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current events conversation

What Students Are Saying About How Their Teachers Have Shaped Them

Teenagers share tributes to the educators who have made a difference in their lives.

Students walk through a hallway in a school. On the right, a teacher talks with a student.
Teachers and staff welcomed students back to school last fall. We asked teenagers how these educators have shaped them. Related ArticleCredit...Gabby Jones for The New York Times

Who are the teachers who supported and encouraged you the most? How about those who pushed you to think deeply? Has a teacher ever made a real difference in your life?

Those are the questions we asked students this week in our writing prompt “How Have Your Teachers Shaped Who You Are?

The question was inspired by Esau McCaulley’s guest essay, “What Mrs. Bailey Taught Me in A.P. History Changed My Life.” In his essay, Mr. McCaulley writes that “Teachers have the power to build or destroy, to plant or uproot hope in young minds.”

Students agreed. They told us about the educators and mentors — both inside and outside of the classroom — who have encouraged them, challenged them, guided them and comforted them. They also explained the qualities that they think make for great teachers, including being patient, firm, creative and compassionate. Finally, they shared the lessons they have learned from their teachers that will stick with them for the rest of their lives.

Thank you to all the teenagers who joined the conversation on our writing prompts this week, including students from Cambridge-Isanti High School in Cambridge, Minn.; Neptune High School in Neptune, N.J.; and New Rochelle High School in New Rochelle, N.Y.

Please note: Student comments have been lightly edited for length, but otherwise appear as they were originally submitted.


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Related ArticleCredit...Scott McIntyre for The New York Times

My fifth grade teacher was very different from my other teachers. She was fun, kind, and supported us all as a class. The class felt like one big family, and it made me excited to go into school. She made learning fun and easy, and class was always a good environment. I actually moved after fifth grade and was very nervous to go to a new school, but my teacher reassured me I would be okay — and she was right — but that support from a teacher is something I hadn’t gotten before. I’ve kept her advice and knowledge in the back of my head since.

Hailey, Glenbard West High School

A teacher’s attitude can carry over and affect other things. Like when Esau talked about his teacher encouraging him and pushing him to be better. I had a very involved teacher like that in middle school and even now I think to myself about whether I am living up to what he said I could be and working hard like he always said I could. Four to five years later, his words still impact my life in and out of school daily.

Wilder, Cary High

One teacher that sticks out to me is my current math teacher, Mr. Berbawy. He taught my brother, so he already had some connection to me, but Mr. Berbawy is overflowing with kindness and self-giving. Though I haven’t been inspired to study further into a subject by any teacher yet, I have been inspired to take on a kinder personality by my math teacher.

I go to a Lassalian high school where religion is a required class. My religion teacher Mr. Rebullida always asks “why” in our class discussions. This way of teaching has made me question my answers more in other class, and ask myself “is this truly my best work?”

Aris, Justin Siena High School

Mrs. Hann taught us about real world problems and forced us to get out of our shells — having us stand in front of class to present vocabulary projects nearly every other week and have debates about trivial issues. Thinking back to our Hiroshima debate at the end of the year, I have grown so much because of her care and guidance. From walking in as an anxious disaster in 6th grade, scared about my doomed future to walking out of her classroom on the last day of 8th grade, having nailed that debate, and feeling like I could conquer just about anything.

Grace, Glenbard West

Yes, my teachers have shaped my personality. My teachers’ strong decision-making and sympathy for others have shown me how to be caring. I’ve always connected with my teachers. More often they’d be my first friends in school. Maybe most of those adults changed the way I view life.

Massimo, New Rochelle High School

There was this one teacher in elementary school who I will never forget, she was like a mom but in school for me. She made me feel comfortable enough to tell her everything. If I had a problem with someone she would help me and I would take her advice. Some people could just think that teachers are there just to teach but some can really help you in the long run. Last year I got close with two of my teachers and without them I wouldn’t have made the friends I have now. That sounds weird but it’s true. In the beginning of the year I barely knew the people in my classes but with them as my teachers I ended up hanging out with new friends out of school.

Bella, Glenbard West

My 6th grade teacher Mrs. Hope was always so kind and supportive. When I was getting in trouble or getting banned from doing things, she was the one who was always fighting for me and never gave up. That’s why I appreciate her even more because she didn’t have to do any of that but she did. The second teacher that changed me is my 7th grade teacher, Mr. Mahoney. He taught me that you can be cool and not get into trouble at the same time. He always made learning fun and put effort into making the lessons fun.

Nabee, Neptune, NJ

There is no other teacher in the world who has taught me the most influential and life changing things than that of my high school band director, someone who had completely changed my mindset and philosophy toward life, success, and hard work. She was the one who gave me a reason to constantly give it my all. A recurring thing that she would say that stuck with me was “if it were easy, then everyone would do it.” That one saying always pushed me to continue on when things were hard. She gave me a very valuable push to continue to do my best and be self motivated to do what’s best for me and there couldn’t be a greater gift to ask for.

Ruben, Atrisco Heritage Academy

One of my dance teachers who teaches me jazz and hip hop, Mrs. Karina, has really changed my life … The main thing that Mrs. Karina has done is build a loving and friendly community. I am friends with all the other people in my class and without talking for half the class about life problems, or laughing at something funny that one of them does … The students in her classes have also helped me and each other get through other classes like ballet, and without that help or Mrs. Karina, I might have just stopped dancing as a whole, and dancing is a giant part of who I am to this day.

Michael, Julia R. Masterman, Philadelphia PA

Growing up as someone with a chronic illness, I was never truly accepted into a community, and I found myself having to advocate for myself all the time, whether that be towards teachers, friends, or even family members. No one understood what I was going through quite like my elementary school counselor, Mrs. Wenzlaff. She was the only person I knew I could turn to in a place where I felt like I was on fire and needed to get out of the building, but everyone was standing still.

Audrey, Glenbard West HS

Coach Kevin is always pushing me to work harder and practice and he is always helping me to achieve more. Sometimes I’ll hit a triple and every player will be cheering and every coach will be cheering but if the inning ends or I come into score, after he congratulates me he always tells me ways to improve. And then next at bat I can hit a home run.

Elliot, J. R. Masterman, Philadelphia, PA

My teachers have always encouraged me to do better and never cheat yourself through any type of work. The teacher that really put those ideas in my mind was my 9th-10th grade basketball coach, who always told me to do more and pushed me … He taught us to never give up and to push your limits that have never been pushed ever in your life. I have always tried to do better and keep growing because of that. Most teachers encourage you and support you. They are smart, helpful, and want to see you succeed in life.

Mathias, Atrisco Heritage

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Related ArticleCredit...Gabby Jones for The New York Times

I feel a teacher that is organized, well-tempered/easy-going, and patient provides a comfortable learning environment for students to discover new topics and ask questions. Since teachers deliver different lessons and supply education for others, their personalities or attitude may affect how one feels about them and their teaching style. I believe that being energetic and carefree makes the students feel welcome. However, there still needs to be discipline, creating boundaries/rules, in order to keep everything balanced.

Annabelle, Julia R. Masterman, Philadelphia, PA

Qualities of an excellent teacher are the ones who enable you to want to improve, meaning not to your parents or your friends, but to yourself as an individual. I remember something a teacher said as I sat down in my seat during my Sophomore year. It went somewhere along the lines of “you’re not in middle school anymore; your teachers aren’t going to make you do your assignments — the only person who chooses to succeed is yourself. It’s your choice to put forth the effort, and if you don’t that’s fine, I’m not going to make you do this assignment you don’t want to because in the end, it comes down to your future.” I sat there thinking about my morals and thoughts of who I truly wanted to be, not just a student who sits in class to pass the class.

Shalena, Bentonville West High School

The most important quality a teacher needs to have is the ability to be creative in the ways they teach. A teacher or professor that just follows the curriculum and gives students worksheets every day won’t inspire kids to learn. The most boring classes I’ve had were the ones with the least creative and motivated teachers. Teachers are like faucets. Sometimes the water is too hot or cold and comes out too fast or slow … Teachers can be too harsh or soft, too energetic or lethargic, too talkative or shy. Everyone has their preference. I like teachers that are right in the middle. They’re easy-going enough to let some shenanigans happen but crack down when things get out of control. They love their job and enjoy having conversations with students but let them work when they need it. Most importantly, they think differently about how they spread their knowledge.

Sam, CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI HIGH SCHOOL, MINNESOTA

I think that the qualities of an excellent teacher are compassion, devotion, and flexibility. Compassion because teachers should empathize with their students, try to understand their talents and weaknesses and help them with the things they need help with. Devotion because teachers should not treat their job like it is just a way to get money. An excellent teacher would truly enjoy teaching children, truly be devoted to helping their students learn. Flexibility because a good teacher should not be so focused on their lesson plan that they cannot pause a lesson to help their students understand a concept. A teacher should be able to help if a student cannot make an assignment because of problems they do not control.

Clarity, Julia R. Masterman, Philadelphia PA

A good teacher must be patient. Because as a teacher, you have to deal with different types of students who have likes and dislikes. A good teacher needs to listen and communicate with students. But I believe empathy is the most important quality a teacher should have. Because it keeps students motivated, builds confidence, and encourages them to stand up for themselves.

Zizrael, Atrisco Heritage Academy High School

In the Spring semester of my Junior year, I studied abroad in Rennes, France … A little naive to the challenges to come, I was met with road blocks I hadn’t considered. Within the first week of being in France, I experienced blatant instances of racism … Through the emotional turmoil of the first month, I started to look back on a pivotal school assembly I attended the semester before. At the annual Asian Student Alliance Assembly, my math teacher offered her experience as an Asian American teacher who struggled to choose between teaching her two beloved subjects: French and Math. As I remembered her own negative experiences in Europe and the stereotypes she felt forced to conform to as an Asian American teacher, I finally felt unalone. Although my math teacher was 3,000 miles away her words stuck with me, providing the support and allyship I needed in order to conquer the rest of my time abroad.

Emma, Washington DC

My eight grade teacher has given me more than a view of the world but a different view of myself. I’ve been so open with my 8th grade English teacher that she knows about everything. I’ve been struggling with my physical and mental health for a long period in my life. I’ve struggled with different types of relationships. A big struggle has been my view of myself, Ms. L has gone through what I’m going through. She knows how I feel and she might be the only one in my laugh I can relate to. She’s pushed me to go for my dreams. She’s pushed me to receive help. She’s always there for me. She’s taught me that no matter what I do, if I look at the world positively, it’ll be just that.

Angelina, Atrisco Heritage Academy High School

Some teachers have impacted me more than others, for example when going through difficult times there have been a couple of teachers that have been there for me and helped me to get back on the right track. They also have helped me set goals for myself and to push myself to be the best version of myself, and they have also helped me realize that school is here to help me learn. It doesn’t matter what the kids here have to say, as long as you are happy with yourself that is all that matters. They have also helped me with how to act around people and how to be polite, and they have also taught me to always be nice to everyone because you never know what’s going on in someone else’s life.

Mayson, HHHS

As a kid, we spend our days waiting till we are older and in high school or college to be treated as an adult. To be told that we all have unique and beautiful minds. I have only had about 3 teachers in my life who have truly wanted me to succeed with my mind and not by the letter on a report card. Yes, grades matter, but really all they show is how much information you can cram into your brain and spill on a piece of paper. I once had a teacher who said “All I want for you in this class is to think for yourself.” Since then it’s changed my perspective on how teachers are. Not all teachers are gonna be the ones for you, but really it’s all about who impacted your life the most and who told you that your grade isn’t what defines you. It’s your mind.

Chloe, Cambridge Isanti High School

For me, there is one teacher in my mind that really stands out … my Freshman year history teacher named Mr. Cutler. From the first day I met him, what captivated me was how he spoke to us. He seemed to understand the pressure we were feeling about juggling high school, and he knew exactly how we had struggled in the past with teachers giving unnecessary homework for the sake of just giving more work. He made himself completely available to us at all times to give us guidance in any part of our lives, and made every kid in the room feel seen and comfortable. It was also in his method of teaching that really made me excited to come to class each day. Nothing was ever just him talking and us writing down what he said. Everyday was a discussion where each student was challenged in interacting with old ideas from Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome and applying them to today in order to really enrich our learning. Mr. Cutler is one of those pivotal people in my life that was so influential to me as a person, and his teaching motivates me to want to use my voice and share my opinions to make a difference in the world.

Liv, Harvard Westlake in Los Angeles, CA


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