You never stop being a teacher

Recently, while at my senior daughter’s high school tennis meet, I ran into my own high school English teacher.

After our initial exchange she asked when I planned to retire. “At the end of the school year,” I answered. She asked what my plans were and I answered a part-time job that would keep me thinking and support college tuition. “I hope you will consider writing,” she said, “or recording audio books. I think you would be wonderful at either.”

I smiled as my mind raced. It had been decades since I was her student and she still remembered areas I excelled at? We talked about books and I told her that some of the best books I ever read were in her classroom. She excitedly told me she was on a waitlist for a new book that told the Huckleberry Finn story through Jim’s eyes. We watched tennis, reminisced about how her own daughter taught in the same classroom for 20 years after she had retired and how I could still remember where I sat in that room. “Me too,” she answered. “Uh-oh, was I that bad?” I inquired. “No, I loved you kids that much,” she replied.

It was then I realized that you never stop being a teacher. After decades of retirement she still remembered where I sat, my interests and areas of where I shined. No matter your age or stage of life, take a moment to think of your own teachers. What lessons did they share that have stayed with you? If possible, reach out and tell them. Chances are they remember you, your gifts and care how you’re doing.

Teacher Appreciation Week begins May 6. Reach out and thank a teacher for the lessons you still carry with you.

Thank you Mrs. Tack, for reminding me that we all do better after a midday quiet time. Thank you Mrs. Hrdliska for letting the line leader hold your hand. I will always remember how special that made me feel. Thank you Mrs. Martin for the best Home EC Snickerdoodle recipe. Thank you Mr. Taylor for teaching me to love History when it's served with a side of humor. Thank you Mr. Smrha for only saying “grrr ruff ruff” when budding high school journalists were on your last nerve but managed to turn out wonderful pieces.

Thank you Dr. Eklund for modeling greatness and expecting nothing but each singer’s best. A lifelong love of music and striving to do my best, remains. Thank you Mrs. Bernhard for exposing me to wonderful literature and remembering and caring after all these years. You are all appreciated and I am forever grateful.

Julie Morningstar is a veteran, retiring teacher in, and proud alumna of, the Cedar Rapids Community School District.