A "Great" Teacher...

In all my years of schooling, I have had the privilege of being taught by about 5 "good" teachers. But who really wants to hear about a "good" teacher? I want to tell about a "great" teacher I had the honor of being taught by. Her name was Mrs. Reynolds, my 5th grade teacher.

I remember leaving 4th grade in shambles. I was not allowed to play at recess because I was unable to memorize my multiplication tables. I was seated with the group of kids who ate paste and drooled because I was part of the "special group". I knew what that meant and so did everyone else in the class. So, needless to say I left 4th grade feeling different, inadequate, and all together not good enough.

After a long summer that I hoped would never end, I entered 5th grade. I did not have high expectations for the new year or my new teacher. As I walked down the hall toward the classroom, there was a tall woman standing at the door. She was the tallest woman I had ever seen with her hair rolled in a bun on the top of her head. I remember watching Mrs. Reynolds hugging each student as they walked into the classroom. I could feel my belly tightening up as I got closer to the classroom. I thought, "there is no way shes going to hug me", I was wrong. As I approached the door, Mrs. Reynolds held out her arms and said "I'm so glad to have you in my class." I couldn't believe that she was happy to have me there, and not to mention, but her hug felt so genuine.

That was the type of teacher Mrs. Reynolds was. She always made me feel like i belonged and that I was smart. Mrs. Reynolds took her time with me and taught me strategies for figuring out my multiplication tables. She taught me how to tell time and to pronounce my words. Mrs. Reynolds ran her class with love and understanding.

At on point in the year Mrs. Reynolds was like a second mother to me. She always made sure I ate breakfast before class started. There was even a few times that she would fix my hair in the mornings.

Mrs. Reynolds treated her students like her children. Which meant that when we were good we got rewarded and when we misbehaved she sat us down and talked it out with us.

I want to be the teacher that makes a lasting impression on my students. I want to be a teacher like Mrs. Reynolds.



** For anyone who wants to meet her***

Her name is Margaret Reynolds and she works for NISD.