By Beth Pinyerd
You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. – Deuteronomy 28:6
I know we can all remember and know those special teachers who made an eternal difference in our lives for the better. Their classrooms always welcomed their students as a “home of academic, social and emotional learning.” They always remembered our names and they took time to genuinely make a difference in our lives.
Whether early childhood, elementary, middle school or high school, these teachers have a mission of believing the best, hoping for the best and encouraging their students. In order to do this, teachers have the goal of being knowledgeable and up-to-date on the subjects they are teaching.
We remember those teachers who captured our attention in topics they knew so well. They are humble and real as they put their students first. As students, we wanted to participate.
Our community is so blessed to have outstanding educators who are passionate about teaching and love to work with students! Classroom Observer has reflected upon qualities of educators who touched my life and for those educators who continue to touch lives.
Patience is truly a quality of an educator who loves to teach. Students have different learning styles and ways of learning whether it be visual, auditory, physical or reflective. The pace of learning also has to be assessed because each student is different.
Happiness, joy and a good personality make learning attractive to students. Teachers are called to do more than just teach academics – they are called to make a genuine impact on the lives of their students as they grow in character, wisdom and persistence.
Flexibility is a necessary ingredient in teaching. As educators, we prompt and require students to learn. Students will ask different questions which teachers must address. Because classrooms are made up of many different personalities, a variety of situations may arise which teachers have to address. Creative ideas and spontaneity support different learning needs.
Passion for teaching requires multi-tasking and energy, more than any profession I know. A teacher is meeting the ongoing learning needs of people. Teachers have to accomplish so much in a day in covering lessons, curriculum and students’ needs. The organization of teaching aids, materials and forms is a focus quality in meeting the learning needs of students.
In the busyness of the classroom, a teacher has to be a good listener and communicator. This is truly an “art” which requires patience and flexibility. Classroom policies have to be set in place for learning to be an ongoing process.
Teaching is truly a challenge! But the love, hugs, tears and joy of students and each classroom day make it all worth it.
I would like to dedicate this article to the happy memory of my husband, Carl Pinyerd, who loved to share knowledge no matter how busy he was as a scientist. He took time with many of his students to develop science fair projects, which won several students scholarships to college from Swaziland, Africa and in Alabama. Like so many teachers, he made an eternal legacy by spending time with junior high and high school students which spells LOVE.
Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for 34 years, as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings. She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika and Baldwin County. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education as well as a bachelor’s degree in family and child development both from Auburn University. Her husband is the late Carl Pinyerd, and she has one son, Gus Pinyerd, who has taught her so much about learning. Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth and families. Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@charter.net.