Inspiring Values of Unforgettable Teachers

All of us recall special teachers - people who not only taught us but inspired us in ways that changed our lives. William Arthur Ward once said, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." Here are five life-changing values inspired by unforgettable teachers.

The Teachers I Will Always Remember...

... Taught the Value of Learning and Knowledge

They were enthusiastic about their subject. However, they gave more than knowledge. They showed how learning could enhance creativity, spark interests, and uncover talents. They instilled in students a curiosity to learn and an undying passion to keep learning.

... Taught the Value of Respect

They treated others with honor. They explained how kind words, and sometimes silence, could prevent hurtful confrontations and turn enemies into friends. They taught the value of respect for the community as well as the individual.

... Taught the Value of Integrity

They demonstrated empathy for those who were ill or suffering from personal loss. They would go the extra mile to offer support. Their ethics inspired students to live with courage and approach life with honesty, dignity, and self-worth.

... Taught the Value of Responsibility

They taught that personal actions have consequences and that the individual must be accountable for his or her choices. They emphasized that when people think others are to blame for problems, that very thought is the real problem. They taught that each student was ultimately responsible for his or her learning and its impact on their future.

... Taught the Value of Perseverance

They taught that education continues until our last breath. They told stories about the hard times they had faced, and how God had often turned difficulties into blessings. They refused to let students quit after repeated failures. They demonstrated that "Faith is the assurance of things not yet seen."

Not all of these teachers taught in formal classrooms. Nor did they all have a formal education. Some of them are still teaching, and the education they provide is priceless.

I believe that the greatest gifts we can give our children are the same kind of values these teachers demonstrate. Then our children can also become unforgettable teachers, sharing values that will inspire happiness and faith for future generations.

© Copyright 2005 by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com

In The News:


School's inspirational banner teaches a life lesson
Vancouver Sun
But for Vancouver swimmer Scott Dickens, those words, in big red and white letters on a banner at the back of a school gymnasium in his hometown of Ancaster, Ont., four years ago became life altering and a huge inspiration. "Three words that definitely ...

and more »

Moneycontrol.com

US: Arab uprisings 'inspirational' but destabilizing for Mideast
CNN
The report itself says: "The yearning for change we have witnessed in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Syria is inspirational, and yet change often creates instability before it leads to greater respect for democracy and human rights.
US hails Arab Spring but warns of instabilityeuronews

all 28 news articles »

Inspirational Network's David Cerullo is highest-paid nonprofit exec
Bizjournals.com (blog)
David Cerullo, president and chief executive of The Inspirational Network Inc., tops the list, with $1.9 million in compensation. Marc Favaro and Bill Airy, also executives at the Lancaster County based-network, hold the second and third spots on the ...


Catskill Daily Mail

Dennis Walters Provides The Inspiration To Follow Your Dreams
Catskill Daily Mail
However, what could be certainly considered the highlight of the show despite the entertaining golf antics is the inspirational message woven into the show. “Once I started golfing again, I took to the road and for me, it was good therapy,” Walters ...


Inspirational Journey for female engineers at Atkins
The Engineer
Atkins has joined An Inspirational Journey, an initiative aimed at increasing the number of women working at the senior corporate level in Britain's boardrooms. Atkins said in a statement that it has signed up a team of women that have been identified ...


£600000 for "inspirational" awards programme
eGov monitor
Mr Salmond said the Foundation and the Leadership Award, run in partnership with the Outward Bound Trust for the last 14 years, were an inspiration, helping change the lives of more than 1750 young people who have taken part since the programme's ...

and more »

AFP

'Yearning for change' in Arab states inspirational: US
AFP
The report said "the yearning for change we have witnessed in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Syria is inspirational, and yet change often creates instability before it leads to greater respect for democracy and human rights.

and more »

DAWN.com

'Yearning for change' in Arab states inspirational: US
DAWN.com
“The yearning for change we have witnessed in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Syria is inspirational,” said US State Department report on human rights. -Reuters Photo WASHINGTON: A US report hailed the “yearning for change” in Arab countries and ...

and more »

Globe and Mail

The California Historical Society Releases Inaugural Free Multimedia eBook ...
MarketWatch (press release)
The phrase is borrowed from a 1921 promotional prospectus for the Golden Gate Bridge in which the authors, chief engineer for the bridge Joseph Strauss and San Francisco city engineer MM O'Shaughnessy, used inspirational language to set a tone for the ...
Jack Dorsey takes staff on Golden Gate BridgeBizjournals.com (blog)

all 149 news articles »

Obama hails Joplin grads as 'source of inspiration'
Politico (blog)
By JENNIFER EPSTEIN | President Obama on Monday told the graduates of tornado-ravaged Joplin High School that while commencement speakers are generally expected to be inspirational, it's the people of the Missouri town who have inspired him.

and more »
Google News

Have You Voted Today

Huh? You're probably wondering when this article was written, and... Read More

You Reap What You Sow

There is an old principle: You reap what you sow.... Read More

Does Your Childhood Hold You Back?

Have you come to a point in your life and... Read More

Eight Choices You Can Make Today that Will Change Your Life Forever

The direction of our lives is determined by the choices... Read More

Lisas Christmas

Lisa was born into a loving Christian family and went... Read More

Who Is Dr Robert Anthony and Why Is He One of My Mentors and Heroes?

So who is Dr Robert Anthony?He is the best-selling author... Read More

Need A Boost? Take a Look at How Far Youve Come

Too many of us are too hard on ourselves, always... Read More

Sixty-Second Caring

"How are you doing?" you ask. There's a pause before... Read More

A Key In Hand Is Worth A Thousand On My Desk

A key fault I have, and I can only talk... Read More

Forgotten Dreams: At the End... Part I

Treasures of a lifetime...At the end of your life will... Read More

Remember Within

Remember when you were really young? It was an era... Read More

Recipe for Success

"Desire is a tremendous force, and must be directed in... Read More

Virtual Chocolate

A second on your lips forever on your hips never... Read More

Relax. Its Just Your Life

What am I supposed to do with my life? Shouldn't... Read More

Charge Your Imagination (2)

As year 2004 winds up and professionals and corporate bodies... Read More

Iron Man Inspiration - Raise The Ceiling On What You Can Achieve

The Florida Iron Man involves swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112... Read More

My Mothers Garden

I love to talk about Purposeful Living with others and... Read More

Inspiration From Other People - Is It Worth Listening To A Film Star?

Yesterday, I listened to an interview with Michael York, the... Read More

Numbers

Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 19,... Read More

Create Your Way Out of It

When life has you feeling less than happy, and you... Read More

Parental Consent

Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 11,... Read More

Everyone Has Been Hurt...Part 2

continued.....Then onto my teen years. My mom had a few... Read More

Spiritual Bread Making

All the ingredients to make 12 loaves of bread already... Read More

Entrepreneur and Mom

When I was 12 years old, I had surgery with... Read More

Just Let ?Em Go!

I remember when I was just a little guy probably... Read More