The Power of a Teacher’s Influence

This week I share with you the words of Senator Gordon Smith, who describes the influence of a teacher named Mr. Cook. Taken from Teachers With Class: True Stories of Great Teachers, here is his inspiring account. It reminds me of what goes on at Regents every day.

I was a boy of big dreams and too many daydreams. Mr. Cook saw in me the possibility of putting forth more effort and turning my dreams into reality. He was my teacher at Radnor Elementary School in Bethesda, Maryland. He came to my home, talked to me of my dreams, and taught me how to make them come true. He was interested in politics and I was from a political family. Even after the school year came to an end, we continued to share our bond of friendship and mutual interest. He continued to teach me all summer long so that I would be better prepared for Junior High school. I do not remember all the lessons or subjects that he taught me, but I do remember that he cared about me and helped me. I will never forget him or cease to be grateful to him.