Inspired Teacher Essay Contest 2009

Armani Noble age 8, grade 3
Recognizing Ms. Schuler
Garrison Elementary School in Washington, DC

 

How Does Your Teacher Inspire You?

 

There are so many ways my teacher inspires me. First, my teacher is always there for me. Second, she makes learning fun. Finally, she teaches a lesson in so many ways. My teacher is someone that I know that will always be there when I don’t understand. She’s always happy to put me back on track. My teacher encourages me to do my work so I can be successful. She separates me from negative people and environments. Having a teacher that cares so much about me is the best thing a smart young child could have. She gives us homework so we can have more practice on the lesson we have learned that day. Many other teachers should be like my teacher, then we’ll have a successful life. There is never a time she turns her back when I’m working. She stands behind me to make sure that I understand and I’m grateful to have Mrs. Schuler as my third grade teacher.

 

Mia De Jesus-Martin age 11, grade 6
Recognizing Ms. Tingling-Clemmons
Stuart-Hobson Middle School in Washington, DC

 

A Teacher Who Inspires Me

 

There are many people in this world who inspire us. Moms, dads, sisters, and others. But the person who inspires me the most is my sixth grade reading teacher, Ms. Tingling-Clemmons. When I first walked into her classroom ... I knew she was going to be an inspiration to me. With her bright smile and gleaming eyes, saying “Let’s get started”, I had a feeling that a wonderful person was about to ... become a major part of my life. In the early part of the school year, she always encouraged me to do my best. ... Over the course of the year she began to [tell] meaningful stories ... All the stories had the same meaning: Be true to yourself and never give up. Ms. Tingling-Clemmons started an activity called Keeva. She selects a topic and as a class, we discuss it. When she introduced this, I was ecstatic. I saw this as a chance for me to learn [more] ... With her outgoing personality and her fantastic sense of humor, she reaches me every time. To me, she is not only my teacher. She is my friend, my inspiration, and my hero.

 

Alexandra Butler age 16, grade 11
Recognizing Mr. Glaze
West Potomac High School in Alexandria, VA

 

Inspiration

 

Students deal with teachers on a daily basis. However, few leave a lasting impact on the students to which they will remember for the rest of their life. One teacher in my education thus far though has made that connection for me. He has inspired me both in the classroom and outside in the world. Math is normally a class many students dread. This teacher, on the other hand, taught me to enjoy math and see the real world connections in each problem. He taught problem solving skills that can be used in any situation. He also pushed me to succeed. While some teachers will give up on a struggling student, he works with each and every student in order to help them thrive and fully understand the subject. This teacher has also been dealing with a difficult situation outside of the classroom. His wife recently passed away due to a longtime disease. Some may give up and take time off, but his dedication to his students showed when he returned back to school a week after her passing. His strength inspires me in everything I do. He is truly a great teacher with the ability to inspire anyone.