I remember the best teachers I think were the ones who could make learning fun. I had a teacher in 5th grade who stands out above all others, but not because she was great, quite the opposite. She was a terror. It was like Misery in her classroom. You never knew when she would explode, throw chalk, books, erasers, you name it. I remember once my friend had to write a problem up on the board and she drew her 0 backwards. The teacher threw a book at her and told her to sit in her seat until she could get permission from the principal to give her a spanking. She did manage to get permission and pulled her out in the hallway and spanked her. We were amazed because the girl was quiet, nice and well behaved yet because of this 0, she got a whippen. Back then, in the 70s parents hardly stood up for the kids, they thought if a teacher had a problem with us, it was probably our fault and we need to be better. Now, it seems to be just the opposite. Why can't there ever be a happy medium?

i look back and i remember the teachers that made a positive impact on my life and i actually don't remember tha names of the bad ones and i had a few. i think the ones i remember as being the best influence was those that expected more out of me and pushed me to keep learning.

Over the years that i was a student and then considering the teachers my two kids have had.{one is in high school and my older one in college} I can think of some wonderful teachers, average teachers, and lousy ones. I agree that teachers put up with a lot today. It can even be dangerous being a teacher.I am especially grateful when we are lucky enough to get one of those great teachers. They really make a difference. I cheer those teachers. and wish we could have more of them. Sadly i have experienced some real bad ones too. I do not even know why they are there, they have bad attitudes and clearly no longer care about the students. especially in middle school my teens attended they had some simply awful teachers, who should have left.I understand that this must be the hardest group to teach.I am glad my kids are out of that paticular middle school.For the most part we have experienced more good than bad teachers. so all in all a four.

Although teachers work only aboutnine months a year, they really earn their three month summer vacation. It is unbelievable how many hours they have to put in making lesson plans, correcting homework, attending meetings before or after school, meeting with parents, taking training courses, etc., not to mention what they have to put up with from some of the students on a daily basis. It's not the profession to be in if you're in for the money (which isn't all that great, all things considered) - it takes a lot of dedication and a desire to help the kids, especially those who want to learn.

Some teachers are good some bad, most are in between just like in any other job.

Teachers are great, they put up with a lot and don't get paid what they deserve. Like a lot of you I have had some bad teachers in my life and so have my children, but the good outweigh the bad. Teachers I give you an A+

What would schools be without teachers? I know that we all hear stories that every so often someone comes across a teacher who is unfair or has an agenda but I believe that most of them are in that profession because they have a love for kids and a desire to make people's lives better. It sure isn't the money. Too often we don't realize until we are older that it was the teachers who pushed and wouldn't let us take shortcuts..... they were the ones who were bringing out the best in us. With only a few exceptions, the teachers that I had, especially in high school, were incredible human beings who encouraged me to pursue my dreams. One special English teacher comes to mind. Recently I found some writings and poetry that I had done when I was in her class. When I read my writings I thought to myself how juvinile I sounded. Yet this wonderful teacher never said a harsh word or critisized me and she encouraged me to continue to write and develop whatever talent I may have had. This same teacher introduced me to plays that in movie form are my favorites and I have been able to share them with others. I am sure there are a number of us who have seen cases where a teacher can make an impact in a person's life especially if there isn't a positive element at home. Teachers for the most part are not paid nearly enough and for some, you could never pay them what they are worth. There are some things that simply can't be priced. Thank you Mrs Lifshultz, you made a difference in my life.

I had some bad teachers, but then I had some good ones, too. Whatever they are paid is not enough, because of all they have to put with. Some teachers pay the ultimate price;remember the nice young teacher who was murdered by a student a few years ago? And what about that poor teacher who was shot down at Columbine?