Three Wise Teachers Project
The Three Wise Teachers Project has given me the opportunity to think back on all of the ways that various types of teachers have impacted my life. I chose to contact three of my teachers who I have stayed in touch with on Facebook since I graduated in 2016.
First, I messaged my senior seminar teacher, and UMF alum Emily Stacy. I told her that I always admired how she carried herself both in and out of the classroom with her students, parents, and colleagues. Mrs. Stacy was always smiling and was known for being such a kind woman. She was friendly and made strong connections with everyone she came into contact with. She seemed very happy to hear from me saying, “Your message meant so much to me and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your kind words!” Mrs. Stacy then provided me with two strong resources: Fostering Resilient Learners by Kristin Souers and Pete Hall as well as the name of an organization called Turnaround for Children.
The next teacher I contacted was my ninth grade English teacher who had left to teach in another district in my sophomore year. If I had to choose one teacher who I thought really exemplified what a good teacher was, it would be Ms. Jean Bragan. Ms. Bragan responded almost immediately with a thank you and several questions about myself, my concentration, and practically offering me her job since she plans to retire in the next year. She explained that she would get back to me with resources, really wanting to think it through, and she did. She offered me Caring Schools by Nell Noddings, The Passionate Teacher, Teach Like a Champion, Write to Learn by Donald Murray, Deeper Compassion by Kelly Gallagher, and Mosaic of Thought. I will have a lot of research to do in the coming months!
Lastly, I messaged my Latin teacher, Seth Metcalf, who was there for me from my freshman to junior year. In my junior year I was the only Latin student left in my grade level. I was supposed to be able to join Advanced Latin, but there were not enough students able to enroll so what Mr. Metcalf did for me was something I found quite impactful. I would be placed with the Latin III students and he would retrofit the work for me to make it more advanced, occasionally allowing me to do my own projects or assignments different from the rest of the class. This way, I would be able to have Advanced Latin on my transcript and still participate with a full class. Sadly he left after that year to teach in Waterville, but did respond kindly to my message. He offered me a text titled Help For Billy by Heather Forbes.
