Is it the subject we hate, or the way it’s taught? Think back – was it science that was boring, or the teacher who read slides word for word the reason you and your peers broke out into snores?
When discussing my new schedule at the beginning of each school year, I would get the opinions of each of my new teachers from my older friends who either had first hand experience with them, or worse, knew purely of their reputation. But either way, it became clear: a teacher’s approach doesn’t just shape how we learn, it shapes whether we want to learn. Their intentions, their energy, and especially their willingness to connect with students can either turn a class into a highlight of your day or something you count down the minutes to escape.
I learned this lesson firsthand with Mr.Ginsberg, my sophomore year civics teacher. From the first week, he made it clear that he wasn’t just there to hand out grades, he was there to make a difference. He asked about our weekends, remembered our interests, and somehow made a class like civics feel less like a requirement and more like a conversation.
I wasn’t just another seat in the room to him. Because he treated me like a person first and a student second, I wanted to show up. I wanted to engage. Since that class, I have visited his classroom too many times to count, and not just because he has snacks.
That kind of connection doesn’t show up on a syllabus, but it changes the high school experience as a whole. It’s the difference between feeling like you’re part of a classroom and feeling like you’re just passing through one.
Having a teacher who is willing to give their time and energy to engaging with their students makes any subject an easy one to digest. Whether it is doing the word of the day in Mr.Yitref’s Chemistry class, or being deep in group discussions in APUSH with Ms.Yehia, the engagement mattered and made class worthwhile.
All I have is gratitude for my teachers who stand unwaveringly by their students, whose presence alone can be guidance and whose dedication quietly changes lives. A special thanks to Mme.Cummings, Dr.Delacruz, and the others mentioned in this article for making students want to show up with intention and push themselves to the fullest.
