The Costco Connection

COVER S TORY

N A previous issue of The Connection, we posed these questions to our readers: Who was your favorite teacher?

And why? We received dozens of thoughtful and poignant responses from people who told stories of teachers—from the first grade through college—who made a lifelong impact on their lives.

Our respondents shared that their
favorite teachers were kind, respectful,
passionate and patient. They engaged with
their students and made learning fun.
They were fully knowledgeable about the
subjects they taught, but more important
was how they taught them. For a special
year or two, these teachers nourished and
motivated their young charges, then sent
them on to the next grade and their lives.

All of our respondents also described exact details of their favorite teacher and their classrooms, even from a half century ago. Often, these teachers played an important role at a pivotal time in the student’s life.

Studies of effective teachers echo
these comments. Technology is playing
a greater role in the classroom these days,
but the teacher is still at the heart of
learning. “Watching a great teacher at the
top of his or her form is like watching
a great surgical or artistic performance,”
writes Mark F. Goldberg in the book
Keeping Good Teachers (ASCD, ;;;;;
not available at Costco.) “Although in-
finitely difficult and painstakingly
planned, great teaching appears effortless
and seamless.”
We’re featuring a handful of favorite
teacher stories here as a kickoff to our
“Back to school” special section. Best
wishes to all students and teachers in this
coming school year.— Tim Talevich

Head class OF THE

These teachers left an impact on their students that lasted a lifetime

I

T WAS the ;;;;–;;;; school year.

I was in the second grade, and it was Mrs. Joeann Revis’ first year of teaching. When I walked into her room for the first day, I just loved her. She was so pretty, sweet and nice.

She soon found out there were several of us who were really struggling with reading. She worked with our group during class time, stayed after school and had us go to her house on Saturdays to tutor us. She also had two small children, so that was real dedication.

I know in my heart if it were not for her, I would never have become the avid reader I am today.

After ;; years, I found that we both still live in Oregon, and my husband and I traveled to see her. She was everything I remembered and more. We now talk on the phone and write back and forth. I still love my second-grade teacher with all my heart.