A Letter to All Great Teachers

Dear All Former and Current Great teachers,

Let me begin by expressing gratitude for all you do. The many great teachers I have had deserve more than a thank-you. They were great because of the qualities they shared. As different as they were in terms of teaching style, voice, subject matter, and presence, they were all patient, intelligent, caring, curious, determined, and above all forgiving. I think what really makes a good teacher is not the ability to encompass all of the aforementioned qualities at once, but the willingness to strive to practice them every single day.

Some of the greatest moments I shared with teachers were after school during tutoring sessions or during the five minutes after class in which they entertained questions about lecture. Not once did they make me feel bad for not understanding subject matter. They were happy to develop my own understanding and were always patient with me. They showed interest in the content they were teaching even when we did not (sorry, Ms. Lewis, but I still have little interest in Shakespeare). They were forgiving when we talked in class or when we were out of line. I never met a great teacher that met me daily with anything less than a positive attitude, even after I had detention for talking in class the day prior. The effort those teachers showed was always appreciated.

Teachers held a special place in our household growing up. I remember my mother cutting fresh roses and carnations from her garden throughout spring so that I could give them to my teachers in appreciation for all they did. My parents worked hard to build our discipline when it came to school work and they raised us to respect our teachers even if it meant we did not agree with them. To all the teachers that receive flowers, or sweets, or gift cards, know that it is a sign of appreciation. Your drive and concern for fellow humans makes you great.

Sincerely,
Mr. Sigala

(Great teacher in the making)