When a teacher positively impacts a student’s life, it means they have made a lasting and meaningful difference. Though  teachers can positively impact a students life by merely teaching students, they are teachers that have gone beyond teaching academic subjects and become a source of inspiration, support, and guidance. A positive impact can involve fostering a love for learning, boosting confidence, helping students discover their passions, providing mentorship and instilling important values and life skills. It can shape a student’s future, empowering them to achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves. 

One student who has had their lives impacted by a good teacher is Braeden Dickerson, grade 12. She shares that teacher, Tasha Castillo, is the reason she wakes up to go to school in the morning. “No matter what day it is, she always makes it worth it.” Braeden has known Mrs. Cassillo for three years and believes that she is the reason she is graduating high school. “I never knew how much one person could change one’s attitude just based on the way we view things.” No matter the circumstances, Castillo has always been there for Braeden and she has always put in effort when she sees anyone in need of help or struggling. “She sees everyone in a special way. She can tell when you’re having a bad day, or when something is irritating you. Her first response is ‘okay what can we do to fix this’ or ‘what can we do to help you get through this’ it will always be ‘we.’ She will never make you do something on your own if it is something you struggle with. She will put in 100% effort all the time.” Castillo has left a permanent impact on Braeden’s life by teaching her more than just academics but how to live her life. Braeden shares that from Mrs Castillo she has learned values like patience, understanding and empathy.

One more student/teacher relationship is one shared by Callie Mitchel, grade 11, and Natalie Compton. According to Callie,  Compton stands out as a teacher because she will seriously make you feel cared about and help you even outside of school. “I can talk to her about my life and she gives me logical and thoughtful advice to help me in certain situations.”  Compton is a positive presence in Callie’s life and the lives of many other students. She impacts students’ lives because she is more than happy to support them. “She is constantly there for me and I know that I can trust her to talk about things.” 

A good teacher is one that is passionate about their subject, they are patient and caring towards their students. A teacher that goes beyond that and really impacts the lives of students for the better not only impart knowledge but they become a mentor and role model the student will remember for the rest of their life. They inspire their students to reach their full potential, instill confidence and teach them values and lessons outside of academics. Mrs. Compton and Mrs. Castillo are examples of this. They have left long lasting impacts on their students by teaching them beyond the curriculum of their class, and showing them how to enjoy school and function in the real world