Ever had a teacher have a profound impact on your life?
One that allowed you to see something in yourself that you were yet to see?
A teacher who believed in you? Who pointed you on a trajectory you’re forever grateful for?
I did. Alison Gilson, my Year 10 English Teacher.
Ms Gilson convinced me to stay on at school and finish Year 12, something I’d never considered.
I vaguely remember the conversation jokingly being centred around giving me two more years to mature a bit. Looking back, that may have been less of a joke and more like cleverly deployed advice.
Either way, I’m super thankful I listened.
Twenty two years later I was appointed as Principal of Norfolk Island Central School.
The very first day of my career as a principal happened to be the same day my eldest son started school.
He was at my school, and we were doing this incredible thing together.
Later that evening I reflected on that special shared moment and all the things that had contributed to that experience.
But one stood out as the defining moment – Ms Gilson’s encouragement for me to stay on at school.
So, I tracked Ms Gilson down via Facebook and shared my appreciation.
I saw that the message had been read but received no reply.
About three months into my principalship, a handwritten letter appeared in my pigeonhole. It was from Ms Gilson (strategic poetic English teacher manoeuvre, well played Ms Gilson).
And it read…
“I’ve always described teaching as a crumby profession… you get a little crumb here, and a little crumb there… But you sir, have given me the whole cake.”
It was a simple but stirring letter that let me know that Ms Gillson knew she mattered.
Teaching can be a tough gig.
Teachers give their best for others.
Teachers rarely get told just how much they matter.
Who’s your Ms Gilson?
Have you let them know about their impact and influence on you?
If not, I encourage you to do so.
Because letting someone know how much they matter is, well, a piece of cake.
