HODGEPODGE BLOG

For a long time I’ve wanted to publish a book with inspirational stories about how teachers made a difference in the lives of their students; because I know they made a difference in mine!

I grew up in Trenton, Tennessee, a small town of 5,000 people. I have wonderful memories of those first 18 years. And during those years there were two teachers who I can say, with certainty, helped to make me who I am today.

The first was Ms. Bridges who taught me in the 4th grade. She was amazing! I’ll never forget her beautiful smile and her passion for teaching. She made learning so much fun and made all of us feel like we could do anything we wanted to do. The positive seeds she planted in my head are still growing!

Then there was Fred Culp, my history teacher in high school. To this day, he is still the funniest person I’ve ever met. In addition to loving his history class, he taught me that a sense of humor, especially laughing at yourself, can be one of life’s greatest blessings.

So, if you’re a teacher or, if like me, your life was greatly influenced by a teacher, you’re going to love this book! The inspirational stories, the photographs, the quotes and Paula Fox’s original poems will find a special place in your heart.

The book begins with a beautiful poem by the author, Paula Fox, called  Heart Of A Teacher
. Enjoy!

Excerpt from: The Heart of a Teacher
by Paula Fox

The child arrives like a mystery box…
with puzzle pieces inside
some of the pieces are broken or missing…
and others just seem to hide

But the HEART of a teacher can sort them out…
and help the child to see
the potential for greatness he has within…
a picture of what he can be

Her goal isn’t just to teach knowledge…
by filling the box with more parts
it’s putting the pieces together…
and creating a work of art

The process is painfully slow at times…
some need more help than others
each child is a work in progress…
with assorted shapes and colors

First she creates a classroom…
where the child can feel safe in school
where he never feels threatened or afraid to try…
and kindness is always the rule

She knows that a child
can achieve much more
when he feels secure inside
when he’s valued and loved…
and believes in himself
…and he has a sense of pride

She models and teaches good character…
and respect for one another
how to focus on strengths…not weaknesses
and how to encourage each other

She gives the child the freedom he needs…
to make choices on his own
so he learns to become more responsible…
and is able to stand alone

He’s taught to be strong and think for himself…
as his soul and spirit heal
and the puzzle that’s taking shape inside…
has a much more positive feel

The child discovers the joy that comes…
from learning something new…
and his vision grows as he begins
to see all the things that he can do

A picture is formed as more pieces fit…
an image of the child within
with greater strength and confidence…
and a belief that he can win!

All because a hero was there…
in the HEART of a teacher who cared
enabling the child to become much more…
than he ever imagined…or dared

A teacher with a HEART for her children…
knows what teaching is all about
she may not have all the answers…
but on this…she has no doubt

When asked which subjects she loved to teach,
she answered this way and smiled…
“It’s not the subjects that matter…
It’s all about teaching the CHILD.”

The Heart of a Teacher is a gift that any teacher will treasure for a lifetime! For more information or to look inside this beautifully designed book, just click here

Heart Of A Teacher
From: Simple Truths