The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery. ~Mark Van Doren
The day I graduated from UCLA, I was already thinking about pursuing an additional graduate degree in Public Health. I have this insatiable love for learning that began very early on. I remember studying French at the private elementary school I attended and going on to take advanced placement English and Calculus classes during my high school years.
So much of that love for learning was inspired by my teachers. While I appreciate every single teacher I studied under, there are two that stand out as having a personal impact on me. The first was my AP English teacher. I remember her reading an excerpt from a paper I wrote aloud to our class. As a teen, I wasn’t sure whether to be embarrassed or proud…I was likely both. Interestingly enough, I still keep in contact with her via Facebook, and at times, she reads my blog. I wonder what she thinks? : )
The second was my Spanish teacher. As a young Hispanic teen attending a predominantly white high school, I can honestly say that I had mixed feelings about identifying with my own culture. Her gentle but firm push to not only teach me my native language, but to embrace my heritage, wouldn’t be fully appreciated until I worked in an LA hospital as an RN caring for patients of varying cultures,specifically those from Mexico and other Latin American countries.
As a student, I know that I didn’t always recognize or appreciate how much my teachers gave of themselves. Teaching requires passion, commitment, and patience…and a love for people…young people who may not realize the gift they’ve been given until long after the graduation celebrations have concluded.
Tomorrow, CBS will air Teachers Rock, a benefit concert presented by Walmart and Walden Media’s soon-to-be-released film, Won’t Back Down. Earlier this week, I had an opportunity to attend the live concert, which celebrates teachers and education. The concert was inspirational and featured live performances from Garth Brooks, Dierks Bentley, Fun. and Josh Groban. Interspersed throughout the performances were accounts of people (including celebrities) who’s lives were changed by teachers. It’s very rare that teachers are publicly recognized for the work they do so this concert truly is a celebration.
Proceeds from Teachers Rock will benefit DonorsChoose.org, Feeding America and Teach for America. Be sure to tune in tomorrow, August 17th at 8pm ET/PT.
Apart from watching the benefit concert tomorrow night, there is another way you can support teachers and all they do for our children. Through September 20th, you can nominate an outstanding teacher to the Wall of Fame on the Teachers Rock Facebook page. Each day, a nominee will be inducted and will receive a $500 gift card. With educational budget cuts affecting school districts nationwide, teachers often spend at least $500 of their own money to buy needed classroom supplies.
During Tuesday’s benefit concert, we viewed clips from the upcoming film, Won’t Back Down. The film stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis, who depict mothers determined to evoke change within their children’s failing inner city school. The film will be released in theaters nationwide on September 28th, 2012.
Do you have a teacher that inspired you or your children? I’d love to hear about it.
Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.
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Thanks for the introduction to that “Won’t Back Down” film. I watched the trailer and am interested to see the full film when it comes to theaters/DVD.
Do you know why the movie doesn’t have a website? I googled it and only found a Facebook page.
Hey Stephanie…hmmm…I’m not sure why there is no website…I know that they were doing previews at BlogHer but I didn’t make it over to see the film but from the clips, it looks really interesting..compelling…..