My Favorite Teacher

In my years of school, many good teachers, I've had. In first grade, Mrs. Carver helped me when I was sad. That compassionate beauty was kind to me indeed. I can't recommend a better way to learn to read.  In fifth grade, Mr. Monniger made learning come alive. A great storyteller, sometimes history he'd contrive, but he would always make lessons colorful and fun. He said Van Gogh had two ears, but gave his girlfriend one. My favorite subject in school, however, was math. Mrs. Sherman, my favorite teacher, led me down that path. Tough, yet kind, she was respected and she gave respect. She prepared for class, and from you, that's what she'd expect. She graduated with an engineering degree. How many in her class were women? One, not two or three. She could have made more money doing engineering work, but, she decided, instead, she would teach my kind of jerk. She took an interest in each kid and went the extra mile. With her sharpened sense of humor, you could make her smile. She taught me four classes, starting with geometry, the classes I liked most as I got my high school degree. My college degree was in pure mathematics. Problems and puzzles still put me in ecstatics. In retirement, I tutor math, and I can truly say, I am grateful for Mrs. Kathleen Sherman today.