Schools

Moms Talk: Who was Your Student's Favorite Teacher?

Do your child have one or more? What mark did they leave on your student's life?

With students preparing to return to school next week, we're all wondering a little bit about how some "new relationships" will turn out.

The special yearlong relationship — one which will continue through next June — is that of student and teacher.

Some teachers are really great at connecting with students. But of course, it works both ways, and some teachers reach your student in a way they will always remember, perhaps changing the course of their lives.

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Who has been the one teacher, or perhaps more than one, who especially turned on the light for your student in learning a subject? Or who may have impressed them on a personal level?

Who inspired them? How?

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When we moved to Basking Ridge, my older son came from another school district, and was behind in math. His fourth grade teacher who was then at Megan Apgar, spent her own time after school on many days bringing him up to speed.

When I thanked her, and told her how much my son and I both appreciated her help, she responded that she was extremely grateful to be able to assist a student. Wow!

As for my son, I think he was especially inspired by the late Dr. Dan Friedman, who taught advanced placement biology and environmental classes. He took Dr. Friedman's advaced bio class — and ended up as a biology major. (With Dr. Friedman writing his recommendation for college.)

So what teacher inspired your child? And in what way.

Pictured above are the 2011 Teachers of the Year in Bernards Township, although teacher Wendell Jeffrey was absent that night because she was attending the annual Ridge art show.

Did your student have any of those teachers? Or any past Teachers of the Year?

Let us know what you think in the comments section below. And good luck with your classes this year!


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