Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools

National Teacher Day 2008

Celebrities, Notable Public Figures Reveal Their Most Memorable Teachers

Celebrities
Notable Public Figures
Athletes
Elected Officials

Behind every famous face lies an unsung hero, a teacher who has provided the inspiration and motivation for success in life. The National Education Association has collected the following list of teachers who have inspired celebrities, athletes, and elected officials to become who they are today.

Celebrities

• Patti LaBelle, Singer
  Ms. Eileen Brown
  John Bartram High School
  Philadelphia, PA

  "Ms. Brown was very special because she was my mentor. She was very helpful to my family and me. She and I became close friends and are good friends. After so many years, we still spend time talking on the phone."

• Constance Marie, Actress, "The George Lopez Show"
  Ms. Nancy Strict
  Hancock Park Elementary School
  Los Angeles, CA
  

  "During one of our art projects, Ms. Strict (third grade teacher) pointed out to me how good I was. She gave me one-on-one time and went on to say that I was great at recreating the details on my art project. I, of course, grew more confident in my work and majored in art."

• Megan Mullally, Actress, "Will and Grace"
  Mr. Steven C. Surbeck
  Casady School
  Oklahoma City, OK

  "My high school English teacher, who for some reason assigned me the role of Portia in The Merchant of Venice when we read it aloud in class -- it was the first time I'd ever done anything remotely like acting, and I thought, hmmmmm... "

• Zoe Saldana, Actress
  Ms. Dilia Mieses
  Ritmos Espacio de Danza
  Dominican Republic

  "Dilia taught me the importance of perseverance and discipline one must have in order to obtain results that will bring you happiness and success."

• Ruben Studdard, Singer
  Mr. Joseph Smith
  L.M. Smith Middle School
  Birmingham, AL

  "Mr. Smith introduced me to so many genres of music and taught me how to appreciate them all."

• Hilary Swank, Actress
  Mr. Eric Sellereit
  Happy Valley Elementary
  Bellingham, Washington

  "Mr. Sellereit gave me my first acting job in my school production of The Jungle Book!"

• Wilmer Valderrama, Actor
  Mr. Edwin Tucker
  Taft High School
  Los Angeles, CA

  "Mr. Tucker has never forgotten what he has in common with his students... which is that he was a kid once, therefore he will always be able to be heard by his students, who feel 100 percent respected and validated."

• Michelle Williams, Singer, Former Member of Grammy-Award Winning "Destiny's Child"
  Mr. Chuck Powers
  Jackson Elementary School
  Rockford, IL

  "Wow... I have more than one memorable teacher... ummmmmm let me see. My elementary school sixth grade teacher -- his name is Mr. Powers from Jackson Elementary School in Rockford, IL. Mr Powers had a way of connecting with his students and not being judgmental. He was easy to talk to yet he was stern. Mr Powers was a man who even the meanest child didn't want to disrespect! I also liked the fact that we would have 'Subway' days where we'd order Subway sandwiches and eat them in class around lunchtime! You know, as a kid, things like that mean something."

• Oprah Winfrey, Entrepreneur
  Ms. Mary Duncan
  Wharton Elementary School
  East Nashville, TN

  "Teachers are often the people who inspire us the most. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Duncan. She so believed in me, and for the first time, made me embrace the idea of learning. I learned to love learning because of Mrs. Duncan."

Notable Public Figures

• Doug Atchison, Director and Writer, "Akeelah and the Bee"
  Mr. Robert Larabell
  Arcadia High School
  Phoenix, AZ

  "Mr. Larabell challenged me as a writer, demanded discipline in my use of language, and inspired me to deeper levels of critical though -- and he did all of this with a high level of erudition and a whip-smart sense of humor."

• Robert L. Curbeam, Jr., (Captain, USN), NASA Astronaut
  Dr. Frances (Kosnik) Alderson
  Woodlawn Junior High School
  Baltimore County, MD

  "She taught me the importance of foreign language in the education of a successful person, regardless of their primary course of study. I still use my German to this day in both work and social situations, and I have since taken classes in both Russian and Japanese."

• John Paul DeJoria, CEO and Co-Founder, Paul Mitchell
  Mr. Wachs
  John Marshall High School
  Los Angeles, CA

  "Mr. Wachs was my 11th grade business teacher at John Marshall High School in Los Angeles, and his big impact came when he caught me and my friend Michelle passing notes during his lecture. He announced to the class that Michelle and I were the two students least likely to succeed in the entire school. He wasn't entirely right. Michelle became Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Poppas and she's in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and I did all right eventually. But, in a way he was very much right because if you don't pay attention when knowledge or opportunity come your way, you're going to be the loser. And if you have knowledge, you can make opportunity happen. There came a moment as a young adult when I was living in the back of my car and picking up pop bottles to feed my son. I remembered Mr. Wachs' insistence on focus. So I focused on the fact that I had once successfully sold encyclopedias door to door. If you can do that, you can do anything. It restored my determination and self belief."

• Ed Lu, NASA Astronaut
  Mr. Jack Yengo
  R.L. Thomas High School (now called Webster Thomas)
  Webster, NY

  "Coach Yengo taught us the value of hard work and perseverance."

• Steve Robinson, Astronaut
  Ms. Betty Doke
  Rheem School
  Moraga, CA

  "Mrs. Doke was a science teacher (now retired but still very active in California education). She was the most encouraging teacher I have known and worked tirelessly to develop her students' individual talents and interests. She applied great creativity to her presentation of the world of science, and each student was made to feel that his or her own special interests were the highest priority to Mrs. Doke. Her encouragement for my own interest in science and engineering was a significant force in my choice of careers, and she has stayed in touch by attending each of my launches on the space shuttle."

Athletes

• Ethan Albright, Guard, Washington Redskins
  Mr. Joe Franks
  Grimsley Senior High School
  Greensboro, NC

  "Joe's passion and enthusiasm for teaching makes learning in his classroom a joy. It is very unique to be able to connect with high school kids and to teach with such a genuine caring attitude the way Joe is able to do it."

• Mark Bruener, Tight End, Houston Texans
  Mr. Randy Hancock
  Aberdeen High School
  Aberdeen, WA

  "Mr. Hancock's dedication to his students was unmatched by any of my teachers. He taught his students how to be young adults. He encouraged us to look further than just the surface with everything we did. I can honestly say he was a big inspiration for me."

• Marc Burch, Forward, Los Angeles Galaxy
  Mr. Ken Poe
  Turpin High School
  Cincinnati, OH

  "He taught my whole family and taught in a special way."

  Mom

  "In ninth grade, my mom was my teacher in English…so in the grander scheme, she is DEFINITELY my favorite!"

• Chris Burke, Second Baseman, Houston Astros
  Mr. John Price
  St. Xavier High School
  Louisville, KY

  "The reason I liked Mr. Price so much was because he had a wealth of knowledge about everything. He had stories and little tales that weren't in text books. He wasn't just reading along with us. He added a lot of insight and actually made history fun."

• Zack Crockett, Running Back, Oakland Raiders
  Mr. James L. Jones

  "Mr. James L. Jones (principal) played the roll of father, teacher, and friend, especially when I had my oldest daughter when I was 16. I could have easily steered off into the wrong direction, but he pushed me to be a great father. He picked my classes so that I got the best education and made sure I kept a certain GPA for my college years. [He] instilled in me the goal of going to college-not only to go but get a degree to better my life …"

• Steve Cronin, Goalkeeper, Los Angeles Galaxy
  Mrs. Weldon
  Earl LeGette Elementary School
  Fair Oaks, CA

  "She taught me and cared the most. I still visit her when I am in town."

• Landon Donovan, Forward, Los Angeles Galaxy
  Mrs. Godding
  Edison Elementary School
  Ontario, CA

  "She taught me how to grow up using positive methods."

• Brian Dunseth, Defender, Los Angeles Galaxy
  Mr. Derrick Kerr
  Damien, La Verne, CA

  "He was my Spanish teacher and soccer coach."

• Michael Enfield, Forward/Midfield, Los Angeles Galaxy
  Dennis Enfield
  Ventura High School
  Ventura, CA

  "He cared for all of his students and spent time outside of school to help students in school and life. He stressed improvement as a grading priority as well as encouraged students to have fun. He was a passionate teacher as well as funny.”

  Jay Feely, Kicker, New York Giants
  Mr. Robert Weiner
  Jesuit High School
  Tampa, FL

  "Without question the best teacher I ever had was Robert Weiner … He inspired as well as educated, and his life was the greatest educational tool he had. I respected him so much I asked him to be the best man at my wedding!"

• Josh Gardner, Left Midfielder, Los Angeles Galaxy
  Mrs. Rayford
  Creek High School
  Kary, TX

  "She pushed me to get better grades and never allowed me to just get by."

• Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, Linebacker, San Diego Chargers
  Mr. Guy Reed
  Audubon Junior High School
  Los Angeles, CA

  "Mr. Reed is truly committed to excellence as a math teacher. He is not only a teacher of math but a teacher of life. He helped me understand the meaning of commitment by having perfect attendance for 30 years. He never took a day off. That motivated me on and off the field."

• Chris Gomez, Third Baseman, Baltimore Orioles
  Mr. Rob Wigod

  "[H]e was a great mentor, not only was he a great teacher but [he also was] a good baseball coach."

• Alan Gordon, Striker, Los Angeles Galaxy
  Mrs. Keller
  Gilbert High School
  Gilbert, AZ

  "She was a teacher who really cared about me and wanted me to make something out of myself, when times were bad. If not for her, I would not be here today."

• Kevin Hartman, Goalkeeper, Los Angeles Galaxy
  Mr. Mills
  Belle Heth Elementary School
  Radford, VA

  "Mr. Mills was always mixing things up so that everyone was interested. He made learning very exciting."

• Ramon Hernandez, Catcher, Baltimore Orioles
  Dad

  "My dad…always pushed me hard and wanted me to do the best I could in everything. When everything goes bad, he taught me to keep my head up. He gave me a lot of confidence."

• Larry Izzo, Linebacker, New England Patriots
  Ms. Jo Ann Pearson
  Broad Run High School
  Ashburn, VA

  "She was good friends with my varsity football coach, Jerry Smith, and she helped keep me focused on my schoolwork so that I would be able to continue to excel in athletics. Without her constant motivation, I wouldn't have achieved what I have achieved in my life thus far. I am very grateful that I had people like her and Coach Smith looking out for me when I needed some direction in my life.”

• Nick Leckey, Center, Arizona Cardinals
  Ms. Bennie Gillam
  Timberline Elementary School
  Grapevine, TX

  "She really cared about us. I still get letters from her to this day. She has even seen me play versus the Cowboys. She would have mystery readers who would come in and read a story to us and hang out for a bit with us and help with our schoolwork. It has inspired me to read to kids on Tuesdays during the season. We always did cool things like International Day where everyone brought food from another country. My mom brought up a crepe maker and we had crepes with powdered sugar and syrup, it was so much fun. She is always happy and upbeat, a person who truly loves her job. She made coming to school fun day in and day out."

• Brad Lidge, Pitcher, Houston Astros
  Mr. Coble
  Cherry Creek High School
  Denver, CO

  "He taught World History and World Geography and he was extremely smart and very animated. He loved what he was doing and he has made me like it ever since."

• Rodrigo Lopez, Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles
  Ms. Elisa

  "[S]he really was passionate about teaching, she could handle all subjects and I learned a lot from her."

• Darnerien McCants, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
  Mr. Donald Becker
  Delaware State University
  Dover, DE

  "He set me free as an artist."

• Melvin Mora, Third Baseman, Baltimore Orioles
  Mr. Walter Rodriguez

  "[He] was the one who made me play baseball."

• Roy Oswalt, Pitcher, Houston Astros
  Coach Gant (health teacher, football/baseball coach)
  Weir High School
  Weir, MS

  "My favorite teacher was my Health teacher, Coach Gant. He was also my football coach and baseball coach. As a teacher and coach, he got the most out of me and really got me to push myself.

• Chad Qualls, Pitcher, Houston Astros
  Mr. Stockstill
  Eschelman Avenue School
  Lomita, CA

  "Mr. Stockstill was my first grade teacher and he taught me all of the subjects. I am a big math guy and I have to thank him for that. I remember the different card games he would play with us to help us learn addition. I had a lot of fun in his class."

• Shelton Quarles, Linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  Ms. Joan Woods
  Whites Creek High School
  Whites Creek, TN

  "She took a vested interest in me as a person and not an athlete. She inspired me to be the best that I could be in the classroom and that would translate to me being a better player on the football field. Ultimately, her instruction allowed me to take tougher honors classes in high school, which in turn prepared me to be a good student at Vanderbilt University, one of the most prestigious universities in the country."

• Troy Roberts, Defender, Los Angeles Galaxy
  Mr. Mcloed
  Mattos Elementary School
  Fremont, CA

  "He was a great motivator and always willing to help students achieve their goals."

• Brian Schneider, Catcher, Washington Nationals
  Mr. Joe Schwartz
  Northampton Junior High School
  Northampton, PA

  "Mr. Schwartz was one of my favorite teachers because he treated everyone with respect and was not just your teacher but also was a friend. He gave the extra effort to help you at all costs."

• Miguel Tejada, Shortstop, Baltimore Orioles
  Mr. Enrique Soto

  "[He] helped me to get to the big leagues."

• Jamie Watson, Forward, Real Salt Lake
  Mr. Kelly Hayes
  Coppell High School
  Coppell, TX

  “Everyday, he met the class with a smile and brought an attitude that was contagious to having fun, and learning at the same time. This was always one of the classes i looked forward to going to daily. I still keep in touch with him and when my brother recently was in the hospital suffering from an illness, he was right there by his side, just to be there for him. Brett had also been in Mr. Hayes' class and this just shows what kind of person he is as well as being a great mentor for every kid he teaches. This man has touched my life and helped show me some of the characteristics that a man should strive to be."

• Preston Wilson, Left Field/Center Field, Houston Astros
  Ms. Duffoer
  Bamberg-Erhardt High School
  Bamberg, SC

  "Ms. Duffoer taught me English my senior year. She was patient with everybody. I don't know how it happened but I was her teacher's pet. She was one of the teachers throughout the school that everyone said was really tough, but I got along great with her and I did really well in her class."

Elected Public Officials

• Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-NY)
  Eva Ackerman (mother)

  "[S]he taught me everything I know."

• Rep. Robert E. Andrews (D-NJ)
  Ms. Jean C. Parks
  Bellmawr Public Schools
  Bellmawr, NJ

  "Mrs. Parks, my kindergarten teacher, combined the qualities of great storyteller, life-lessons teacher, and loving mother. I still keep in touch with her and cherish her friendship and love."

• Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA)
  Miss Osbourne
  Bartow High School
  Barstow, CA

  "Miss Osborne always motivated me to set high goals for myself and was an encouraging teacher. Those kinds of teachers really don't come along that often. But she helped to build my confidence, set me in the right direction, and gave me the 'si se puede' attitude that I could do anything I set my mind to."

• Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
  Mr. Robert Prugh
  West High School
  Madison, WI

  "Mr. Prugh made the 1980 Presidential elections (the first Presidential election in which I could vote) come alive in the classroom. I already had the political bug, before taking his class, but he certainly nurtured my interest in policy and the political process."

• Sen. Evan B. Bayh (D-IN)
  Mr. Ferdinand Ruge
  St. Albans School
  Washington, D.C.

  "Mr. Ruge was an inspirational teacher who instilled in me a love for a vanishing art form: written English. He emphasized clear, concise prose-not common among practitioners of my current profession.

• Rep. Bob Beauprez (R-CO)
  Mr. Frank Gray
  Douglass Junior High School
  East of Boulder, CO

  "He emphasized skill and fitness development, but he also taught us about dignity, character, integrity, and grace."

• Sen. Robert F. Bennett (R-UT)
  Mr. G. Homer Durham
  University of Utah
  Salt Lake City, UT

  "He had a radical notion about education. He said 'the most important course in the political science department is Political Science 1. Since I am the department head, it follows that I should teach the department's most important course.' … [He] taught me about the Constitution and James Madison and Thomas Jefferson and the constitutional convention. Through his instruction, I read the Federalist Papers and began a lifelong love affair with political theory and the Constitution. I've always appreciated the insights I gained under the tutelage of G. Homer Durham. Even today, 50 years later, as I continue my work in the U.S. Senate, and strive to meet the responsibilities of my office, I find that I frequently harken back to the days at the University of Utah and Dr. Durham's Political Science 1 class, and how applicable and valuable those lessons still are today. He certainly made a difference in my life."

• Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV)
  Mr. Gary Bedunna
  Mr. Herb Baker
  Mr. Charlie Silvertery
  Valley High School
  Las Vegas, NV

• Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA)
  Mr. Lester Rutland
  Central High School
  Mobile, AL

  "Mr. Rutland encouraged and inspired [me] to become involved in student government and eventually run for school, district, and state Student Council President positions."

• Rep. Timothy H. Bishop (D-NY)
  Mr. Clyde Thompson
  Southampton High School

  "Mr. Thompson instilled in me a fascination with government and public service, as well as an appreciation for history. He also taught me how to write."

• Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-NH)
  Ms. Dorothy Schneider
  Carpenter School
  Wolfeboro, NH

  "Mrs. Schneider was compassionate but tough-she helped to show me the difference between doing adequate work and doing excellent work. She pushed me to excel at each and every challenge."

  Mr. Ernest Bainton
  Kingswood Regional High School
  Wolfeboro, NH

  "Mr. Bainton helped to show me the excitement of reading for pleasure and taught me the importance of each spoken and written word."

• Rep. Leonard L. Boswell (D-IA)
  Rose Varner
  Thompson School
  Ringold County, IA

  "Mrs. Varner taught me that reading books would open the world to me and encouraged me to always do better. Her inspiration has been a guiding light throughout my life."

• Rep. F. Allen Boyd, Jr. (D-FL)
  Ms. Blanche Clarke
  Aucilla Christian Academy
  Monticello, FL

  "Ms. Clarke was the first teacher I had outside of my parents. At the time, there was no kindergarten or pre-school, so she had the awesome task of teaching my class of first and second graders what it meant to be in a classroom-how to sit still, listen, and learn. Ms. Blanche took our young wonder in the world and showed us how to concentrate it into a structured educational goal."

• Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL)
  Mrs. Stapleton
  P.S. 10
  Albany, NY

  "Her lesson was that just because you were poor didn't mean that you couldn't learn."

• Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN)
  Ms. Florence Geisler
  Public School 73
  Indianapolis, IN

  "She was the most dedicated teacher I ever had. She was tough but fair and always went the extra mile for her kids and students."

• Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-WV)
  Mrs. W. J. B. Cormany
  Mark Twain High School
  Raleigh County, WV

  "She taught me to put my best efforts into everything I undertake, a lesson so important that it has remained with me to this day."

• Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA)
  Mr. Arthur “Art” Van Matre

  "He left quite an impression on [me] and really taught [me] a lot about character."

• Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA)
  Miss Lacey
  Sackajewa Elementary School
  Richland, WA

  "[Miss Lacey] inspired a love of writing."

• Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO)
  Ms. Beverly Buchheit
  Shepard Elementary School
  St. Louis, MO

  "As an active leader in local St. Louis politics, Beverly inspired, encouraged, and supported my public service."

• Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE)
  Mrs. Buckles
  Tower Hill Private School
  Wilmington, DE

  "Mrs. Buckles taught me grammar."

• Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH)
  Ms. Parma (Fiero) Samad
  St. Catherine of Siena School
  Cincinnati, OH

  "Ms. Fiero emphasized learning about other countries. I remember one assignment, which I especially enjoyed, required us to conduct research into other countries and cultures. Ms. Fiero asked us to put together a booklet that contained information about countries from around the world. I was fascinated by what I learned and this really sparked my interest in world affairs. I now serve on the House International Relations Committee, and I root my interest in world affairs in Ms. Fiero's lessons."

• Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-MI)
  Dr. Tommie Johnson
  High School of Commerce

  "Dr. Tommie Johnson of the High School of Commerce made learning fun and reinforced my belief that I had the potential to accomplish anything. Helping young people understand the power of their dreams is a wonderful motivator and something that I worked to instill in my students when I was a teacher and continue to share with my children, grandchildren, and America's youth."

• Del. Donna M. Christensen (D-VI)
  Ms. Mercedes Jackson
  St. Mary's Catholic School
  St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

  "In addition to being no-nonsense, she was encouraging and understanding of the ways of a second grader, as the only African American and local teacher … Ms. Jackson became a role model for [me]."

• Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS)
  Ms. Emma Grace Cochran
  Byram High School
  Jackson, MS

  "Her enthusiasm for learning was contagious. She had a great sense of humor and made being in her classroom fun, and at the same time inspired all her students to work hard and do their very best."

• Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND)
  Miss Barbie
  Roosevelt High School
  Bismarck, ND

  “She was warm, engaging, and made me think.”

  Leland Skabo
  Roosevelt High School
  Bismarck, ND

  "He also made me stretch my thinking. Each of these teachers commanded respect, and any one of them could have been a United States Senator. I am grateful for the impact they have had on my life."

  The Senator was raised by his grandmother, who was a teacher and always emphasized the importance of education in the household.

• Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN)
  Ms. Coy Summerford
  Madison Street Elementary
  Shelbyville, TN

  "The only paddling I ever got in school was from her, and I deserved it. She was strict, but she was brilliant. I was in her class when John F. Kennedy was shot.

• Rep. John Culberson (R-TX)
  Ms. Sylvia Norton
  West University Elementary
  Houston, TX

  "[She] encouraged my lifelong love of learning and helped me learn to respect and get along with others."

• Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD)
  Mr. Hollis Posey
  Baltimore, MD

  "Mr. Posey was the person who convinced me that I could achieve anything if I worked hard and simply believed."

  Prior to having Mr. Posey, Rep. Cummings was placed in special education because he was told that he “talked too much.” Mr. Posey's encouragement helped Rep. Cummings leave special education and enter into Baltimore's prestigious Baltimore City College High School, from where his colleagues Reps. Ruppersberger and Cardin also graduated, go to Howard University, and then on to law school.

• Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL)
  Ms. Beaddie King
  No school name
  Parkdale, AR

  "Ms. Beaddie was an inspiration and such a wonderful teacher. [S]he was my kindergarten teacher and then later on she was my English and literature teacher when I graduated from high school."

  Congressman Davis grew up in rural Arkansas where school was in session only five months a year. He attended a one-room school.

• Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT)
  Sister Margaret Ellen
  Marymount College
  Arlington, VA

• Rep. Charles W. Dent (R-PA)
  Mr. Robert Fisher
  Allen High School

  "He taught courses in the Cold War and helped stimulate [my] interest in foreign policy. He actively promoted critical thinking among his students."

• Sen. Mike DeWine (R-OH)
  Mr. Ed Wingard
  Yellow Springs High School
  Yellow Springs, OH

  Mr. John Malone
  Yellow Springs High School
  Yellow Springs, OH

  Ms. Jean Kappell
  Yellow Springs High School
  Yellow Springs, OH

• Rep. Norman D. Dicks (D-WA)
  Ms. Charlotte Dunn
  Naval Avenue Elementary School
  Bremerton, WA

• Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT)
  Ms. Peterson
  East School
  West Hartford, CT

  "Mrs. Peterson was a tremendously positive teacher. In first grade, she pinned a note for my mom on the back of my jacket that read: 'Let the proudest boy in West Hartford read his first book to you!' Mrs. Peterson's enthusiasm was contagious and gave me confidence to try new things and succeed."

• Sen. Byron L. Dorgan (R-ND)
  Ms. Deloras Tollefson

  English teacher, still correcting his work!

• Former Sen. John Edwards (D-NC)
  Ms. Betty Stanley
  Thompson Elementary
  Thompson, GA

  "She always took the time to let each student know that there was a whole world out there to learn."

• Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers (R-MI)
  Mrs. Rozeboorn
  Home schooled

• Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY)
  Mr. Charles W. Popovich
  Sheridan High School
  Sheridan, WY

  "He explained that geometry would probably be the only logic class we would take. He showed us the importance of being able to prove even obvious things. He showed an enthusiasm that was catching and an ability to know when every student in the class had caught onto each concept and could build on it. He still occasionally sends me a challenging question.”

• Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-NC)
  Ms. Flossie Barber
  Cleveland School
  Johnston County, NC

  "She was stern and tough, but she challenged me and wouldn't settle for anything but my best. She cared about each and every student."

• Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA)
  Ms. Enid Larson
  Carmel High School
  Carmel, CA

  "She never used books, but rather she taught students to find their own answers to questions…In this way she was developing potential and encouraging students to understand their own capacities and how to do good with those."

• Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
  Ms. Virginia Ryder
  Grant School
  San Francisco, CA

  "She took me under her wing, giving me individual attention, and enabled me to go to a good high school. On this National Teacher Day, I thank Ms. Ryder for her extraordinary service and thank all of the wonderful teachers across the country who work tirelessly to ensure that our children reach their highest potential."

• Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA)
  The Honorable Harry B. Blevins (current member of Virginia Senate)
  Great Bridge High School
  Chesapeake, VA

  "He raised the funds to send me to the first Presidential Classroom for Young Americans, saying if they can train one student in government, he would then come back and make a difference in the community and help train others."

• Res. Com. Luis Fortuño (R-Puerto Rico)
  Brother Francisco Guezmes
  Colegio Marista
  Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

  "He was special because he instilled in me a desire to speak and write correctly, and [he] was an example of how hard work pays off."

• Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
  Mr. Jack Norton
  Crossnore High School
  Crossnore, NC

  "I grew up exceptionally poor and worked as my high school's janitor while I was a student in order to help my family. Mr. Norton recognized my talents and inspired me to be the first person in my family to graduate high school and go to college."

• Rep. Jim Gibbons (R-NV)
  Ms. Martha Gould
  Sparks High School

  "Martha Gould (librarian) was “a major influence."

• Rep. Paul Gillmor (R-OH)
  Ms. Mosier and Ms. Newman
  Old Fort Schools
  Old Fort, OH

  "I attended Old Fort Schools in Old Fort, Ohio. Two teachers who stand out to me as particularly important to my education are Mrs. Mosier, my first grade teacher; and Mrs. Newman, my Junior High Algebra teacher. However, I hesitate to identify any one teacher because I was blessed with so many good educators. The dedication of my teachers in Old Fort made each and every one of them special."

• Rep. Virgil H. Goode (R-VA)
  Ms. Odell Parcell and Ms. Dorothy Smith
  Sontag Elementary School
  Franklin County, VA

  "She was especially kind to every student and helped us get started in public education. Ms. Smith loved every student and was an expert at the fundamentals of reading, writing, and arithmetic."

  Congressman Goode attended a four-room framed school that housed grades one through seven.

• Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
  Dr. Irma Plaehn
  The University of Northern Iowa

  "Dr. Plaehn was a special teacher because she took such a personal interest in the welfare of her students beyond the classroom."

• Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ)
  Mrs. Pare
  Sunnyside High School
  Tucson, AZ

  "How can you pick one favorite teacher when there are so many teachers who have had an impact on your life?"

• Rep. Gil Gutknecht (R-MN)
  Mr. Leo Walton
  Cedar Falls High School
  Cedar Falls, IA

  "He lived the expression, 'when I hear, I forget. When I see, I remember. When I do, I understand.' He encouraged us to participate, not only in class discussions, but also in activities in the community."

• Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE)
  Ms. Mildred Herrod
  St. Bonaventure High School
  Columbus, NE

  "She inspired me, she challenged me, she communicated with me, and she taught me. The essential ingredients for a memorable teacher."

• Rep. Ralph Hall (D-TX)
  Ms. Willie D. Yarborough

  "She was the first teacher who made me believe I could be a success."

• Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL)
  Mr. H.L. Douglas
  Crooms Academy High School
  Sanford, FL

  "H.L. Douglas, a gentleman and a scholar. He coached basketball, football, baseball, and taught chemistry. [He was a] no-nonsense disciplinarian who exuded love."

• Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT)
  Ms. Eleanor Smith
  Baldwin High School
  Pittsburgh, PA

  "She inspired me to go on to college at a time when the most that could be expected of me was to continue to work at the trade that I had learned. She told me that one day I would be a great poet."

• Rep. Stephanie Herseth (D-SD At Large)
  Mr. John Westby
  Groton High School
  Groton, SD

  "Mr. Westby had a profound impact on my high school years as he cultivated my interest in government and politics. He was diplomatic, yet firm in articulating his expectations of high performance, and this kind of steady encouragement taught me the value of setting high standards for academics and for life in general. He was particularly persistent and persuasive in recruiting me to join the debate team. While I was originally hesitant, he challenged me to join and I have never regretted it."

• Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY)
  Ms. Lynette Flewelling
  Saugerties High School
  Saugerties, NY

  "She introduced me to magnificent novels and fostered my love of literature."

• Rep. Rush D. Holt (D-NJ)
  Mrs. Brown
  Lewisburg Elementary School
  Lewisburg, WV

• Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA)
  Mr. Williams
  San Jose High School
  San Jose, CA

  "Mr. Williams was always prepared, wasted no time (he respected our time in class), always had eye contact with a genuine smile with the students, and knew our names. We were not all 'A' students but no one avoided classes because they didn't know something. He stayed after class to re-teach something he thought we didn't understand. I once saw him delivering papers to augment his income and he never missed a beat."

• Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA)
  Mr. Wendall McCain
  Ingraham High School
  Seattle, WA

  "Mr. McCain not only taught me the immortal precept: 'Do like you oughter, add the acid to the water;' he also awakened in me the recognition that chemistry is fundamental to our knowledge of the environment. When I'm working to reduce the acidification of the oceans by cutting carbon-dioxide emissions, it is due in part to the teachings of Wendall McCain."

• Rep. Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D-IL)
  Mr. George Constanople
  Mr. Brown
  St. Albans Episcopal
  Washington, D.C.

• Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)
  
  Mr. Cleo Jones
  A.J. Moore High School
  Waco, TX

  "Mr. Jones challenged each and every one of his students to be the best they could be and cared for them as if they were his own."

• Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD)
  Ms. Donna (Cook) Gross
  Vermillion High School
  Vermillion, SD

  "[She] inspired me to acquire an interest in literature and in writing. She also pointed out that I could be both a football player and a good student."

• Rep. Sue Kelly (R-NY)
  Ms. Laura Jamison
  Lima Central High School
  Lima, OH

  "She spent an extraordinary amount of time working with each of us individually. She listened closely while encouraging us to share our thoughts and ideas, and she taught us how to be self-evaluative as we expressed them. As a result of her teaching, several of the members of that class have become published authors."

• Sen. John Kerry (D-MA)
  Reverend John Walker

  "I will never forget the Reverend John Walker. He was the first African-American teacher at our school, and he got us interested in the growing civil rights movement and, frankly, taught us all a lot about life."

• Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA)
  Mr. John Townsend
  Clark Junior High School
  Athens, GA

  "Through Mr. Townsend, [I] learned that civics and politics was 'cool.'"

• Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL)
  Mr. Robert Karp
  Joseph Sears School
  Kenilworth, IL

  "Mr. Karp invented 'Geography Baseball' and turned it into a rite of passage in our town. We memorized the locations of Georgia (then in the Soviet Union), Goa (in India) and the Gobi desert (in China). It sparked an interest to see each of these places and to understand America's role in the world. I have seen each one and am now working to expand language and exchange opportunities for all American students. Mr. Karp has passed away, but I carried his legacy as a nursery school assistant, middle school teacher, and now as a congressman."

• Rep. John R. “Randy” Kuhl, Jr. (R-NY)
  Mr. Harold Block
  Hammondsport Central School
  Hammondsport, NY

  "Coach Block was a motivator-he knew what motivated each individual person and knew how to treat them based on what their specific needs were. Coach Block inspired me not only to participate in high school athletics but [also] to excel in academics at the same time, allowing me to reach my full potential in both areas. This is a critical message to all students today, no matter where they are or want to be in life."

• Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH)
  St. John Cantinus
  Cleveland, OH

  He “liked them all!"

• Rep. James R. Langevin (D-RI)
  Mr. John Jackson
  Bishop Hendricken High School
  Warwick, RI

  "Mr. Jackson had a way of engaging his social studies class in current events, one that inspired me to become more involved in government and never stop looking for ways to make the world better."

• Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA)
  Mr. T.T. Kies
  CAL Community High School
  Latimer, IA

  "Mr. Kies was an outstanding educator who was a friend and counselor to everyone in the community. He taught mathematics in a method that made it relevant to our everyday lives, allowing students to easily grasp the real life need for studying the subject."

• Rep. James A. Leach (R-IA)
  Coach Fox
  Davenport Central High School
  Davenport, IA

  "In the Davenport Public Schools System, no one was more revered than my football and wrestling coach, Jim Fox. A member of Iowa's coaching Hall of Fame in two sports, Jim imbued the work ethic in thousands of young athletes. …. Jim also coached the first African-American to win an NCAA wrestling championship. Jim is currently living in a nursing home where his main comfort are memories fast fading with Alzheimer's But those who were coached by him will never forget his commitment to discipline and fair play. Jim didn't believe in short cuts or fancy strategies. He taught people to work hard, to play together, to live by the rules, and respect opponents. His lessons weren't complicated. But they couldn't be deeper."

• Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT)
  Ms. Margaret Poole
  Belltown School
  Stamford, CT

  "I had some great teachers, but I will give the prize to Margaret Poole, my fourth and sixth grade teacher, a strong, optimistic woman who taught me the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic and also encouraged me to be a leader, in an elementary school kind of way."

• Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-NJ)
  Father Murray
  Georgetown Preparatory School
  North Bethesda, MD

  “Father Murray motivated the students.”

• Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
  Mr. John C. Attig
  Gunn High School
  Palo Alto, CA

  "John Attig taught government and politics right off the pages of the newspaper. He made politics and government exciting, vital, and compelling. His passion made his students passionate. He was both entertaining and instructive-an inspired and inspiring teacher.">

• Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL)
  Ms. Evelyn Miller
  Morris Kennedy Elementary School
  Rockford, IL

  "Evelyn Miller, my first grade teacher, changed my life: she taught me to read, she was present when I announced my candidacy for Congress, and she attended my victory party!"

• Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-TX)
  Ms. Georgia Ogle
  R.L. Turner High School
  Carrollton, TX

  "When I first ran for city council in Carrollton, she returned my campaign brochure. It was corrected with a red pen for grammatical errors."

• Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA)
  Ms. Mildred Bates
  Downers Grove North High School
  Downers Grove, IL

  "Teachers in high school, both negative and positive, had the greatest influence on me … [She] said I'd never graduate from college. Mrs. Mildred Bates, while negative, made me believe in myself."

  Edward Maas
  Downers Grove North High School
  Downers Grove, IL

  "Mr. Edward Maas, another teacher, pushed me hard. Mr. Maas challenged me to be better than I was. He believed in me."

• Rep. James P. McGovern (D-MA)
  Ms. Donahue
  Worcester Academy
  Worcester, MA

  "Regardless of a child's achievement, [she] was accepting and encouraging."

• Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC)
  Ms. Marion Thompson
  Lumberton High School
  Lumberton, NC

  "Marion Thompson is a true professional whose love of teaching is evident in the enthusiasm, eagerness, and effectiveness she demonstrates with every class and each individual student. Both my wife and I treasure the positive and powerful learning experience we had under her tutelage. She could have been successful at any number of professions, but Marion choose teaching and elevated it to its highest level."

• Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL)
  Dr. Sharon Wooten
  Florida A&M University
  Tallahassee, FL

  "Dr. Sharon Wooten served as a college tutor and mentor and helped me deal with my dyslexia. Without her guidance, understanding, and patience, I would not have been able to graduate college on time. She continues to be a strong voice for those with learning disabilities, helping hundreds of other students deal with the challenges they face in college."

• Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)
  Ms. Elizabeth Anderson
  Julia Richmond High School
  Manhattan, NY

  "Ms. Anderson went above and beyond what was required of her as a teacher and inspired young people like myself to live up to their potential. Countless times, she showed how invested she was in our achievement, like the time she rallied around me when I ran for student leadership, it sparked my interest in public service."

• Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
  Ms. Gail Harper
  Union Hill High School
  Union City, NJ

  "She helped me overcome and master my fear of speaking in public, which obviously changed my life."

• Rep. Michael H. Michaud (D-ME)
  Mr. Andy Hopkins
  Schenk High School
  East Millinocket, ME

  "Encouraged civic involvement, even if he was Republican!"

• Rep. Dennis Moore (D-KS)
  Ms. Doris Everest
  Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
  Wichita, KS

  "Mrs. Everest had the perfect balance of kindness and determination-challenging her students to be the absolute best they could be and always supporting them when they needed extra help."

• Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
  Ms. Cole
  Nitro High School
  Nitro, WV

• Rep. Jerry Moran (R-KS)
  Ms. Mabel Pruter
  Plainville Grade School
  Plainville, KS

  "Mrs. Pruter cared about each of her students, loved each one of them, but had high expectations of all students. She made it clear that I had the ability to do well if I applied myself and that it was OK to be smart."

• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
  Ms. Hattie Buness
  Evergreen Elementary School
  Wrangell, AL

  "Mrs. Buness opened the world for me when she taught me to read, to explore, and to question.

• Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
  High School Band Teacher

  "He taught us about the importance of working as a team, practicing and working hard."

• Rep. Martin Olav Sabo (D-MN)
  Mr. Dave Baglien
  Alkabo School
  Alkabo, ND

  "He really tried to make kids think and taught us to ask a lot of questions."

• Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ)
  Sister Emila Joseph
  St. John the Baptist
  Patterson, NJ

• Rep. Ed Pastor (D-AZ)
  Mr. Henry Reyna
  Miami High School
  Miami, AZ

  "Mr. Reyna was the only Mexican-American teacher at the high school and [he] inspired me to overcome any barriers in order to achieve my goals."

• Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)
  Ms. Esther Fisher
  St. Columba Catholic School
  Columbus, IN

  "She was my second grade and fifth grade teacher. She changed my life because she believed in me."

• Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND)
  Mr. Joseph Westby
  Valley City Senior High School
  Valley City, ND

  "Mr. Westby knew his chemistry and cared about his students. Long before he devoted his career to advancing education through leadership with the state's education association, he devoted himself to teaching science, including to challenging students like myself. I've known Mr. Westby for 35 years, and after all this time I know he still can teach me a thing or two and will the next time we sit down to talk education policy."

• Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI)
  Brother Amian Paul
  LaSalle Academy
  Providence, RI

  "He had an intimidating manner. He shook me into realizing I had academic potential. He did that literally by shaking me."

• Rep. Ralph Regula (R-OH)
  Ms. Grace Riffer
  Beach City High School
  Beach City, OH

  "She is still alive, and [I] still correspond with her."

• Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
  Mrs. Pickard
  Searchlight Elementary School
  Searchlight, NV

  "She taught me how to read and helped me develop a love of learning. I read a lot to this day, and that's partly because of her."

  Ms. Marlon Walker
  Mr. Mike O'Callaghan
  Basic High School
  Henderson, NV

  "[Marlon Walker and Mike O'Callaghan] were both disciplinarians and were both strong moral examples for their students. They helped me develop my character and my conscience, along with teaching me their subjects."

• Rep. Silvestre "Silver" Reyes (D-TX)
  Mr. Ralph Chavez
  Canutillo High School
  Canutillo, TX

  "He was a no-nonsense teacher and coach that insisted on hard work and maximum effort in every endeavor. He really focused on each of us, being a mentor, a teacher, a counselor, and a friend. He took great pride in our accomplishments, especially because he worked with very limited resources. I learned that life wasn't always fair, but that it was never an excuse to accept less than a maximum effort. Like most teachers, I now realize, he often dug into his own pocket to make sure we had what supplies we needed."

• Rep. Harold 'Hal' Rogers (R-KY)
  Mr. Herbert Bell
  Ramsey School
  

  "Mr. Bell opened my eyes to a world much, much larger than the small rural valley where I grew up."

• Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (D-MD)
  Joe Brune
  Baltimore City College and Loyola High School
  Baltimore, MD

  "Joe Brune was not only a great football coach, but a great role model. Teachers make a hugh difference in teaching kids the fundamentals of teamwork and determination. Joe Brune's tough commitment to our team made us build character, sportsmanship, and tenacity. These values have served me well throughout my career."

• Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)
  Mr. Frank Douglas
  Craig High School
  Janesville, WI

  "Frank Douglas… taught me more about the world in six months than I had learned in 18 years."

• Rep. Timothy Ryan (D-OH)
  Mr. John Gillen
  John F. Kennedy High School
  Warren, OH

  "Mr. Gillen taught his students that each of us had the ability to tap into untouched levels of human potential, and we had a responsibility to our community and nation to stretch to those heights."

• Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA)
  Mr. Rick Waggoner
  Butler Catholic Grade School
  Butler, PA

  "He pushed me to do better academically and encouraged me to join the basketball team. He did what all great teachers do-he challenged me to get involved, both inside and out of the classroom."

• Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ)
  Mr. Ed Romanowski
  Lackawanna Trail High School
  Factoryville, PA

  "He taught me many lessons about life, what it meant to work hard, to be determined, to never give up, and to be successful. Together with many of my friends and classmates, we gained much from his professional efforts and friendship."

• Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-CA)
  Mrs. Barbara Abbott
  Monte Vista High School
  Danville, CA

  "Mrs. Abbott was my Shakespeare teacher, and during the summer she would take a group of us to the Shakespeare festival in Oregon where we would camp out and watch a different play each day. (Sometimes more than one each day!) She was a marvelous teacher, with infectious enthusiasm, and showed us the beauty of the English language. I still remember her warm smile, her laugh, her dedication to her students, and a passion for Shakespeare that she passed on to her students-a passion I still share."

• Rep. José E. Serrano (D-NY)
  Ms. Selma Altsman-Binder
  Grace Dodge Career and Technical High School
  The Bronx, NY

  "This teacher brought me out of my shell and demanded the best of me in a loving, supportive way."

• Rep. E. Clay Shaw Jr. (R-FL)
  Ms. Mary Poyer

  "She sincerely cared about her students."

• Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL)
  Mr. Joe Spurgeon
  Collinsville High School
  Collinsville, IL

  "Mr. Spurgeon strove for excellence in the classroom, gym, and the athletic field as a coach; he was unrelenting in the pursuit of excellence. Those who were fortunate to have him learned teamwork, self-sacrifice, and a strong work ethic."

• Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID)
  Mr. Dwight Baker
  Blackfoot High School
  Blackfoot, ID

  "Mr. Baker made a difficult subject interesting and easy to grasp. Throughout college and dental school, I often reflected on the lessons he taught me."

• Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA)
  Mr. Sterling Smith
  Chinook Middle School and Tyee High School
  SeaTac, WA

  "He showed a passion for learning and the English language that was truly inspiring for all those of us lucky enough to have him for a teacher."

• Rep. Ted Strickland (D-OH)
  Ms. Mabel Keller
  Duck Run School
  Lucasville, OH

  Roseanne Joyce
  Northwest High School
  Lucasville, OH

  "They saw potential in me that I didn't perceive, and they encouraged me to do things that I probably wouldn't have done without their support."

• Rep. John Tanner (D-TN)
  Coach Guy Edward Phipps
  Union City High School
  Union City, TN

  "A talented educator, coach, and, later, principal, Coach Phipps was known among his colleagues and students for choosing one special student each week to befriend."

• Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE)
  Mr. Steve Sergeant
  Northwest High School
  Omaha, NE

• Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
  Ms. Margie Peters
  Jones County High School
  Murdo, SD

  "She demanded excellence and helped [me] improve [my] writing skills. She was tough, but fair, and cared deeply about making her students better."

• Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS)
  Mr. Jim Prosser
  Vermillion High School
  Vermillion, SD

  "My first quarter in geometry, I had a near failing grade. By the last quarter (sophomore year) I had an 'A' because Mr. Prosser took the time to explain geometry to a thick headed farm boy. He taught me for two more years, and in my senior year I was a regional winner in a national math contest. Not bad for a kid who nearly flunked out of sophomore geometry."

• Rep. John F. Tierney (D-MA)
  Ms. Ann DiCarlo
  Pickering School
  Salem, MA

  "She set demanding goals and insisted on discipline while managing to exhibit respect and concern for her students at the same time, and her ability to motivate and to encourage students to excel without exposing them to peer pressure as 'teacher's pet' were skills she exercised deftly, especially when she taught me how to embrace the role of public speaker."

• Rep. Tim Holden (D-PA)
  Mr. Rick Tomko
  St. Clair High School
  St. Clair, PA

  "Rick Tomko has an amazing grasp of history. His great story telling ability made learning fun and maintained students' interest on issues of politics and democracy.

• Rep. Edolphus "Ed" Towns (D-NY)
  Ms. McNeil
  Westside Elementary School
  Chadborn, NC

  "Ms. McNeil had a natural way of explaining complicated subject matter."

• Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI)
  Mr. Mike Denekas
  St. Joseph Public School
  Michigan

  "Mr. Denekas truly made government come alive. When I became a member of Congress, much later on, I was able to speak to his class until he retired."

• Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
  Ms. Fran Botton
  Magnolia Open School
  Long Beach, NY

  "I knew she cared about me, wanted me to succeed, pushed me to work hard and do my best, and accepted nothing less than what she knew was possible from her students. When we finished fifth grade and faced the inevitable sadness about leaving a favorite teacher, she announced she was moving up with us to sixth grade and keeping us all together. The two years of continuity helped prepare me for success in secondary school and gave me the emotional support that every child needs as they move into their teen years."

• Rep. Anthony D. Weiner (D-NY)
  Miss Noonan
  P.S. 39
  Brooklyn, NY

  "In addition to teaching the basics of reading and writing, Miss Noonan taught the whole class to celebrate and respect the diversity of our Brooklyn neighborhood."

• Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)
  Miss Sondergaard
  Alexander Hamilton Junior High School
  Seattle, WA

  "Miss Sondergaard was my P.E. teacher who selected me, when I was in the ninth grade, to be the leader of the Girls Afterschool P.E. program. She was one of the first adults in my youth to acknowledge my leadership capabilities."

• Rep. Don Young (R-AK At Large)
  Mrs. McCall
  Salem, CA

  "She flunked me -- and rightly so!"

Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools

National Teacher Day 2008

Following are links to letter- and poster-sized PDF versions of this year's poster art. Once you click on a link, you can then choose your preferred format, size, and resolution by selecting the "custom order" button.

These are large files and may take a few moments to download.

	Letter Size
	Poster Size

Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools

National Teacher Day 2008

Want to Teach?

Teaching is a great profession. The United States needs nearly 2 million new teachers over the next 10 years, and we're encouraging students and others to consider teaching as a career. Visit our Student Program section for a state by state listing of teacher salaries, qualifications, and other information.

Not only are America's schools experiencing a shortage of teachers, the growth of ethnic and minority student enrollment is creating a critical need for minority teachers to provide positive role models for the students.

The scramble for teachers is driving many states and school districts to get creative and ditch their old routines. Backed by solid data and the most current research available, the NEA Resource Guide for Recruiting and Retaining Quality Teachers captures the best practices nationwide for attracting more new teachers and keeping experienced teachers in the classroom.

In addition, the number of male teachers has declined steadily over the past two decades and the Association has ideas for increasing their recruitment.

The stakes are high: inspiring a diverse student body to achieve, encouraging parental involvement, and retaining qualified teachers, minority and majority, male and female.

Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools

National Teacher Day 2008

Sample News Release

A well written, double-spaced news release is a good way to alert print and broadcast media outlets to the National Teacher Day observance in your community. It is also a great way to be seen in the news by your members and potential members. Do this in four easy steps:

1. Contact your local media outlet personally and ask the editor or reporter how they want to receive news from your local.
2. Set up your e-mail and/or fax system to deliver your releases to TV and radio news directors, newspaper editors and reporters who cover education and community events.
3. Send your information far enough in advance to allow for the development of story ideas and the scheduling of coverage.
4. Be sure to follow up with a phone call.

News Release

For Immediate Release (date)

For Further Information
Contact: (name, phone number)

Tuesday, May 6, 2008,  is National Teacher Day. Thank a teacher for making public schools great!

Teachers in (name of town or district) and in communities across the nation will be in the spotlight on Tuesday, May 6, as students, parents, school administrators and the general public learn how teachers are making Great Public Schools for every child.

"Few other professionals touch as many people as teachers do," notes (full name), president of the (name of local education association or other sponsoring group). "National Teacher Day is a good time to learn about the contributions educators make to our community every day. We recognize we are role models. That brings satisfaction. It also brings responsibility. We want to take it to the next step.

“We believe we all have to work together to make our schools even better,” said ___. “That means everyone in the community. Parents, business owners, retirees, other workers, local government, and yes students. Public schools are at the heart of any community. When there are problems, we address them. When there are kudos, we share them.

“Community involvement brings learning to life,”______said. “This is an opportunity for all of us to reach out to each other. I ask the community to learn about how we advocate for high standards for students, fair and meaningful evaluations of their work, and resources that go directly to the classroom. Better than an apple or a thank you card, a community’s active support of the work we mutually do to teach and care for the community’s students would be ample reward for all of us.”

Visit www.nea.org and www.nea.org/teacherday to learn more about the issues educators are facing as they do their work and meet the requirements of many laws and regulations.

Among the local events planned for May 6: (list Teacher Day events, times, places here--in bulleted form.)

Groups and individuals interested in helping develop these or other activities for National Teacher Day may contact (name) at (phone/address).

The [name of local NEA affiliate] is a professional employee organization and is committed to advancing the cause of public education. The [number] members work in the community at every level of education, from pre-school through high school.

# # #

Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools

National Teacher Day 2008

Quotes about Teaching

Here's a roundup of "quotable quotes" about the teaching profession for possible use in Teacher Day speeches or materials.

• "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."
  --Henry Brooks Adams

• "Teachers, I believe, are the most responsible and important members of society because their professional efforts affect the fate of the earth."
  --Helen Caldicott, author and peace activist

• "The dream begins, most of the time, with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you on to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth."
  --Dan Rather

• "Teachers teach because they care. Teaching young people is what they do best. It requires long hours, patience, and care."
  --Horace Mann

• "Compassionate teachers fill a void left by working parents who aren't able to devote enough attention to their children. Teachers don't just teach; they can be vital personalities who help young people to mature, to understand the world and to understand themselves. A good education consists of much more than useful facts and marketable skills."
  --Charles Platt

• "The future of the world is in my classroom today, a future with the potential for good or bad... Several future presidents are learning from me today; so are the great writers of the next decades, and so are all the so-called ordinary people who will make the decisions in a democracy. I must never forget these same young people could be the thieves and murderers of the future. Only a teacher? Thank God I have a calling to the greatest profession of all! I must be vigilant every day, lest I lose one fragile opportunity to improve tomorrow."
  --Ivan Welton Fitzwater

• "There's no word in the language I revere more than 'teacher.' My heart sings when a kid refers to me as his teacher, and it always has. I've honored myself and the entire family of man by becoming a teacher."
  --Pat Conroy, Prince of Tides

• "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."
  --William Arthur Ward

• "The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery."
  --Mark Van Doren

• "If you plan for a year, plant a seed. If for ten years, plant a tree. If for a hundred years, teach the people. When you sow a seed once, you will reap a single harvest. When you teach the people, you will reap a hundred harvests."
  --Kuan Chung

• "There is an old saying that the course of civilization is a race between catastrophe and education. In a democracy such as ours, we must make sure that education wins the race."
  --John F. Kennedy

• "Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher."
  --Japanese proverb

• "The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards."
  --Anatole France

• "Information is the currency of democracy."
  --Ralph Nader

• "Above all things I hope the education of the common people will be attended to; convinced that on their good sense we may rely with most security for the preservation of a due degree of liberty."
  --Thomas Jefferson

• "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young."
  --Henry Ford

• "One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child."
  --Carl Jung

• "Education is light, lack of it darkness."
  --Russian proverb

• "Whoever first coined the phrase 'you're the wind beneath my wings' most assuredly was reflecting on the sublime influence of a very special teacher."
  --Frank Trujillo

• "In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something less."
  --Lee Iacocca

• "Be all that you can be. Find your future--as a teacher."
  --Madeline Fuchs Holzer

Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools

National Teacher Day 2008

Sample Proclamation

Many school districts and communities like to make National Teacher Day "official" by formally proclaiming the day, a week or more in advance. Here's a sample proclamation for use in 2008.  Adapt as necessary for local use.

Proclamation

WHEREAS, teachers make public schools great; and

WHEREAS, teachers work to open students' minds to ideas, knowledge and dreams; and

WHEREAS, teachers keep American democracy alive by laying the foundation for good citizenship; and

WHEREAS, teachers fill many roles, as listeners, explorers, role models, motivators and mentors; and

WHEREAS, teachers continue to influence us long after our school days are only memories;

Now, therefore, I, ____________________________________________,

serving as ____________________________________

of _______________________________,

Do hereby proclaim Tuesday, May 6, 2008, as

National Teacher Day

I urge that we observe this day by taking time to recognize and acknowledge the impact of teachers on our lives.

Signed this _______________ day of _________________________, 2008.

Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools

National Teacher Day 2008

Ideas and Activities

Recognizing and celebrating the important roles and contributions of educators can take many forms. Below are some ideas to get you started in your community.

Nation's Largest Teacher Thank You Card

Show your teacher how much you care by sending a free e-card and participating in building the "Nation's Largest Teacher Thank You Card." NEA and the Parent Teacher Association are teaming up to create a larger-than-life tribute to teachers nationwide. Be part of this monumental effort! Visit www.teacherthankyoucard.org to find out more.

Parent, Business, and Community Tributes

Consider the following to support your community's teachers:

• Run congratulatory messages on electronic signs outside banks or other businesses, or on billboards, banners or storefront signs.
• Offer teachers discounts on purchases made on Teacher Day.
• Invite all teachers to a reception in their honor, hosted by the mayor, school board, school administrators, Chamber of Commerce or other group.
• Invite teachers to a before-school "coffee, juice and pastries" salute at a local grocery store or other business - or even in a school parking lot (think tailgate party!).

In School

Consider the following actions that may be taken up by a school volunteer organization:

• Hang a sign on each classroom door saluting, by name, the teacher within.
• Have National Honor Society, Student Council or other student groups furnish punch and cookies for the teacher's lounge on Teacher Day.
• Give teachers candy, apples or other food gifts with appropriate notes attached (e.g., fortune cookies with a note about how fortunate the school is to have a teacher of such high caliber).
• Provide balloon bouquets and flowers for every teachers' lounge.
• Set up a lunchtime "Relaxation and Rejuvenation Spa" on Teacher Day, where teachers are treated to hand, foot, back and neck massages, perhaps while being serenaded by a student or parent playing a mellow cello.

Local Education Association Activities

The local association affiliate may consider the following items for action among the many ways to celebrate this day:

• Wear a button proclaiming your work and your membership in your local, state and national affiliate.
• Check out the artwork on the National Teacher Day Web site. Download and use as appropriate.
• Sponsor an essay contest on "A Teacher to Remember," where students write about the special teacher who's made the biggest impact on their life. On Teacher Day, award savings bonds to the students and plaques to the teachers commemorated.
• Give each teacher a small gift from the Association (perhaps a mug or notepad featuring the Teacher Day logo, or a bumper sticker with an appropriate slogan).
• If you host a banquet for retiring teachers, or a Teacher of the Year celebration or some other happy event each spring, consider rescheduling it for National Teacher Day.
• For each school library, buy books portraying teachers in a positive light. Inside each, place a bookplate noting that the book was a National Teacher Day gift from the Association.
• Make Teacher Day a community service day, identifying one project on which all members can target their energies.
• Use Teacher Day as the occasion to say thank you to those in the community who have made teachers' jobs a little easier by volunteering, donating equipment or otherwise helping schools work. Invite them to the classroom or school for recognition.

Media Outreach

Consider the following to bring the day to the attention of the local media:

• Invite a local newspaper reporter or editorial writer, or a local TV news personality, to spend a day as a guest teacher or classroom observer, and then to publish or air his or her observations on what being a teacher is like today.
• Suggest that local media outlets either publish or broadcast quick interviews where local citizens - both well-known and not - answer one question: What teacher had the greatest influence on your life? This can also make a great topic for a call-in radio show on Teacher Day.
• Remind the community that teachers make a difference--in the classroom and beyond--by running an ad in the local newspaper on Teacher Day, listing all the local organizations where teachers do volunteer work.
• Contact the advertising department of your local newspaper to suggest that they offer special classified ad rates for students and others in the community to "advertise" their appreciation of local teachers on Teacher Day. Ads can be directed to a specific teacher or a whole faculty. Local merchants may also want to purchase space on this special page or spread for a display ad saluting area teachers.
• Contact a popular local radio station about the possibility of airing public service announcements to get the word to the public about Teacher Day. Script the spots and offer to record them yourself or have students record them.