Legend...Become A Great One!

This blog is being dedicated to teachers.

August is here and the return to the classroom is just around the corner.  As I reflected over missing my 25^th high school reunion, I began remembering many of the teachers that I had in high school.  I remembered the way they taught and some of the techniques used to gain our attention or to help us remember certain formulas.  Some I remembered by how they sounded when they taught; while others I remembered their silence.  I remembered how some looked and presented themselves as professionals, while others just presented themselves.  I remembered some would sing to us and others would read to us.  Some would instruct, while others sat at the desk as we entertained ourselves.  Floods of memories entered my mind and many of the thoughts were positive and encouraging. The greatest and most important thing is that I remembered the teachers who had the greatest impact on my life. 

I consider many of my junior high and high school teachers to be legendary teachers.  Why, you may ask.  The main reason is they did something amazing…they continued to teach.  They continued to push forward and give all that they had to the students in the classroom.  In spite of the long hours involved in preparing and in spite of the minimal salary, they continued to direct, inspire, encourage and most of all, TEACH students.  To me that’s just one characteristic of a legend; to push through any obstacle that may present itself and be victorious and successful. 

In my opinion, remembering a teacher and how he or she made a lasting positive impression on you is an honor to that teacher.  To be impressed means to be affected deeply or strongly in mind or feelings; to influence in opinion.  There were several teachers that did just that in my life.  They affected me deeply and had great influence in the direction of my life. 

I want teachers today to know that you’re making a difference in the lives of students.  You’re impressing upon them to be and do better, to learn and become educated.  You’re instructing them to be successful not only in the classroom, but in life as well.

Your efforts in the classroom will allow students to grow in ways that he/she could have never imagined.  If YOU don’t show them how to push and encourage themselves to overcome obstacles or to figure out a solution through creative measures, they may never achieve success in life. 

You’re being an inspiration to the students by finding new ways to explain an old process, by being creative in the way you teach.  You’re leaving an impression, a mark so to speak, and a piece of yourself in a student’s life that will never go away.  For instance, when you bring the guitar to school and sing songs just to make English Lit fun, or when you smile and go over that Algebra formula four more times until they finally get it, your students are learning that consistency and patience can help solve even bigger problems in life.  Many students come from unloving and uncaring homes.  The next time you stop and listen to a student’s problems, they learn that there are others who really do care.  All of these actions are leaving lasting impressions that will never go away.  You’re becoming more than just a teacher at this point; you’re becoming an everlasting memory.

I mentioned earlier one characteristic of a legend, but what really makes a legend? What makes Muhammad Ali a legend?  Is it because he’s a three time World Heavyweight Champion with his boxing stats of 61 fights with 56 wins, 37 with a TKO?  What made “The Champ” a legend?  Was it his political stand and support of the Muslim faith?  The answer is, both.  His actions are why you remember him. 

What about the legends of the NFL such as running back greats like Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders and Walter Payton?  All three have tremendous records and great stats, but how did they get those statistics?  Hard work and ability is what got them noticed…dedication to the game is what made them a legend. 

In my eyes, there are legends that had nothing to do with sports.  People like Erin Gruwell who turned a group of troubled kids into more than anyone, including themselves, thought they would ever be.  She inspired them by being creative in her methods, and today many of her students are teachers because of the impression she left on them. 

But the question still stands.  What made Ali, Sanders, and Gruwell all legends?  Each one did something spectacular.  Each one, although different, had some of the same qualities and characteristics.  They each took a risk, they each had a personal interest in the cause set before them, they each had a connection with the audience; whether it was the fans in the stadium or the kids in the classroom.  Each one put in the hard work and dedication to see dreams fulfilled in not only their lives, but in the lives of those around them. 

Each one of you has the qualities of the aforementioned legends.  You’re each a risk taker, dedicated, you’re educated and inspiring with the methods you use in the classroom.   Each one of you may have students sitting in front of you this year that will one day sit at a computer and blog about the great things they remember about the teachers in their life.

Legends…each of you are capable of becoming one.  The question is will you put forth the effort it takes to be a remembered as a great one? 

Just my thoughts on a page to a group of MASTER TEACHERS!