This is our final step in a three-part series highlighting how fortunate we are in Bentonville to have such wonderful employees in our schools. The previous articles touched on how our principals and classified staff impact children daily and make a tremendous difference in young people’s lives. The last group to be highlighted, but certainly not the least, is our hardworking teachers.
Think back for a moment to your own childhood and try to remember that one special teacher you had who made the biggest impact on you personally. It could have been a teacher who seemed to take a special interest in you or one who made learning relevant and fun. For me, it was my junior high social studies teacher, Mrs. Graf.
Mrs. Graf took the time to personally get to know each of her students. We looked forward to her class every day because she was so excited about what she had to tell us about the world. With me, she knew I loved the outdoors and had a desire to work with young children, and she did not forget me as I went on to high school. In her Problems of Democracy class she instilled in me what it means to be passionate about teaching. Civics came alive in her class, and to this day I love thinking about international, national and local politics. Her next step to support my development was to offer me an opportunity to work at a wonderful camp, which her family owned, that was looking for summer counselors. When she told me about the job, I saw her excitement and felt so honored she had thought enough of me to ask me to join her staff that I jumped at the opportunity. I wanted the job, not only because it sounded like an awesome opportunity but also to make Mrs. Graf proud of me. Being a counselor at Blue Mountain Ranch Camp for the next few summers solidified for me my love for teaching and ultimately became the reason I chose to go into education. I have Mrs. Graf to thank for this path my life took.
If you grew up in Bentonville, the name of a memorable teacher who may come to mind is Mary Mae Jones. This person is a perfect example of a teacher who impacted the youth of this community for many years and is still impacting those same people as adults. I personally have seen grown men straighten up when Mrs. Jones enters the room because she earned their respect over the years. Even though she’s been out of the classroom for many years, she continues teaching everyone with whom she comes into contact.
I think all Bentonville teachers aspire to be that “one” special teacher in some child’s life who will be remembered for making an impact. When I talk to our students I often hear how proud they are of their teacher, and how their teacher makes learning interesting and challenging. But what kids get most passionate about when sharing teacher stories is how much their teacher shows they care. It’s those moments when their teacher goes above and beyond the call of duty that make the most lasting impressions.
I am touched when I hear how teachers go the extra mile with a sick or injured student, how they sit with children who are distraught after hearing bad news and how they often reach into their own pockets to support students and families who are in need. Many times they stay past the contracted day to help those who are struggling or need support with assignments, upcoming tests or job and college applications.
If I have one hope for this article, it is that each of you will find a way to say thank you or do a nice gesture for one of our deserving teachers. Wouldn’t it be great if we all took the time to reach out to an educator who made a lasting impact on us when we were young? Think how good it would make that person feel to know you remembered and appreciated them.
Now if you'll excuse me I have a thank you note to write to Mrs. Graf.
Michael Poore is superintendent of the Bentonville School District.