I am honored to have Gretchen Spreitzer and Bob Quinn present at my Leaders Connect this Friday. Gretchen and Bob recently published a book titled The Best Teacher In You.
When I think about the book, I recall teachers who have made a difference in my life. As I consider what has made them exceptional, I recognize that it has to do with the way they made me feel special about myself. The teachers I remember most vividly and most fondly, the teachers who have had the greatest impact on my life, simply helped me to believe in myself.
In the first and second grade it was Mrs. Lancaster, who helped me to believe in myself as a reader and as a likable kid. Also in elementary school it was Mr. Berryman, who made me feel good about myself as an athlete. He even encouraged me to play on the football team, even though I was so small the helmet didn’t stay on my head!
In high school it was Mr. McKay, who, by reading one of my essays on Madame Bovary in English class, made me believe that I could write well. I also remember Mrs. Jorgenson, who, a few months after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, gave me faith in my ability to be a leader.
In graduate school it was David McClelland, the father of Emotional Intelligence. He taught me about research and helped me believe in my ability and potential as a teacher.
Take some time to remember the teachers who had an impact on your life and consider what made them great. Please take time to complete the following sentence:
“I remember ________ as an impactful teacher who helped me __________ .”