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Original poster

did you have an inspirational teacher in school?

30 replies

flack · 31/12/2006 19:05

Home-ed Thread made me wonder. I don't remember any inspirational teachers from my school days -- not one. Some were kind, some were dull, many I can't remember. None gave me a love of learning or stood out.

Just wondered how unusual that is...

(ps
Only remember one truly exceptional lecturer from University -- lecture theatre was always overflowing.)

OP posts:
popsycal · 31/12/2006 19:09

i had a few who were in differenrt ways
my 4th year junior teacher (year 6 now) ibstilled into ne the importance of doing your best as opposed to being the best
my maths teacher in secondary school motivated me and challenged me

Blandmum · 31/12/2006 19:11

Yes, Sandra Poole for biology and Pat Williams for English.

God bless you both ladies, you changed my life beyond recognition.

PeachysaysBlwyddynNewyddDda · 31/12/2006 19:12

Two really, one thought I would be future prime minister , that was fourth year primary; one was in Comp although TBH had their not been so many nasty bully teachers for her to stand up against on my behalf I would never have known it, iyswim. Twoexcellent Lecturers at Uni, one poor one and the rest average.

juuule · 31/12/2006 19:21

Nope - same as flack really.

TheDevilsAdvocate · 31/12/2006 19:22

My junior school history teacher, Pete Asquith-Cowan.

He was fantastic - although a little crazy

He loved dressing up and bringing everything to life, making it feel like you were real witnesses to historical events. He hid in cupboards too and jumped out to scare the shit out of his students

He instilled in me a real love of history, literature and books.

He was always very camp and rumours were rife and I know life was sometimes a bit hard on him because of it.

I met him again last year, 30+ years on. It turns out he is 'the only gay in the village' that DH hails from and he has always been the object of ridicule for some bigots there. He was despondent and honestly thought he had failed in life.

I told him how much he had inspired me and in turn my sons as I have passed on all that he taught me. He cried but hugged me so hard and went away with the biggest smile on his face.

Blandmum · 31/12/2006 19:23

Oh and one exceptional lecture in university, but then, to be fair, the guy did have a nobel prize, which I think gave him an unfair advantage

SherlockLGJ · 31/12/2006 19:25

My english teacher and my history teacher.

And a primary school teacher.

Miaou · 31/12/2006 19:26

Hmm, had a few good teachers at secondary school, and one who comes in that category but stands out to me because she really believed in me at a time when I didn't believe in myself! She had a big impact on my self-esteem that stayed with me for years to come.

popsycal · 31/12/2006 19:26

just a question...
what makes a teacher 'inspirational'?
what does a teacher do which inspires?

Blandmum · 31/12/2006 19:29

For me it was having teachers who encouraged you to think for yourself. Who encouraged you to feel that you could excel. And who instilled in you a love of the subject through their own enthusiam.

The two women who I mentioned were passionate about their subject, sometimes to the point of being faintly mad!

I model myself in the classroom on them both!

Tinker · 31/12/2006 19:32

A few - the ones who told me I was great really, boosted my self-esteem. One horrible, horrible one who seemed to feel threatened by me when I was 10 years old, took every opportunity to belittle me in front of the class. Still have revenge fantasies about him. Another similar one in same year - asked me for a birthday kiss and was offended when I said no at the idea of that now.

popsycal · 31/12/2006 19:33

thanks mb
when i was posting about mine, i found it hard to pinpoint exactly what made them inspirational (maybe due to a few glasses of wine already )

I too picked up things from my favourite teachers and do the same

nikkie · 31/12/2006 19:55

only one teahcer stands out in my mind,2 year juniors I had Mr W who was obessesed with maths especially mental maths.In the middle of the register he would shout out 8x9 and expect whoever was next to answer !
He was a bit crazy but really got everyone knowing their stuff!

gothicsanta · 31/12/2006 19:56

Mrs Wayne who was wonderful

gothicsanta · 31/12/2006 19:57

and Mr Nelson

Smithagain · 31/12/2006 23:04

I must have been lucky. I have three!

My final primary school teacher - Mr Thayer - who was distinctive on account of being my first male teacher, who called us "kids" (which seemed exceptionally cool at the time) and who just treated us really well and got us all applying ourselves without ever losing his rag.

Mr Herbison, who managed to teach Physics with a great sense of humour and said just the right thing to motivate me to get the "A" I needed to get to University, despite the fact I found the last year darn difficult.

And Miss Arneil who shared her passion for music with us and gave us opportunities to develop our own passion that went way beyond the confines of the curriculum. And quite often gave me a lift home on rainy days, saving me a 40 minute walk! Of course, she would probably be sacked for doing that now

unknownrebelbang · 31/12/2006 23:12

The one teacher who particularly stood out for me was Mr Hill, my French teacher. Unfortunately he became ill and left whilst I was still at school, so I missed out somewhat, as his stand-in was dire.

jampots · 31/12/2006 23:14

At primary school I had Ron Henderson who treated us as mini adults instead of children - he was great

At secondary school my favourite teacher by far was our German teacher, Peter Lawton he was just fab

ellanevemum · 31/12/2006 23:23

I was lucky enough to have had two teachers that were brilliant and truly inspirational. I had several great teachers that I really believe helped guide me in the right direction in life and switched me on to learning. Two in particular stand out though.

Cynthia Edwards - Primary
Virginia Poole - Secondary

fanastatic ladies who helped me out when things were difficult at home and made school a happy and interesting place to be.

whatwouldjesusdo · 31/12/2006 23:27

I had great teachers at primary and secondary school.

University tutors were dire to a man (oxford; yes, they were all men), and left me very cynical about anyone who works in academia, Im afraid to say.

QuootiepieTheHogmanayAss · 31/12/2006 23:28

oh yes, my Latin Tutor. He was wonderful!

FairytaleOfNewNORKSBRIDE · 31/12/2006 23:31

My final teacher at primary was Michael F. He was shockingly casual, encouraging and committed. If I ever write a book, I'll dedicate to him.

In the year I was in his class he had twins and one died . And then he died in his late 40's just a few years after I'd left - unbelievably

CaptainFlameSparrow · 31/12/2006 23:33

Yes - Jayne Williams Eng Lit... she was slightly scary but she knew what I would like when I didn't really think she knew much about me... she made me very passionate about books.

Oh, and Mr Barnetson in yr 5... it was the year I suddenly found my "potential", and in no small part to him bringing out my confidence.

ellanevemum · 31/12/2006 23:38

Have to agree with whatwouldjesusdo abot uni utors. All mine were social rejects with no communications skills!

Aloha · 31/12/2006 23:40

Scary Mrs Fairall who pinched books that we weren't supposed to read because they were too adult...and who encouraged us to do homework reporting the case in the Franchise Affair as a newspaper story, which sparked my interest in journalism.

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