A Good Impression

With Labor Day upon us we unofficially call it the end of summer. Now starts the opening of the new school year. We all have memories of our first day
and the first day of our children. Some memories are very good and some very very bad. The one memory that sticks in my mind is the one teacher who made a good impression on me and consequently helped in my growing up and becoming part of who I am.
I am not going to get involved in salary disputes, or the amount of time teachers work or don't work, or the benefits they receive. These are things that can and should be worked out between them and the local school board.
Most of us did however have a teacher that really helped us and taught us by
setting a good example for us to follow. Maybe it was the way they commanded respect in the classroom, or how they dressed for their job. The time they took to answer questions and go over assignments.
Like all of us, some teachers go above and beyond their job requirements, and like all of us some just do what they have to, to get by. Most of us remember the "bad teachers" but all of us remember the "good teachers"
My favorite teacher was Mr.Valenti. He wasn't very tall but when he came into the classroom, he was always impeccably dressed. I thought he looked sharp.
He always had the "in style" tie or sport jacket. He also had a prescence when he stood in front of the classroom. Mr. Valenti, never seemed to have to raise his voice to be heard. He had a knack for making English and writing very interesting. He always taught the importance of using words and writing those words in sentences that were clear and meaningful. "You have to be able to get your point across, so everyone could understand".
I thought of being a teacher at times, but never put the effort that I should have. I have always thought however, that the speaking and writing, of English are the most important fundamentals that a person can have .
It is why I like writing this blog. Writing down my thoughts and opinions is something I really enjoy . So, I thank Mr. Valenti for making an impression.
I hope when you read this, you think of that teacher who made an impression on you, who you think of till this day. Aside from all the politics, teachers are a very important part of our society. They are responsible for the learning of our youth, some even more so than parents.