Teachers that help or hinder - How did a teacher help promote or shame you?

I only had one really memorable teacher. Mr McAuley had his chemistry studies interupted by WW2 when he joined the war ministry. During his work, he was accidentally gassed, and suffered ill health after that. He was both brilliantly clever and had a great way of teaching. He would for example, construct little 'Shakespearian plays' to explain scientific principles and have us standing on our desks singing the 'Periodic table'. You don't forget lessons like that.

In U6th. as it was called, his health failed and we ended up with a series of supply teachers, one of whom taught us how to make simple explosives! I gave up the idea of studying chemistry and did my degree in electrical engineering.

After a career in IT, I got a job as a school janitor at a school where the teachers were mostly 'wastes of space'. Even some of the cleaners were better qualified!
 

That's a great question, Ina!
I don't think I've ever talked about this before. So, here goes!
I had a music teacher (my junior year in HS) who I did NOT like. His name was Mr. Unruh...but I could play the piano much better than he could. We had a music festival where at least 10 school were invited and I was to play a memorized piano solo. I got SO nervous when I took my place on stage... I just froze and forgot the 2nd part to the song...so I just kept repeating the 1st part...finally, I just quit and left the stage. My Unruh stood there and laughed at me...even though I was in tears. No sympathy, no encouragement.
When I became a music teacher I NEVER treated my students that way. I either supported them in getting over their stage fright, or I simply told them they did NOT have to perform if they really didn't want to.
So, I suppose that mean, sarcastic teacher (who didn't really like any of the students!) served some good in my vowing to always be compassionate. By the way, he only was our teacher ONE year...the one that replaced him was a really nice person.
Most experiences I had with teachers were always positive. :)
 

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