried to get along without attracting much notice. I didn't think I was anything special and even at that young age, I didn't expect a lot of myself .

For whatever reason, I don't know, but Mrs. Taylor took a shine to me. She told me I was a good girl who was bright and she expected me to do well on my tests. I was pleased as could be but, at first, I didn't really listen to the praise. Don't get me wrong, I heard it… but I was afraid to believe it. What about if she was wrong? What about if I tried as hard as I could and still didn't do well? I would have been mortified to let her down. She was kind, patient and never let up. Her encouragement never faltered and was always there, day in and day out. She took every opportunity available to smile and tell me she was proud of my achievements. Maybe she was like that with all of the kids in my class, but to me, she was speaking straight to me and straight to my heart. I had never before had anyone make me feel like I was special and bright.

The other wonderful thing I remember about that year was that Mrs. Taylor started reading popular kid's books to us (like The Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew). She would read one chapter at the end of each day, if we had behaved well; two chapters if we had been exceptional….it was remarkable how many days we were "exceptional". I loved the stories and it wasn't long before I was devouring books at home. I remain an avid reader to this day. I truly believe that reading is the key to opening your mind and honing intelligence. The gift of the enjoyment of reading she gave to us, was priceless.

I blossomed under her tutelage and by Christmas break, I brought home an 85% average. I was thrilled and it spurred me on. I tried so hard because she would always make a point of congratulating me when I did well on a test. That kindly smile was worth the effort.

By the end of the school year, I earned a 96% average and took third place in my class. I received a book of poems as my prize for achievement and was never so proud in my young life. Saying goodbye to Mrs. Taylor was the hardest part, though. She would not be returning to our school the following year as the red-head was returning from leave.

The last thing she did for me that year was to recommend me for a coveted position as a prefect the next year. That was a symbol of your academic excellence and of your kind and fair attitudes. I was thrilled and this, of course, set the tone for my sixth grade year. If Mrs. Taylor had that much confidence in me and had recommended me to be a prefect, then I was surely not going to let her down.

I have often wondered where my life would have taken me had I not had the good fortune to have that grand lady come into my life at such an impressionable age. I really do think that she gave me the belief in myself that I needed to carry me through many of life's challenges. Her influence must have been remarkable…I'm still thinking and talking about her, forty years later!

And so, I may not have been taught in Alberta and therefore cannot submit my story of my wonderful teacher but I can honour her memory by passing on how important she was to me.

If you are a teacher yourself, take heart. I know there must be days when you could pull your hair out, but just remember the power of influence you have and that you may be "a Mrs. Taylor" to some child. We should all be so blessed as to have the opportunity to shape a young mind as she did with me.



Cheers,
Newfie June


© Newfie June




Send comments to: Newfie June

If you have any ideas how to make our country better - Send your comments to: Canadian Ideas
Thanks for your help
best regards
www.CanadianCulture.com

Get Involved!
Your Ideas are Important!
Content is contributed by various Canadians and does not necessarily reflect the views of canadianculture.com.