I started teaching in this small city in 1969. So some quick arithmetic puts that at 54 years ago.
Once in a while the way back machine kicks in. This week I ran into some ancient history from 1969.
I had one gr. seven class that I taught math and science to in 1969. Okay, some more arithmetic. Those students were eleven years old in 1969 which will make them 65 right now.
The other morning at birding somebody asked which school I taught in. Another birder was listening and she said , "What years did you teach there?" My answer 1969 to1997. She said that she had gone to the school during that time specifically 1969.
She told me her maiden name and I immediately supplied her first name.
Here's someone I had not seen for close to 54 years. It was a treat to meet her and go over so many things. She had lived in the U.K. for 10 years.
She had been coming to the birding group for four weeks before we made the connection.
It's always very interesting to meet former students even after 54 years.
I didn't hit Eastview until 72. I now have 5 kids and 6 grandkids and still remember you teaching me science.
ReplyDeleteThanks Grandpa. I remember a kid who liked science. We had a lab based science program. Kids liked it!
DeleteI think you were a very good teacher!
ReplyDeleteThanks. On some days I was a good teacher and on some day I stunk the joint out.
DeleteHow fun it must be to meet a previous student after 54 years! I bet she enjoyed it as much as you did!
ReplyDeleteYes, we did a lot of visiting.
DeleteMy brother recently met up with his science teacher from 50 years ago, something which puzzled my brother deeply as he thought his science teacher was pretty ancient even when he was teaching.
ReplyDeleteIt's the same old story. When we were 18 we thought someone who was 21 was old!
DeleteI'm stunned at how teachers can remember so many of their students. Just doing the math of # in classroom x # of classes, x # of semesters, x years is a jillion students! Congrats for a job well done. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI've done this math and it's scary. But you have the little creatures for a year so you've got time to remember names.
DeleteWhat a nice surprise! Where did all those years go?
ReplyDeleteYes, I can't believe it.
DeleteThat's pretty cool, remembering her name after all these years!
ReplyDeleteThat was blind luck!
DeleteWhat a nice surprise that must have been!
ReplyDeleteI like these surprises.
DeleteWow! How nice to meet your students again and find out they have good memories of you! What a wonderful job you did!
ReplyDeleteSome of the stories we tell each other are hilarious.
DeleteHow wonderful that you met up with a former student from so many, many years ago, and that you are both into birdwatching.
ReplyDeleteContacts are always interesting. One of my guys is on city council here!
DeleteWow, that is super cool. I am sure my memory would have failed me.
ReplyDeleteWell, that was blind luck!
DeleteWhat a great story, Red.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Teaching gives you a million stories.
DeleteOh, I love those kinds of surprise connections!
ReplyDeleteFor you with the little guys it would be very exciting. You see yourself though some very young eyes.
DeleteQuite a surprise!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun.
DeleteNice connection to make!
ReplyDeleteI still live in the same area so it is possible to meet people.
DeleteWhat a nice surprise that was. What fun to run across former students!
ReplyDeleteYes it is a treat to meet former students.
DeleteBefore my mom's dementia she had many stories about former students and could remember their names if she met them in later years. Now she doesn't recognize them or their names, but she still tells a few of the stories over and over. Both teachers and students can have long memories, but it's easier for kids to remember their teachers' names than the other way around just due to the difference in numbers. You did well to recall that lady's first name!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I recognized a face and the name, I still had to ask a former student, what school and what course.
ReplyDeleteoh this must be heartwarming surprise dear Red
ReplyDeletereminded me few students from grad three where i taught some years back ,they handed me some handwriting pages with heart shape and flower painted on and with encouraging phrases .i wonder i will ever meet them when they are grown ups
OH MY GOODNESS, Red! And you remembered her name right away? That is amazing. I didn't even teach as long as you I can't be sure I would remember the names of all my students.
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