Dear Readers,

I recently spent an afternoon catching up with Sandra, who was my teacher back in elementary school. It was great remembering old times; but it also turned into a real look at what teaching means, how education's changing, and the big difference passionate teachers make. Sandra's stories gave me a ton of insight into how important it is for teachers to be committed, adaptable, and really connect with their students.

Starting Out: Finding Her Footing

Starting as a teacher wasn't easy for Sandra. She felt like her training hadn't fully prepared her for the real deal. "Teaching school gives you culture but not experience," she told me, highlighting the big jump from learning about teaching to actually doing it. Early on, she got a lot of support from other teachers like her colleague Romana, who shared her teaching materials. This help was a game-changer for Sandra, shaping her approach to teaching and showing her how important it is to keep learning and adapting.

Flexibility in Teaching

Sandra talked about how teachers used to have more freedom to teach their way. "We were quite free as teachers," she remembered, which let her focus on essential skills like reading and writing that she thinks are getting overlooked now. She also talked about how she used stories and personal touches in her lessons, which helped her connect better with her students.

The Magic of Stories

For Sandra, storytelling wasn't just a teaching tactic; it was the core of her teaching style. "Tell them a little story, and they remember it for life," she said, showing how stories can make lessons stick. She made sure her lessons matched her students' interests, using stories to make every topic interesting and engaging.

Beyond Teaching: Building Bonds

Sandra stressed the lasting bonds formed between teachers and students, going beyond just academics. "I considered my students my children," she shared, showing her deep care for their overall growth. This highlights the significant impact teachers have on their students' lives.

Choosing Teaching

Sandra became a teacher to make a difference, prompted by the few options back home. "I chose the teacher training institute without thinking twice," she shared, noting how her challenges only made her more dedicated. Teaching children with special needs first gave her invaluable experience that she later applied in mainstream education.

Treasured Traditions

The moments Sandra cherished most were the traditions she and her students shared. She fondly recalled the chestnut party at the start of the school year and the end-of-year lunch outdoors, which brought everyone together. Birthdays were special too, making the school a place kids were happy to be. These traditions fostered a strong sense of community.

Adapting to Changes

Sandra has seen a lot of changes in education, like more rules and teachers having less say. "Education has changed because society has changed. I believe that a teacher finds it much more difficult to teach and give nowadays," she pointed out. But she stayed true to her teaching style, mentioning how her use of the Zoi method and including music in lessons might have inspired some students to pursue the arts.

“We used something called the Zoi Method for writing. It started with giving the kids a poem. They had to pick out the best adjectives from it and then write their own story using those words. It was a really fun way to help them improve their writing and get creative. I think it's still being used today because it works so well.”

A Lasting Impact

Looking back, Sandra is proud of the diverse paths her students have taken, from music to social work, showing the broad impact of her teaching style. "Promoting individuality, exploration, and a passion for learning" has led to their success, highlighting the lasting influence of her teaching.

Life After Teaching

Retirement hasn't slowed Sandra down; she's still exploring new interests. "I am a woman with a thousand interests," she laughed, sharing her adventures and the joy she finds in continuous learning. Sandra is dedicated to learning English, goes to the gym, enjoys knitting and crocheting, has taken drawing and painting courses, loves to travel, and spends time with her grandchildren. Her stories and experiences show the rewards of a life dedicated to education.

Reflections on Teaching

Seeing Sandra again reminded me of how much good teaching can do. Her commitment, creativity, and care have made a real difference. It’s clear that teachers like Sandra play a crucial role in inspiring and guiding students, fostering a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

S.A. Sterling