What makes a teacher great?

I had the most amazing English teacher in secondary school, her name was Ms. Glynn.

Every single day you’d be so excited to go to her class just to hear her whit displayed in short but memorable sayings, like ‘well girls isn’t that just wonderful,’ in response to one of Seamus Heaney’s poems. Or, ‘absolutely! I couldn’t have said it better myself!’ – giving praise to one of my classmates opinions.

Her incredible remarks of joy, no matter what kind of day it was, really put things into perspective for me, as a seventeen year old.

I was never great at English. I used to struggle with finding my words and articulating my sentences with how I’d perceive my thoughts in my head. However, what didn’t matter was just that. I believed that I could be good at writing, and would continue to work extremely hard for exams that meant little to nothing other than trying to make my teacher proud of me.

Ms Glynn had a way of making everyone’s individualism seem special, and had a way of showing that interest to each of her students. From book worms, to girls out on the town every weekend, or both – she knew how to spark interest of her subject in every student due to her igniting passion for the subject.

Years later, I began writing poems and thought of her instantly, thinking about how proud she would be if she knew that I had began my writing journey. But only more proud to see how much I’ve progressed in my ability to express myself in words. But I’ve heard that she’s now ill, and without my want to disturb her, I’m scared she may never know how much of an impact her passion and profession had on my now passion and something I enjoy to do everyday.

Just like Ms Glynn, I can say I had another teacher, a man that could’ve reached the moon if he had the time, Mr Lynch. He was my Physics teacher and with just finishing my Physics degree, I can happily say that I didn’t just do that for myself, but for him.

Just like English, I didn’t know I had a grasp for Physics, which Mr Lynch pulled out of me in transition year after not even doing Junior cert Science, a shock horror for some.

He saw something in me, and just like Ms Glynn, brought out a skill that I never knew could be my profession. His face would light up when his students would do well. It’s like all he wanted was to make a difference in his students lives, to know he was doing something right.

When I got my offer for my Physics course in college, Mr Lynch had then passed away. His young spirit and wide smile that could light up any room, is always missed and if it wasn’t for him, I’m not sure what I’d be doing today.

A good teacher can make your day easier in school, when days seem monotonous and sometimes completely draining. But knowing you get to learn from someone who wants you to learn, and wants you to believe in yourself, means so much more. That’s why I’ll never forget these two special people, and how I want to thank them for how much they believed in not only me, but all their students.