Caffeine Corner

Welcome to my monthly feature I’m calling Caffeine Corner. Once a month I’ll be posting a little something and giving away a free copy of a book (could be an e-book too—depending on my mood) and a fun mug to one person who comments and who has subscribed to my blog.

So, this month I’m going to talk about teachers.

Teaching is one of the jobs I respect most—teachers are underpaid, overworked, and have one of the most important jobs in society—helping to educate the children who will grow up and run the world. I’ve written before about one of my most memorable teachers—Mrs. Weed (it’s on a prior post, which probably isn’t back up yet). But along the way, I’ve had other wonderful teachers. My 9th grade teacher was named Mrs. Eakin, and she encouraged me in my writing. She gave me extra work when I wanted it, and was one of the first to tell me that if I kept writing, she knew I’d make it. And the next year—when I started college—(yes, I was 15 and skipped high school)—my teacher Dr. Johnson was the next to take an interest in my writing. His encouragement mattered to me. Some years later, Dr. Powell was the next to tell me “Grit your teeth and hang in there, because you have what it takes.”

All of these teachers played a part in shaping me as a writer—all of them gave me the gift of encouragement, of teaching me to believe in myself and my writing. So now, in the back-to-school month of the year, I ask you this: which teachers were an influence on you and how?

Along with your comment, please specify whether you are in the US and that you are 18+. Make certain you subscribe to my blog. I’ll pick one of you to send a backlist copy of one of my books (print this time) and a mug that you can fill with whatever drink you want while you curl up in the summer sun to read. Enter by midnight September 14th.

 

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7 thoughts on “Caffeine Corner

  • 09/13/2016 at 7:53 pm
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    I’m 47, and live in the USA, and am a subscriber to the blog.
    The teacher I had in grades 9-12 for History, Mr. Mazerov, was a powerhouse of a man. A Korean War Veteran who took no crap from anyone. My brother and sister’s not – so – stellar reputations preceded me. The first thing he ever said to me was, ” Please tell me you’re the last of them.”
    Needless to say, I was a sponge, and couldn’t drink in the words he spoke quickly enough. Never used a book. He was mesmerizing.
    He was tough, but fair.
    I remember the days he spoke about the Holocaust. To my horror, I learned that his parents were victims. He pulled up his sleeve, and showed us an all too ugly tattoo. He cried openly.
    After getting straight A’s in class, he told me one day, “I’m sorry for judging you. You are brilliant.” I didn’t look like everyone else, you see, I had purple or blue hair, can’t recall which, at the time – it changed a lot.
    This amazing man, whom I formed an incredible bond with, opened my eyes and my heart to a love of history, which has never gone away.
    We kept in touch through the years, and we wrote to each other. When he passed away, it was me who was openly crying at his memorial.
    I will be forever grateful to him , for pushing me in my thirst for knowledge. He knew I could do it, and I will be thankful always for his presence in my life.

    Reply
  • 09/12/2016 at 4:55 pm
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    I’m in the US –
    Mr. Owens – 11th & 12th grade. 11th grade was your standard requirement of History, instead of being bored to tears, Mr. Owens made it fun. One of his favorite sayings “It was Brutal, folks!” Note this was back in the 80s – so not the catch-phrase it is now 🙂 During my Senior year he offered a class “Honors History” we were his guinea pig class. One – something impressive on our transcripts and two – promote reading. The basis of the class: read a book, fictional or non-fictional with ties to “History;” again this could be past, present or future. Write up a summary to include main characters, plot, and our overall opinion of the book. Each quarter the goal was 3 Books = A; 2 =B; 3 = C

    No one in the class graded lower than an A – the entire year. Once a week we went around the room, describing what current book we each were reading and discussing it. (Read Book Club without us evening realizing it – LOL)

    Mr. Owen not only gave me more of appreciation to history but provided me the opportunity to expand my reading interests outside my comfort zone.

    Reply
  • 09/12/2016 at 2:59 pm
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    I’m 34 and live in the US!

    I’m substitute teacher(waiting to get my first big break when my son is old enough for school ) so I enjoyed this post. I’ve had 2 successful long term teaching assignments which means the sub does all the work and meetings the real teacher does, so I know firsthand how intense, yet rewarding, this profession is! I would even argue that subs are under appreciated as well!

    Honestly? The teachers that stand out the most to me, are the teachers that inspired me as an adult in my teaching career. They always stopped their busy lives to answer questions, give advice and give feedback!

    Sorry if there’s typos, I’m multi tasking and on my phone as I type this…what a fun contest and I love this topic.

    Reply
  • 09/12/2016 at 2:16 pm
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    Both of the most memoriable teachers were my 10th & 11th grade english teachers, Mrs. Baskins & Mrs. Spoon. Even though I was already an avid reader, they both encouraged to broaden my horizons on what to read. For that, I thank them both.

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  • 09/12/2016 at 1:29 pm
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    My 9th grade English teacher. She let me read whatever I wanted then write about it. She also introduced me to Edgar Allan Poe, one of my all time favorite classic authors. I still have the ratty paperback collection of Poe’s short stories she gave me:)

    I am in the US and am over 18.

    Reply
  • 09/12/2016 at 1:25 pm
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    I got to admit an elementary teacher, Mrs. Winski, was one of my favorite teachers. She encouraged me, helped me at a time where I had trouble reading and gave that little bit extra to see I succeed with confidence. It’s because of her extra help and attention that had a whole new world open up when ever I crack open a book.

    I live in the US and subscribe to the blog.

    Reply
  • 09/12/2016 at 1:12 pm
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    Miss Long; she encouraged me more through who she was as a person then one thing she said or did. She had this strong independent intelligent force in her that encouraged us in our small school to keep learning and be strong, independent and intelligent like her.
    I live in the USA – California

    Reply

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