For Spring

As soon as I walked into her classroom, I felt at home.  I'm not sure if it was the bright colors coming from the markers on the board - in gorgeous font - or the Mary Englebreit (whom I adore) posters adorning the walls.  I quickly sat down with three of my friends and was welcomed into the classroom that would convince me I wanted to be a high school English teacher.

There were a few things I already knew about one Spring McKinney.  She was adopting a baby girl from China, she assigned a big quilt project, and she had impeccable style.  I loved English, and I had hopes that my love would only grow from this class and experience.

I've heard a lot of my students whine and say, "We learn the same things every year in English!"  I agree that there is a typical run down of vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension, but when I was in Mrs. McKinney's classroom, it didn't feel that way.  She took teaching and shaped it in her hands, making the outcome always exciting and different.  I started looking at stories a new way.  I fell in love with so many short stories and books.  My life was altered by reading The Awakening and Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!  These still are two of my absolute favorite books of all time.

I loved that I was able to start my day off in Mrs. McKinney's room.  I loved taking literature and making it mine.  Really owning it and analyzing the fine details.  I wrote essays on quotes and symbols and authors...and I didn't mind doing it.  I think that's the sign of an incredible teacher.  The student becomes so immersed in the material, the richness of the class, the details of the language, that they don't even know they're learning.  They're just living.

Much like I remember the first day I walked into Mrs. McKinney's room, I remember her telling me she was going to leave it.  My friend, Caroline, and I were sitting in our Earth Science class when she asked to see us outside.  She calmly told us she was moving to Birmingham, AL.  Her husband had found an incredible job opportunity and took it.  She promised to keep in touch and told us we could visit anytime we wanted to.

I was heartbroken, but Mrs. McKinney kept her promise.  We exchanged letters, emails, phone calls, and then in the fall after she moved, Caroline and I were able to go out and visit her.  Before I knew it, she had news that she was moving back.  I was elated.

For several years, anytime I was home, I tried to visit Mrs. McKinney.  I could tell her anything.  I could ask her anything.  Our bond from student/teacher had grown to a close friend/mentor-ship.  Then, she up and moved on me again.  I definitely cried that time.

I started this post a couple weeks ago during "Teacher Appreciation Week".  I wanted to somehow thank the woman who has shaped my life and helped to mold me.  I could tell you a million different stories about the times she has pushed me, helped me, supported me, taught me, and inspired me.  I still call her to tease out my problems, ask advice, and get her opinion.  She never lets me down.  The mark she has left on my life is one that will forever shape me...because she believes in me...I believe in myself.

There's a quote from Tuesdays with Morrie that always reminds me of Mrs. McKinney...so I close with those words:

"Have you ever really had a teacher?  One who saw you as a raw but precious thing; a jewel that, with wisdom, could be polished to a proud shine?"  (I have...)
~Mitch Albom