Barb Taub shares stories of Polly, the ‘best’ teacher her children had, the one who made a difference, and transformed their lives. Polly had one classroom of children from age 4 to first grade. Thank you, Barb.
My children have had several wonderful teachers, but the one who was absolutely life-changing was Polly. Their school went from age 4 to first grade. All in one classroom, with the children learning from each other. She didn’t teach any of them to read or to write. They instantly became readers, and they taught each other to write. Polly saw her role as being the one who arranged for each and every child to do the things they most wanted to do. She said anyone could be a good teacher, but to be a great one they needed to have passion about something in their lives. She herself had been a dancer, and that was the passion she drew upon.
A child wants to tell a story? She would listen, help write or transcribe, and then suggest they make it into a play. (That child became an international correspondent for PBS, now with his own weekly show.) A child wants to write a fairy tale? She sent that story to a national children’s magazine for publication. (That child, my daughter, now has won Emmy’s as a TV writer, plus has authored multiple best-selling books.) A child likes to know how things work? She brings in everything from toasters to computers for him to take apart. (That child, my son, is now an engineer at an international aircraft maker.) A child likes to sing and dance? Polly helps her create a show, recruit her classmates, and perform for families and friends. (That child, my daughter, performed the lead in her highschool musicals. Eventually, she became a developer in one of the world’s biggest software companies, a young woman in a male-dominated field with the confidence she got from Polly’s encouragement.)
Teachers can shape lives. A very few teachers — teachers like you Jennie — can transform them. The children in your class have hit the jackpot, and their lives will never be the same.
These are the stories that fill me and fuel me. This story is Barb’s comment to my blog post on Love
Thank you, Barb. Love is where it all starts and never ends.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Teachers really can change lives!
Mrs Wilson was my first-ever teacher in the Nursery. She was my teacher when I was 3.
I went back to her at 17 to do a work experience placement!
And at 48, she is still there, in my heart. What a wonderful teacher!
My goodness, what a wonderful story!! Yes, Mrs Wilson is proof that teachers really change lives. This made my day! ❤️
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I loved Barbs comment and it was worth blogging it. It certainly proves the value of a good teacher, like my Miss Roll. They can make all the difference.
Yes! I knew you would see why I had to blog Barb’s comment. When I first read it, all I thought about was Miss Roll! Thank goodness for great teachers.
Cheers to the teachers who can transform lives!
Yes, indeed!
“The children in your class have hit the jackpot” Barb is 100% spot on with that comment, Jennie.
That’s very kind and humbling, Dan. Thank you, sincerely.
Beautiful testaments Jennie.
Thank you, Cindy.
Teachers at senior school really did transform my life. They encouraged me to be more than I expected to be, and supported me in so many ways, more than just educationally. Luckily, those concerned lived long enough for me to thank them when I was much older.
Best wishes, Pete.
That is just wonderful! Getting to thank them in later years must have felt good for both you and them. Thanks for telling me, Pete.
Amen to Barb’s insightful comment.
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Barb is right Jennie. You are the teacher children will remember well into their adulthood. You didn’t force, you assisted.
Yes, that’s what I do! They remember me, and that makes me the luckiest person in the world.
Yes, assisted it the magic word. Thank you, Pam.
Thank you for sharing Barb’s uplifting post, Jennie!
You are welcome, Liz! It certainly is uplifting.
love, love, love
❤️❤️❤️
I very much appreciate Barb’s thoughts. Kids most certainly learn best when working with other children. (Academically, socially, too many other benefits to list here.)
Amen!
Hi Jennie, I had a few memorable teachers. Mrs Bowley told my mother I had layers like an onion that had to be peeled away to find the real me. My mom told that. 💝 Sister Agatha gave me books like I am David and The Story of a Young Girl.
These stories are wonderful! Peeling away the layers of an onion – my goodness, I love that. Any teacher who gives you books knows you well and cares. Thank you for telling me, Robbie. 😀
My pleasure, Jennie 💓
My daughter had a teacher like that in third grade after we had moved her from a dreadful school where she had become a “behavior problem” to the new place. Once she was seen and supported my daughter flourished. The main gift was that Bev let kids lie on the floor to read. My active kid needed the choice.
I sooo ‘get’ Bev! Thank you for sharing her story. You should see me stretched out on the floor with a book and at least 8 kids pressed against me. It’s wonderful.
Who ever invented desks for kids anyway?
Exactly!
Teachers can definitely change children lives. A beautiful post, Jennie
They can! Thank you, Kamal.
Always welcome Jennie 😊😊