The power of teachers

I have had several conversations and interactions lately that have reminded me of the power of teachers - for both good and not so good.  Teachers have the power to shape, inspire, lift, and enrich us as well as the power to wound, limit, and cut us.

"With great power comes great responsibility" - Spiderman

Recently there have been a few situations that have caused me to revisit my own experiences with teachers - on both ends of the spectrum.  I'm not going to share the those stories (for they belong to others and they are their story to tell) but I will share some of my own.....

From the ones who try to break us -
The middle school social studies teacher who tried to shame me by taking a letter I was writing in class (yeah I was in the wrong in some ways), shredding it, and then taping it back together after class to take me to the principal the next day for calling her a b*tch (btw - thanks mom for standing by me and saying you were sure I had said worse about her and maybe the teacher needed to consider all the circumstances - like coming back 3/4 of the way through the year and being uber negative about the long term sub we all loved)

The kindergarten and first grade teacher who left my reading level below abysmal and had no interest in trying to instill a love of learning.

Athletics and dance teachers who kept such an aggressive pattern with instruction and demanded more than 100% or I wasn't good enough.....

To those who inspire growth, love, ongoing learning and enthusiasm for life....

My high school forensics coach and literature teacher who passed along his passion, shared books and classic films that I now know many people don't experience until college or later, who encouraged me to challenge myself and become state ranked in public speaking.  He was passionate about supporting and encouraging all of his students and created a classroom where so many thrived.  It is because of him that I discovered a love of stories like "The Lottery" and classics like Casablanca (please don't ever say Play it again Sam.... that's not the line....) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (the original)

My summer camp counselor who helped me see that smiling made more friends than being scared and that every change was a chance for something new and wonderful to happen.  She helped me embrace transitioning to a new school and to continue to thrive during a period of major upheaval in my life.

My elementary school teacher who changed my reading level from below kindergarten to 2nd grade or higher all in a year.... and who continued throughout my life to inspire my love of reading.  Her daily reading opportunities, reading to the class challenges, and her gentle manner will forever be with me.  "Flattery will get you everywhere"

My college professor who pushed me, encouraged me, and is largely responsible for me taking the leaps and risks I did over the years to always continue to seek out the path that is right for me - no matter how unorthodox.  There will always be a pink flamingo in my yard now in honor of her.....

To my mentors and parents who helped me learn and see that life is what I make it and that continually learning and challenging the norms can lead me to create the life that I really want for myself....

To my more recent tango teachers and life teachers - who challenge me, who gently encourage, who can read when I need to be yelled at and when I need to be encouraged, who help me peel back the layers that are blocking me, and who have helped to enrich life.... To those who told me "Walk Like A Queen"  and to "Be Seen!  Show UP"....

There are many others who have played a role.... THANK YOU  to all of them, all of you.... you have enriched my life and my journey.... never underestimate the power that a teacher can have on someone.....

When you are the teacher what do you want people to take away from interactions with you?

Who were your memorable teachers?  What lessons do you carry with you?