No matter who you are or what your station is in life, you have had teachers.  In nearly all cases, you have experienced those amazing and wonderful teachers; teachers who were acceptable, albeit not inspired; and teachers who were, um, easily classified as less-than-what-anyone-would-have-chosen teachers, given the choice. 

As you are reading this article, I want you to think about – and maybe even list – some of the great teachers you know.  They could be kindergarten teachers, third grade teachers, eighth grade English teachers, high school biology teachers, community college or university professors – or someone you know who teaches in the business sector. Get a few of these teachers in mind and then think about each of the following attributes and whether they would apply to those special teachers you have in mind: 

• Do you know a teacher who does immeasurable good?

   

• Do you know a teacher who induces children, young adults, or adults to learn?

   

• Do you know a teacher who incurs debt to provide materials and experiences for his/her students?

   

• Do you know a teacher who is incredibly gifted in his/her command of a discipline or subject area?

   

• Do you know a teacher who has an impact on young people’s or adults’ lives?

   

• Do you know a teacher who imparts knowledge – not only to those who are interested, but to those who don’t appear to be as interested?

   

• Do you know a teacher who is impassioned about learning?

   

• Do you know a teacher who improves the world in small ways and/or in grand ways?

   

• Do you know a teacher who battles illiteracy – in any of its different forms?

   

• Do you know a teacher who has an imagination?

   

• Do you know a teacher who can ignite a classroom?

   

• Do you know a teacher who fights ignorance?

   

• Do you know a teacher who is impossible to ignore?

   

• Do you know a teacher who tackles seemingly-impossible-to-teach children (or adults) – and then teaches them?

   

• Do you know a teacher who is idealistic, even visionary?

   

• Do you know a teacher who students idolize?

   

• Do you know a teacher who is full of information – and loves sharing it?

   

• Do you know a teacher who is intentional in his/her planning and instruction?

   

• Do you know a teacher who is introspective?

   

• Do you know a teacher who has inner, governing values?

   

• Do you know a teacher who is innovative?

   

• Do you know a teacher who is insightful?

   

• Do you know a teacher who is intuitive?

   

• Do you know a teacher who models industriousness?

   

• Do you know a teacher who possesses integrity?

   

• Do you know a teacher who is intense?

   

• Do you know a teacher who is involved in school and community?

   

• Do you know a teacher who leaves a lasting impression?

Unfortunately, while “Teaching is not a lost art…the regard for it is a lost tradition.” Jacques Barzun

Take the time to acknowledge a teacher today – including if that magnificent teacher is YOU!