American poet Robert Frost liked to think of himself not as a teacher but as an “awakener” – it’s an idea you might recognise if your teacher kindled an interest that would go on to shape your life. Teachers can stay with us long after our school days are over, through sage advice we continue to live by or simple anecdotes we like to tell.
After writer Julia Reaside wrote to her old teacher recently, to let her know what a help she’d been, she received a heartfelt letter back.
I wanted to let my old English teacher know what a help she was to me and she's just replied. A lot of crying has happened. Write to your teacher. pic.twitter.com/4LE1kvTXCp
— Julia Raeside (@JNRaeside) April 13, 2018
We’d like to hear from readers who would be interested in contacting their most inspirational teacher and exploring some of the reasons they had such an impact on life, beyond the classroom. Did your teacher pass on a love of poetry that has lasted well beyond your GCSEs, or a head for languages that has meant your life has taken some unexpected twists?
Get involved
Wherever in the world you are, tell us about the teacher you would most like to reach out to and why by using the form below. We’re also interested in any stories you might have of reconnecting with teachers previously, or students, if you are a teacher yourself.
One of our journalists may contact you to discuss this and we’ll feature some of the most interesting and inspiring contributions, alongside those of some of our writers’, as part of an upcoming feature.
If you’re having trouble using the form, click here. Read terms of service here.
