I think there are a lot of abused and/or neglected children out there & the really special teachers are those that do listen, give appropriate affection & encouragement, and really try to make learning a special thing of value. I know my favorite teachers did all of those things. And I am grateful for them to this day.

I have two memorable teachers. Ms. Mallory was my 4th grade teacher and school principal. When, I was in the fifth grade, I was a really easy going kid who did not want to fight and let myself get pushed around by a bully named "Punky" Lester. Ms. Mallory observed that and later asked me to stay after school. She said to me that she was tired of seeing me let Punky bully me and that if he did it again and if I did not fight back, she would spank me. I was more afraid of her than of Punky. Punky did it again, and I fought back -- and won. From then on I did not have to worry about either Punky or Ms. Mallory.

The other was a high school math teacher under whom I had two math classes. She was both friendly, but strict and demanding. She would not accept anything less than the best I could give. In my high school yearbook, she wrote, "to my doctor friend."

My favorite teacher .. is that great book, that when I open my eyes I Read it, and when I close it, Read it

I had several amazing teachers in high school.....the ones that were the best didn't treat us like a bunch of silly high school kids. Their teaching style was more along the lines of college professors and most of us thrived in that environment. Hope there are still some out there like that....

As a child, my favorite would have to be Mrs. Greene, my third grade teacher. She was one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever known. She never raised her voice to any of us and that’s because she didn’t have to. She was very special. In school, Mr. Rigsby was always near the top on everyone’s list. He taught sociology and psychology. He was funny and creative in his methods and made class fun. In college, I had a few favorites but Dr. Charles Jarrett (sociology) would be my favorite. He was one of a kind. He had us go on diversity scavenger hunts, attend LGBTQ art exhibitions, sit in on discussions about minority and women empowerment. He made lessons into game show style competitions between traditional and non traditional students. He knew when someone was shy or introverted and took great care in helping them and making them feel like part of the class. He passed away a few months ago due to a short battle with cancer. He was loved by so many. A memorial was held in the rotunda at OUSC and it was standing room only. So, yea, Dr. Charles Jarrett would have to be my favorite of al time.

From school I don't have one, the best I can say is some were ok and I fancied one of the female teachers but school didn't inspire me.

At college, as a mature student in my late 30s and early 40s, what really made an impression was a tutor or lecturer's passion about what they were talking about.

Mrs. Caputo, 12th grade English. It was her first year and we were treated like kindergarteners until the last day and then about 5 or 6 years after I had her, my sister had her for 7th grade English, amd when she found out I was her brother she was down right nasty to her.

But on a positive note Mr Hanley for 11th grade us history, was amazing he made history come alive and made you want to learn. He always told us little things that made historical figuers more relatable (not sure of how many were true or made up) it deffinetly helped out.

And my recorse room teacher mrs backer from 9th to 12th. She saw potential in me that no one else did and always pushed me while helping when needed. She went above and beyond to help me cope with my dyslexia and always praised my reading comprehension.

I may have had one really crappy teacher but for every one of them there are at least two who more than make up for it.

My oldest daughter is a teacher...smart as a whip. I love it.... she teaches special children.
My favorite teacher ..... i had so many.... im going to go for my grade school teacher. Mrs. Norton. Second grade. Life was so innocent back then. All the teaching was with coloring books and drawing books. Simple things were taught with no demand. Recess was a big thing and so was school lunches. The smell of crayons and old women perfumes and flowers. I almost hated to go home to the snake pit. My DAD was an abusive monster. I would of lived in that class room. Mrs. Norton was a grandmother image to me.

Mrs. Geer - 3rd and 4th grade. Listened to and challenged me.

Mrs. Walters - Gifted teacher for 3rd thru 7th. Was there for me when my cat died.

I had 1 more in high school for biology but I don't remember her name. Super sweet and engaged with me.

Mr. O'Brien (U.S. Marine Corps, Colonel,Ret.).
Political science / Civics teacher. Unarmed combat (Judo/Boxing/Wrestling) instructor.
Mentor to 4 of us "problem with authority" boys.
Never raised his voice, never showed anger.
Lead by example. Turned my life around.

That natural "I'm a person too" connection is so important. You can be a knowledgeable authority figure, yet be "real", understanding, empathetic, and yes, funny too.