Today marks the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week; a time where we tell teachers how grateful we are for the labor of love they devote to students every day.

I’ll hold off on my thoughts about teachers and the state of education. What I really want to know is: “Who is/was your favorite teacher? Why?”

I’ve had many favorites. Mrs. Robinson, who taught me for 3rd and 4th grade challenged me. She differentiated instruction for me to ensure that I wasn’t bored in class.

Mr. Smithson and Ms. McCormick made me love history. They told stories so beautifully and passionately and really made history come alive for me.

Ms. Hudson believed in me. And because she believed in me, she worked with me and on my behalf to make sure that my dreams came true.

Ms. Hebert, Dr. Harris, Dr. Jordan, and Dr. Morrow each took part in molding me into a better writer and thinker. They gave exceptional feedback and insight into how I could be better, time and time again.

Each of these teachers invested in me, and in many cases, took me under their wings and loved me as if I were their own child. They were phenomenal examples to me of what it means to be a great teacher.

So, these are my favorite teachers. Who are yours?