Influential Teachers, Classmates

Miss Markley was the dearest teacher I’ve ever had, and a true friend who really cared about a young girl who had been very ill. 

Ethel - Nashville, Kansas 

Genuine Teacher Never Forgotten

I was in second grade when I was fortunate enough to meet Miss Foley. It was her first year of teaching, and in our little schoolhouse, she was responsible for teaching all eight grades. This should have seemed like a formidable job to someone so inexperienced, but she accepted the responsibility with eagerness and joy. 

On the first day of school, Miss Foley arrived with storybooks and a little record player. We came to love the record player, because most of us didn’t have a source of music in our homes. Therefore, it was a treat to hear music each day before we began our studies. 

Miss Foley always dressed nicely. In fact, one student’s mother visited the school one day, and I heard her say to Miss Foley, “You are so dressed up. Are you expecting someone important today?” Miss Foley told her there was no one more important than her pupils, saying she wanted to look her best for us. We appreciated her efforts and admired each outfit she wore. It wasn’t long before we all came to school wearing clean clothes, looking scrubbed and combed. 

We all felt we were special to Miss Foley, and I really think we were. If we missed a day of school, Miss Foley contacted our parents to make sure we were OK. When it was too cold to play outside, she taught us how to play all kinds of fun games indoors, and I think she might have actually had more fun than we did. 

Unfortunately, all good things must end, and, after two years, Miss Foley was transferred to another school. When she told us the news, we all cried, including her. She promised to keep in touch with all of us, and I’m happy to say she did. I am also happy to say that the influence she had on me has stayed with me through all these years. 

Alma - Monrovia, Indiana 

Small Woman Taught Big Lessons

Sixty-five years ago, when I was in third grade, Miss Tierney was my teacher. 

Just last year, she turned 94. She was a small woman who was always dressed immaculately, with every hair in place. She was kind-spirited, yet everyone knew she was in charge. She had a remarkable memory, beautiful penmanship and a gentle voice that commanded attention. 

I was the first of 11 children to have Miss Tierney (who later became Mrs. Lanterman) as a teacher, and I will never forget how she made learning an adventure. Her enthusiasm and determination gave her students incentive, and she was always fair. She had cursive letters she’d cut out hanging around the room for all of us to see while she taught us penmanship. We learned self-worth by watching her example and seeing how she treated people. 

Over the years, Mrs. Lanterman has corresponded with all of my siblings and me. She even sent me a greeting card when I earned an associate degree.