This week as I scrolled through Twitter I was captivated by the push Geoge Couros has been doing for his new book, Because of a Teacher. Each day he has shared powerful moments in education that have changed the course for either a student or teacher. The power of a caring teacher in the classroom is priceless. His book, which debuts August 7th, contains story after story of educators changing the world one small act at a time. It got me thinking, what is my “because of a teacher” moment? Who is that one teacher, student or staff member that would forever impact my life? I believe we all have moments in our lives that have been life changing, “because of a teacher.” I’d like to share a powerful story with you and also invite you to share your stories. If you would like to share a “because of a teacher” moment, please type up your story, add a picture if you’d like, and submit by email to me at omla.koussa@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you and feature your story on our OMLA website and social media outlets.
Although there are so many amazing educators that have made an impact on my life, there is one that has truly changed my course of life for the better and I wouldn’t be here without him. It was 2002 and I was a sophomore at Ashland University. During my fall semester I decided I wanted to change my major to Hotel and Restaurant Management. I turned in my paperwork and registration for new spring courses. Then, that same day, my advisor found me on the quad playing softball with some friends and asked me to go for a walk. I obliged and the conversation that followed would be life changing. Dr. Kommer encouraged me to stay in the middle grades education program and for about 30 minutes poured into my soul and believed in me in ways I never had. He told me I was right where I needed to be and that I needed to trust him. He told me to give it one more semester and that he wanted to take me somewhere.
That spring Dr. Kommer brought me to the OMLA state conference in Akron. I was amazed at all of the energy, the passionate educators presenting, the keynotes, and all of the awesome freebies I got! While we sat in the general session that morning listening to the president give out awards and speak, he leaned over and whispered “that will be you one day.” Little did I know that 20 years later that sentiment would come true.
Because of a teacher, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education and have been teaching at Independence Middle School for 16 years. I absolutely love my job and I can’t imagine myself anywhere but the classroom. Because of a teacher, I went on to get my master’s degree at Ashland and join the staff as an adjunct. Because of a teacher, I joined the OMLA board and have met some of the best educators and people I’ve ever known.
Because of a teacher, because of that ONE conversation on the quad one afternoon- I am who I am today. I am so grateful for Dr. Kommer and the advice he has given me over the years. He has been there to guide me through my undergraduate and graduate programs, to celebrate my wedding, and to hold my hand through the births of my children and the deaths of my parents. He is a remarkable mentor, teacher, and friend, and my goal each day is to believe in my students like he believes in me. As educators, we truly have the power to breathe life into our students each and every day. As we head into a new school year, I encourage you to take the time to build relationships with students, encourage them, and help them believe in themselves in ways they never thought possible. I promise that one day they will say, “Because of a teacher…”
Please share your “Because of a Teacher” story with us! Email your story and picture to omla.koussa@gmail.com to be featured on our website and social media outlets.
