Schoolday Memories

I went to school for many years

(That’s why I am so clever)

And memories of teachers past

Will stay with me forever

It’s not so much the lessons

That have lingered all these years,

But which instructors taught with love

And which ones ruled with fear...

 

Author's Note

Just a thought as the school year starts to wind down...

Reviews

[Pryde Foltz]

But which instructors taught with love
And which ones ruled with fear...

Well you know what side I fall on. Wonderful write, Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

:) Thanks, Pryde.

[Brittany Zedalis]

my goal as an elementary teacher in the future is to be remembered as I remember my own elementary teachers. I love this poem. It brought back many memories for me.

[Rita L. Sev]

Best career choice ever! As a teacher, you are always part of their memories... Thanks, Brittany.

[icelandicblue]

Yes, it's so true...and when I remember my own 4th grade experience I am extra kind to my students. Some teach using Machiavelli's The Prince as a handbook but oh those teachers who brought light in the classroom, they are remembered forever because they are the ones who truly make a difference.

[Rita L. Sev]

Recalling all of my teachers makes me the teacher I am; some taught through example, and some through counter-example - each just as effective...

[Shaquana Adams]

Reminds me of my kindergarten teacher. Sometimes I wonder if I would recognize her if I saw her on the street. This piece was short but touching :) Nicely penned!
-QuanaWana

[Rita L. Sev]

If she had an impact on you, good or bad, you'd know her... Thanks, Shaquana.

[Sami Khalil]

A wonderful poem and message. Rule with example and love not with fear and intimidation. I totally agree. ...:).......

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sami!

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:).......

[Rachelle]

Good and bad, you never forget. The best ones, however, live on in you.

[Rita L. Sev]

That is my hope.. Thanks, Rachelle!

[00000000000000000000000..]

Makes me think of the kids last night and the many teachers :) It was the Awanas awards think that's how ya spell it. That really made me smile seeing the kids in all. I was never part of anything but I do have some story to tell in all this, Back in my time we had R-A meetings I hated it and a old pastor knew it, He was a former pastor and was in study that wensday night, come here he said. You don't care much for R-A do you he asked I said nope!!! I was never much on things myself as a kid he said. We talked a long time listen to a ball game drank a pop together, he said from now on on a wensday night you can come here to hide lol. I learn a lot about Christ:) Some things ya don't forget.

[Rita L. Sev]

That's so true, Jon - that there are some things we never forget. Thank you for your insights here!

[0000000000000000000000000000]

Smilessssssssssssssss welcome Sister Rita

[Clockwork]

This one makes me think of many of the high school teachers I had. A retired chemistry professor from Buffalo University was a teacher at my school. He was quite intimidating, made it seem like he was a teacher who ruled by fear, then we would show us a softer side. Probably one of the most interesting I had.

Then there was my English teacher who had us act out the sword fight from Romeo and Juliet with real Swords. He also had us stand on our desks, like the scene from Dead Poets society.

Anyway, I really liked this one. I liked the musings between the ones who taught with love, and the ones who taught with fear. I hope the rest of the school year goes well for you.

[Rita L. Sev]

Hi, Christian - great to see you! That English teacher sounds awesome - certainly memorable! Thanks!

[Clockwork]

Good to see you too, Rita. He really was!

[Einstein Noodle]

so true ..love the theme and rhythm and rhyme .. you are very good at it .. not easy for me to do .. your poem has sparked memories for sure .. i grew up in a Catholic School so those ruling with fear were many which made those that did not all the more like Cinderellas and Snow Whites .. then in high school i went to be taught be the "Brothers" and i will tell you ..they were not my brothers .. they were all fear mongers and did not hesitate to rule with the dread Brother Dominik's "paddle" ... a hand crafted weapon that whistled through the air when wielded .. the good Brother D had drilled holes in it to "..cut down on wind resistance" .. i never received such a punishment but several of my classmates did .. very traumatic for the whole class .. you know i love your stuff Rita .. always uplifting!
E.

[Rita L. Sev]

E, that is very similar to my experience - Catholic school, the nuns... but there were some who were truly wonderful people and superb educators. I now teach in a Catholic school (almost no nuns left...) and I recall those good teachers, and try to emulate... Thank you, my friend.

[Einstein Noodle]

yes .. i had a big crush on Sister Mary Theorella, a true angel (3rd grade) and Mrs. Graff in 4th grade was the best .. i remember them clearly :)

[Marie]

I have such memories too, although It seems to me I was always afraid of my teachers. But I think that was me, not them.

[Rita L. Sev]

I was a shy kid, so I was easily afraid, but there were some wonderful teachers who knew how to reach me...