Children filed in. Quietly taking seats on padded cushions on the auditorium floor. Hundreds of tiny faces looking up at me – a children’s book author who once sat where they are now.
Returning to the elementary school which was the inspiration for my latest book, I told them stories about my time there, being the new kid, and learning to play kickball. I read my book to them and answered their questions – ranging from cute to astute.
I presented the school with a few gifts: a Welcome Wagon full of books about kindness and belonging and a framed print from America’s Dreaming. The school recognized one student from each homeroom for their kindness and leadership. They proudly walked up to the front to get their certificate. I handed them a signed book for their homeroom and shook their little hands. Adorable pictures ensued.
I was then presented with a book of my own. It was a collection of several hundred worksheets where students said what they would do to make a new child feel welcome. My favorite, “Give them a chicken and be their friend,” reminded me that we were in farm country.
The day was perfect for many reasons but perhaps none more so than it served as an opportunity for us to honor the memory of my teacher, Mr. Jack Downs. When I moved to rural Pennsylvania from Boston, it was not easy. I looked and sounded different from other kids and was teased for it. Mr. Downs made me feel at home. Years ago when I reached out to thank him, I discovered that he had died just two weeks earlier.
Missing my opportunity to show my appreciation then, he is now the inspiration for the teacher in my book – also named Mr. Downs – and this day was an opportunity to share this moment with his daughter, son and grandson who traveled in to attend.
I shared how much he meant to me at a critical moment in my life and presented framed prints of the book to the family.
I thanked them for sharing their dad with us students – a sacrifice so many families of teachers make. As their parents grade papers and make lesson plans at home – often late into the night or pay for school supplies from their own pockets – money that could have been spent on their own families.
When I read the dedication of my book to the students, “To our children and all who make them feel welcome,” I asked them all to take a moment and give a round of applause for their teachers in the room who do the same for them. It was thunderous.
You may not be in a position to name a character in a book after a teacher who meant a lot to you or give them a round of applause. But you could reach out to thank them if they are still with us or if not tell their story to your own children, friends or family – so they might live again for at least a day. Sharing their inspiration and legacy one person at a time.
Recommendation of the Week. My favorite “teacher movie” is, hands down, Dead Poets Society. It’s a masterclass in connecting with students. If you don’t have time to watch the whole thing, then perhaps just watch this scene or this one.
Share this with a teacher.