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Speech on Teachers

The role of a teacher in a child’s life is crucial. Being a teacher is a great responsibility as the present and future of children are in their hands. What children become is a result of all the lessons a child takes from the very beginning. This article will help you understand the part teachers play in the life of an individual and also give you examples of speeches about teachers.

Table of Contents

Role of a teacher, short speech on teachers, speech on the importance of teachers, faqs on teachers.

Teachers are the ones who open the minds of the young ones to the world. They impart knowledge and show them what matters the most. Teachers have a lot of students to take care of, and they all look the same in the eyes of a teacher; whereas, the same teacher can appeal to each student differently. They make an impact on their lives and change them for the good.

The influence a teacher has on their students is huge. No matter what, a student always looks up to the teacher for help and guidance. Teachers are like second parents. Teachers have a fair share in the moulding of a child from the time the child is around 4 to 5 years old. So it is important that children have good teachers who could make them intellectually, emotionally and morally sound and strong.

‘A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others’, says Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Teaching has always been considered as a noble profession. No good teacher looks for their own success and endeavour; they always have their students’ present and future in mind. When one chooses to be a teacher, it is understood that a number of qualities are embodied in that individual.

A teacher is looked upon as a guide, a mentor, a friend and a selfless abode of love and care. No matter how young or old a teacher is, they consider their students as their own children. The influence of a teacher extends beyond the classroom. The best teachers tell their students where to look but don’t tell them what to see, according to Alexandra K Trenfor. Teachers let their light shine bright even on the darkest roads so that the little ones do not lose track of their destination. You are everything a teacher should be. To the world, you may be just another teacher, but to us, you are our hero. We respect you for what you have been doing for us all through these years. We know we are not the best students, but you are the best teacher we could ever ask for. Thank you for accepting us for who we are and for loving us as much.

Teachers play a pivotal role in the life of each and every student. A teacher need not be perfect, but a teacher ought to be knowledgeable so as to provide the students with the right information and considerate so as to be able to try and understand every little child. Teachers are often a source of inspiration. There are children who follow the footsteps of their teachers. A good teacher is like a treasure that has to be cherished and valued.

Joyce Meyer said, “Teachers can change lives with just the right mix of chalk and challenges”. It is true that as teachers, they always chalk out the right direction and overcome the challenges on the way. Teachers can do more than just guide. They pave the way and let the children choose their own paths to become the best version of themselves in the future.

Why are teachers important in our life?

Teachers impart knowledge and guide us in the right directions. Our life would definitely not be the same without dedicated teachers who selflessly work in order to make our lives better.

How do you end a speech?

There are numerous ways in which you can end your speech. You can simply sum up and conclude, use a quote that sums up the whole idea of the speech, motivate everyone listening to you to join in with you to make a difference and so on.

What is the best speech for a teacher?

If you are thinking about what would be the best thing to say when you are asked to speak about your teacher, here is a tip. You can share your experiences about your teachers and thank them for all that they have done for you.

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Speech on Importance of Teacher in Our Lives for Students

Speech on importance of teacher in our lives.

Teachers play a very important role in shaping the future of their students. Right from kindergarten to university, they are the ones who impart knowledge and teach us about everything important. Moreover, they also teach us about ethical values and imbibe in our moral values. Thus, we can say that teachers shape our personality into something very strong and wonderful. A world without teachers would be definitely chaotic. There are only a few people in our lives who impact our world, and teachers are definitely one of them.

Importance of Teachers in Our Lives

They assume the role of an educator and caregiver for their students. Sometimes, they also become our friends and help us with personal problems. A teacher is the one who will help you become a better person and an informed one.

Moreover, they see the potential of their students when no one else can. Teachers also decide the fate of a nation as the youth is in their hands. When the youth is educated and informed, naturally, the future of the country will be in safe hands.

In fact, the fate of students is in the hands of their teachers. They push the students to achieve greater heights and become successful. Consequently, they turn out to be doctors, lawyers, pilots, scientists and more, only with the help of a teacher. In India, we even celebrate Teacher’s Day to honor them on 5 th September, every year.

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A Teacher’s Role

While some people think it’s easy, the role of a teacher is very challenging and equally important. It is their responsibility to impart the correct knowledge and in the right manner. They have to teach methodically for which they prepare their lessons beforehand. Thus, they are able to motivate their students through the use of accurate techniques.

A good teacher gives homework to their students also checks it regularly for a better practice. Further, they plan meticulously for a better teaching pattern. At the beginning of the year, they plan the whole syllabus out for a smooth teaching experience.

In addition to teaching, a teacher is also a good organizer. They have to organize various activities that take place in school throughout the year. Further, they have to take care of other little yet important things, like the seating arrangement, classroom activities and more.

Moreover, they also supervise a lot of tasks and activities in school. For instance, attendance, homework, behaviour is also supervised by teachers. They are responsible for maintaining the discipline and decorum of the students.

Most importantly, they guide the students every step of the way. They have to make sure they do not favour a specific student and give equal attention to all. In fact, teachers have to decide how they divide the attention towards students who need it more than others.

Thus, it is fair to say that our teachers are the ones who make this world a better place. They make this world a better place by enhancing student’s lives. Moreover, teachers are the ones who play the role of so many people in a child’s life. They are a mentor, a parent, a friend, and more which makes all the difference in one’s life.

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Speech Script: Teachers’ Day

Teachers’ Day is a special occasion where we express our gratitude and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of educators in shaping our lives. Delivering a heartfelt speech is a wonderful way to honor teachers on this significant day. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to write an inspiring speech for Teachers’ Day, highlighting key elements such as understanding the audience, structuring the speech, incorporating personal anecdotes, expressing gratitude, and delivering a memorable conclusion.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Audience

Before you begin writing your Teachers’ Day speech, it is crucial to understand your audience. Consider the diverse group of teachers who will be present, ranging from seasoned educators to newly appointed teachers. Acknowledge their dedication, passion, and the challenges they face in their noble profession. Tailor your speech to resonate with their experiences and aspirations, ensuring that your words create a sense of unity and appreciation among the educators.

Structuring the Speech

An organized structure is essential for an effective speech. Begin with a warm introduction, capturing the attention of your audience. Provide a brief overview of the significance of Teachers’ Day and the purpose of your speech. Transition into the main body, divided into several key points. Each point should focus on a specific aspect, such as the impact of teachers on students’ lives, the transformative power of education, or the importance of continuous learning. Use clear and concise language, and support your points with relevant examples or anecdotes. Finally, conclude your speech by summarizing the key ideas and reinforcing the message of appreciation and gratitude.

Incorporating Personal Anecdotes

Personal anecdotes add a touch of authenticity and emotional connection to your speech. Share your own experiences as a student and highlight the teachers who have made a lasting impact on your life. Recall specific moments or instances that exemplify their dedication, compassion, or innovative teaching methods. By sharing these personal stories, you not only honor the teachers who have influenced you but also inspire others to reflect on their own experiences with educators. Remember to maintain a balance between personal anecdotes and broader messages that resonate with the entire audience.

Expressing Gratitude

Teachers’ Day is an opportune time to express heartfelt gratitude. Take a moment to acknowledge the hard work, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by teachers. Reflect on the challenges they face, including the demanding nature of their profession and their role in shaping future generations. Express appreciation for their guidance, patience, and belief in their students’ potential. Consider incorporating quotes, poems, or excerpts from famous speeches that exemplify the impact of teachers on society. Be sincere and genuine in your expressions of gratitude, as it will resonate deeply with your audience.

Delivering a Memorable Conclusion

A powerful conclusion leaves a lasting impression on your audience. Summarize the key points of your speech, emphasizing the significance of teachers and their role as catalysts for change. Inspire your audience with a call to action, encouraging them to continue making a difference in the lives of students. Conclude with a heartfelt thank you, expressing gratitude once again for the dedication and passion exhibited by teachers. Consider ending with a memorable quote or a thought-provoking statement that encapsulates the essence of your speech.

Teachers’ Day Speech Example #1

Esteemed teachers, respected guests, and dear students,

Today, we gather here to celebrate a group of extraordinary individuals who shape our minds, inspire our hearts, and ignite our passion for learning—our teachers. On this special occasion of Teachers’ Day, we come together to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the invaluable contributions they make in our lives. In this speech, we will reflect on the profound impact of teachers, the transformative power of education, and the importance of honoring and celebrating these remarkable individuals.

Teachers hold the power to change lives, to ignite curiosity, and to unlock the potential within each of us. They are the guiding lights that illuminate our path to knowledge and understanding. Through their dedication, expertise, and unwavering belief in our abilities, they empower us to dream big, to challenge ourselves, and to reach for the stars. Teachers not only impart academic knowledge but also nurture our character, values, and life skills. They instill in us the confidence to face challenges, the resilience to persevere, and the compassion to make a positive impact in the world.

Education is the key that unlocks the doors of opportunity and empowers us to shape our own destinies. Teachers play a pivotal role in this transformative journey. They create inclusive and engaging learning environments where we can explore new ideas, ask questions, and discover our passions. They encourage critical thinking, creativity, and independent thought, equipping us with the tools to navigate an ever-changing world. Beyond textbooks and exams, teachers impart life lessons, values, and the importance of empathy and respect for others. They foster a love for lifelong learning and inspire us to become lifelong learners ourselves.

Teachers’ Day is a time to honor and celebrate the tireless efforts, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our teachers. It is an opportunity to express our gratitude for the sacrifices they make, the extra hours they invest, and the personal care they provide to ensure our success. Today, let us reflect on the impact teachers have made in our lives and the countless ways they have shaped our futures.

Let us recognize the teachers who have gone above and beyond, who have nurtured our potential, and who have believed in us when we doubted ourselves. Their guidance and mentorship have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. Today, we acknowledge their selflessness, their passion for teaching, and their relentless pursuit of our growth and development.

Beyond individual teachers, let us celebrate the entire teaching community. The collective efforts of teachers shape the foundation of education and society as a whole. Let us acknowledge their resilience, adaptability, and dedication, especially in the face of unprecedented challenges. Their unwavering commitment to our education and well-being is deserving of our highest praise and appreciation.

In conclusion, on this special occasion of Teachers’ Day, let us honor and celebrate the guiding lights who have touched our lives and shaped our futures. Let us express our gratitude not only through words but through our actions, by applying the lessons they have taught us and making a positive impact in the world. To all the remarkable teachers present here today and to teachers around the world, we extend our deepest appreciation and wish you a joyous and fulfilling Teachers’ Day.

Teachers’ Day Speech Example #2

Esteemed educators, distinguished guests, and dear students,

Today, we gather here to celebrate the incredible influence of teachers in our lives and to commemorate the significance of their role on this special occasion of Teachers’ Day. Teachers are the architects of our intellectual and personal growth, guiding us along the path of knowledge and empowering us to reach our fullest potential. In this speech, we will reflect on the enduring impact of teachers, the transformative power of education, and the profound gratitude we owe to these remarkable individuals.

Teachers are the guiding light that illuminates the path to discovery and understanding. They possess the extraordinary ability to ignite a flame of curiosity within us, sparking a lifelong love for learning. Through their passion, knowledge, and dedication, they provide us with the tools to navigate the complexities of the world. Teachers foster critical thinking, encourage intellectual curiosity, and instill in us the confidence to voice our opinions and ideas. They create an environment that nurtures creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience. Their unwavering support and belief in our abilities empower us to explore our potential and pursue our dreams.

Education is a transformative force that has the power to shape lives and create a better future. Teachers are the catalysts of this transformation, molding not only our minds but also our character. They equip us with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of life and contribute meaningfully to society. Teachers go beyond textbooks, imparting life lessons, values, and empathy. They inspire us to become compassionate individuals who are aware of the world around us. Teachers foster a sense of inclusivity, celebrating diversity and nurturing a respectful and harmonious community.

Teachers’ Day is a momentous occasion to express our sincerest gratitude and honor the teachers who have made a profound impact on our lives. Let us take this opportunity to acknowledge their unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in our potential. Today, we celebrate not just individual teachers, but the entire teaching community. Every teacher, whether in a classroom, a laboratory, or through virtual platforms, plays a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations.

Let us remember those teachers who have gone above and beyond, who have inspired us to dream big and supported us in achieving our goals. Their mentorship and guidance have left an indelible mark on our lives. Today, we honor their commitment to our growth and their tireless efforts to make a difference.

As students, let us also recognize our responsibility to honor our teachers by embracing education with enthusiasm, integrity, and a thirst for knowledge. Let us strive to be lifelong learners, continuing to grow and develop even beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

In conclusion, on this momentous Teachers’ Day, let us celebrate the enduring impact of teachers on our lives. Their dedication, passion, and commitment have shaped our minds, influenced our character, and paved the way for our future success. Today and every day, let us express our deepest gratitude to the remarkable teachers who have illuminated our path and inspired us to reach for the stars. To all the teachers present here today and to teachers around the world, we extend our heartfelt appreciation and wish you a joyous and fulfilling Teachers’ Day.

Teachers’ Day Speech Example #3

Honorable educators, esteemed guests, and dear students,

Today, we gather here to pay tribute to the profound impact of teachers in shaping minds, nurturing souls, and igniting a lifelong love for learning. On this auspicious occasion of Teachers’ Day, we come together to celebrate the unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions of these remarkable individuals. In this speech, we will reflect on the enduring influence of teachers, the transformative power of education, and the deep gratitude we owe to those who have guided us on our educational journey.

Teachers are the guiding lights that illuminate the paths to knowledge, wisdom, and self-discovery. They possess the unique ability to recognize and nurture the potential within each student. In their classrooms, they create an environment that fosters growth, curiosity, and intellectual exploration. With passion and expertise, they impart knowledge, challenge assumptions, and inspire us to think critically. Teachers not only teach us subjects but also guide us in navigating life’s complexities, instilling values, empathy, and resilience. They believe in our capabilities and provide unwavering support, empowering us to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.

Education is a transformative force that empowers individuals and drives positive change in society. Teachers are the catalysts of this transformation, shaping generations of learners. Through education, they open doors of opportunity, broaden perspectives, and equip us with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Teachers foster creativity, encourage innovation, and nurture the skills necessary for success. They inspire us to become lifelong learners, instilling a hunger for knowledge and a passion for personal growth. Beyond academic subjects, teachers cultivate critical thinking, compassion, and social responsibility, molding well-rounded individuals who contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Teachers’ Day is a momentous occasion to honor and appreciate the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of our teachers. It is an opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for their selflessness, patience, and dedication to our education and well-being. Today, let us remember and celebrate those teachers who have left an indelible mark on our lives, who have gone beyond their call of duty, and who have believed in our potential when we doubted ourselves.

Let us acknowledge the sacrifices teachers make, often going above and beyond their responsibilities to ensure our success. Their encouragement, mentorship, and guidance have shaped our futures and inspired us to become the best versions of ourselves. Today, we express our heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering support and the countless hours they invest in our growth.

Moreover, let us extend our gratitude to the entire teaching community. Teachers work collaboratively, sharing knowledge, best practices, and inspiration. They support and uplift one another, united by a common goal of nurturing young minds. The collective efforts of teachers shape the foundation of education, laying the groundwork for a brighter and more enlightened future.

In conclusion, on this special Teachers’ Day, let us celebrate the everlasting influence of teachers, the guiding lights who have shaped our lives and set us on a path to success. Their dedication, passion, and unwavering belief in our potential have made a lasting impact. May we always remember their invaluable contributions and strive to honor their legacy by embracing education, pursuing knowledge, and making a positive difference in the world. To all the exceptional teachers present here today and to educators worldwide, we extend our deepest gratitude and wish you a joyous and fulfilling Teachers’ Day.

Final Thoughts

Writing an inspiring speech for Teacher’s Day requires careful consideration of the audience, a well-structured outline, personal anecdotes, expressions of gratitude, and a memorable conclusion. By honoring teachers through our words, we celebrate their impact on our lives and recognize their pivotal role in shaping the future generations.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

[email protected]

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Teacher Speech

The role of a teacher in the life of a student is significant and by and large the most important. The excellence of a teacher decides the academic and other mile stones achieved by his/her students. We all are like a bundle of infinite potential, but, to unlock that potential and to realize our own abilities, we, up to large extent, depend on our teacher. A teacher recognizes our individual talents and treats us accordingly so that to bring out the best in us.

She/he is the person who makes us realize our own blessings and guides us until we have full explored them. A teacher, like our parents, always stays by our side, either in joy or in sorrow. By encouraging the youth and making them educated, a teacher does excellent service to the society and to the nation.

Long and Short Speech on Teacher in English

Below we are giving long and short speech on teachers.

These Teacher Speech are written in simple English to make them easily memorable and presentable when required.

While delivering the speech you will tell the audiences about the significance and qualities of a teacher, leaving the audience mesmerized in the end.

These long and short speeches will be extremely useful for you on the occasions like Teachers Day or other similar events.

Short Speech on Teacher – 1

Good Morning everyone! As we all know that today is Teachers Day, so I am being asked by my classmates to give a speech on “teacher”.

A teacher, my dear friends, going by the meaning, is someone who teaches. But, this is only the most basic definition of a teacher. If I have started stating the ways in which a teacher contributes to the society, I will most probably run short of words.

A teacher is the craftsman who helps building the foundation of a nation by teaching its wards. Without a teacher there would be no students, but only boisterous citizens with no clue on where they are headed.

Happy Teachers Day to all and don’t forget to cheer your beloved teachers today by pampering them with praises and gifts.

Short Speech on Teacher – 2

Very well Good Morning to all of you present here today, especially the teachers. As we all know that today is Teachers Day and I am requested by some of the friends of mine to give a speech on teachers.

From kindergarten to graduation, every step that we took was accompanied by a teacher whose sole interest was in our own growth and welfare. I think teaching is one of those rare professions, which someone chooses out of passion, rather than necessity.

There are so many teachers, a few of them I personally know, who could have easily chosen a lucrative profession; nevertheless, they chose to go with their inner voice. That is, they chose to enlighten the minds and transform lives. Could there be a social work more elegant than transforming noisy, stubborn and rambunctious kids into disciplined, concerned and progressive adults.

While most of us strive for materialistic accomplishments – decent package, house, car etc; a teacher wishes for something more sensible, that is, to transform his/her students into productive and sensible citizens.

There is nothing by which the society or the nation could ever repay the services of a teacher. S/he is the very foundation of a society.

Having said that, I would like to request you all to celebrate the day with your beloved, respected teachers, with as much fun and joy as you can. It is a day when you make them happy and cheer them up for the noble task they have chosen.

Wishing you all Happy Teacher’s Day! Once Again!

Long Speech on Teacher – 3

Respected Principal, Respected teachers and my dear fellow Students,

It feels great to welcome you all to this auspicious occasion; since we have gathered here to celebrate one of the most admirable occasions i.e. Teacher’s Day, it’s an opportunity for me to share few words about teachers, their role in schools and colleges and their influence on the students.

Teachers are the backbone of our society because they majorly contribute in shaping the future of a nation, i.e. students and guide them in becoming an ideal citizen of the country. Teacher’s job is full of responsibility and challenges because not every student is same and thus the teacher has to be dynamic and adopt different teaching patterns for different students. Teaching is a social practice and more than knowledge, a teacher must be a good human being who can very well shoulder the responsibility of his/her job and understand the sensitivity of the situation where students from different backgrounds have come together for learning and thus apply skills and knowledge to the best of his/her capacity while teaching.

Some of the qualities which every teacher must possess in order to become most acceptable are:

• Enthusiasm – It is a known fact that teachers who show enthusiasm while teaching create a positive atmosphere and learning environment which help students in gaining knowledge fast and with fun. These teachers don’t follow the uniform pattern instead, they innovate teaching methods to keep the students engaged and enthusiastic.

The most important role a teacher plays is in motivating the students; some of the students find their teacher to be a role model and try to imitate them. Thus it is very important that the teacher leaves a positive impression on each student.

• Interaction with learners – It is very important for the teacher to indulge into transparent and open discussion with the students in order to understand the capability of the learner. Some students are shy, while other may be afraid of failure. A teacher is highly trusted to build up the student emotionally and practically.

Conventionally, teaching is considered equivalent to praying. In olden days, parents used to leave their children in gurukul (a kind of residential school where students live with the teacher for studies). This tradition was greatly supported by the trust and bond between the parents and teachers. Even today, trust is one of the most important factors which motivate parents to get their children admitted in a particular school. A teacher is considered to be the alternate parents; this makes teaching all the more challenging and full of accountability.

In recent days, we get to hear a lot about corporal punishment. Some of the teachers get barbaric and beat students so badly that some of them don’t even survive. This is highly restricted in all over India. Though it is important for the teachers to be strict sometimes but there can be alternate methods to punish the students than harming them physically.

Well, I would like to end this note with a huge thanks to our teachers who are so caring and compassionate. We are highly honoured to be a part of this School.

Long Speech on Teacher – 4

Good evening everybody!

I welcome you all to this grand occasion. In our lifetime each of us has some or other teachers whom we consider as our idol.

Alright, so today I would like to talk to you about the one who lays the foundation of the existence of any school – ‘The Teacher’. Teacher is that one entity who strengthens the educational power of the students. They are the ones who link the students to the school and vice versa.

While I was young, I always used to associate my subject by the name of the teacher who used to teach that and also more the favourite teacher, more the marks in that subject… Yes, it’s a fact. Isn’t it, kids?

It is a proven fact that a teacher’s job is not just a job but it has an impact on the growth and well-being of the entire nation. Teachers play the most essential role in delivering what is desired. They are considered as the backbone of the society because they continuously contribute in building up the student’s characters, shaping their future and also help them to become ideal citizens of the country. A good teacher always inspires the hope, ignites the imagination, and instils the love of learning within us.

It isn’t true that the teacher works only when they have a class to address, before coming to the class they have a long handed homework to be done, yes… believe me, they do have! They need to be prepared for the topic to be taught, they have to get the tests prepared, the exercises ready and all that To-Do list prepared before they actually come on desk to perform their role. It is the responsibility of the teachers to continue doing their hard work and go through a variety of material that enriches their knowledge for the betterment of the society.

Teachers give us the moral support and encourage us to live a quality life in the society. They have the power to let the students understand the aspects of career growth, and future prospects in their desired fields.

Teachers help a student to shape their character and make their future bright. They enable us to stand strong in this world by building us from within, by making us sensible and knowledgeable so that we become capable of dealing with numerous challenges coming our way and helping us succeed.

As a conclusion, I would ask you all to always cherish the bond with your teachers. They are the ones who have educated you and have put in the efforts to bring you up in this society. We owe our respect and gratitude towards our teachers, they have empowered us with education, they have nurtured us with their love and affection just like our parents. Our respect makes them feel contended; they build the new blood to be a worthy soul in this nation.

Teachers have always been special and will continue to do so in all times to come.

Speech on Teacher – 5

Our most respected teachers, dear friends and students,

How may we express our heartfelt gratitude to our teachers? Friend, philosopher and guide all rolled into one. Yes, every teacher of ours has been just that.

Our teachers have facilitated our scholastic abilities and aptitudes. They have helped us cross the thresholds to possess the academic prerequisites to clear exams and qualify at different levels in our academic pursuits. They have been patient with us even as they got us grounded in the fundamentals of every subject. They have taught us with love. And that has often lightened even subjects that we found very tough.

But then our teachers have done much, much more than that. And we have learned from our teachers in so many different ways. Our teachers have guided us when we have faced difficult situations and dilemmas. When we have been low, and down and dejected they have been successful in raising our spirits and putting us right back on track. They have loved us even when we played truant and were mischievous and played pranks. They have offered us support in so many ways that made the process of education enjoyable. They have striven hard to inculcate in us human values and right ethics so that we may have a future guided by goodness and righteousness. They have helped us seek the truth and live by it at all times. They have given their time most generously, and offered advice most willingly. Isn’t it?

And naturally our teachers have been our role models. We have always looked up to our teachers with respect, awe and love. And we have always wondered if we could ever match up to them. Right?

Really speaking, it may never be possible for us to say all that our teachers have done for us and made possible for us so that we may work hard, excel and have a bright and happy future.

As we come together to thank our teachers, we find words are insufficient to do that. Words seem to pale before our teachers’ selfless service and devotion to the cause of educating, enlightening and moulding our minds, hearts and lives in totality. Words can never equal what our teachers have done for us with no expectation whatsoever.

Nevertheless, we have to resort to saying verbally a thank you to our teachers which is, of course, backed by our most sincere gratitude and deep love and appreciation.

Dear teachers, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to you all. You mean so much to us. What you have given us will help us go into the world for building our future.

All the beautiful flowers that could go into making a fragrant and extravagant bouquet would whither after a time, but dear teachers, our love and respect and regard for you for all that you have done to bolster and buttress our strength, and courage shall remain fresh always, in fact, will only grow and grow.

Speech on Teacher – 6

Dear friends, respected teachers and Principal Ma’am,

It is indeed so wonderful to be here on the occasion to mark Teacher’s Day.

As we look back there is a sense of nostalgia, of course, as we reminisce the academic institutions we attended as we went from school to college and then to university and other institutions of higher learning.

But at the root of it all is the great sense of gratitude we feel for our teachers at every level of our study and learning.

What would life have been but for our teachers? They, who taught us the alphabets and then through all the years of our study till we submitted, perhaps, our post-doctoral research work.

Education is so inter-linked with teachers. And when we glorify education as the means of enlightenment, emancipation and empowerment of people, men and women, we must really realize that the possibility becomes a realization through the patience, love, service and devotion of millions of teachers.

Go back in time and the person you most fondly remember will be the teacher who taught you, perhaps at kindergarten. That was the time when you, as a little child, left the comfort of your home and parents and went into a completely new environment and started to study and play with other children. And that kindergarten teacher was the person who was loving and caring, making the initiation to learning less painful, more comfortable.

As you grew up your teachers also became your mentors, advisers, supporters, counselors, sympathizers and role models. And your teachers were persons who made you independent thinkers, adventurous learners and inquisitive researchers. And they fostered you at every step. Even when our teachers seemed harsh or tough with us it was to make us strong and capable to deal with the reality most ably and most aptly that awaited us in the world. We realized that later. And we were only overwhelmed with gratitude.

These memories flood our minds and hearts as we remember our dear teachers. Yes, indeed!

Years may roll on and time flies, yet our teachers have a very special place in our hearts. That it seems is the power of sharing. When teachers teach us it is really that they share so much of their time, learning and life skills with us. Teachers are indeed so generous, and that is what transforms the lives of students year after year.

When we come together on occasions such as today to celebrate the lives and work of teachers, let us determine to share, in our own way, something that we may be endowed with, with those who may lack it. When we can do something akin to what our teachers did for us, it would only make our teachers happy and proud of us. It may be one way of saying a big thank you to our teachers.

Nothing can equal what our teachers have done for us. But we can try in whatever small way we can.

Related Information:

Essay on Teacher

Essay on My Favourite Teacher

Teachers Day Essay

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Speech on Teachers Day Celebration

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How to Write a Teachers’ Day Speech: A Guide for Students and Teachers

Hitiksha jain.

• Speech Writing

A teachers’ day speech is a special occasion speech. It is a speech where you acknowledge your teachers, gurus or mentors for being an absolute human guide and encouraging you to dream. On this special day, you express your gratitude towards them, it can be in the form of a speech or stage performances.

‘When one teaches, two learn.’  Robert Heinlein

Teachers’ Day is that one event which not only excites the students, but the teachers as well. It is an important day for the students, as it gives them a chance to recognize the efforts put in by their teachers to ensure that they get proper education and ethics in life. Likewise, the teachers also await the Teachers’ Day celebration, as their efforts get acknowledged and honoured by their students.

But why is it important to celebrate Teachers’ Day?

Teaching is considered to be the most sacred and noble professions of all, as teachers are the ones to craft the other professions. 

Teachers have the ability to change the students’ life for the better. Teaching is a tough job; however, it is that one job where you can make the optimum impact on another person’s life.

However, we often tend to forget the importance teachers have in our lives. So, on this day you make them realize how important they are in your life along with this you appreciate their existence, their efforts and their guidance.

Not only students, but teachers also express their views to the students because their profession is nothing without their students. 

If you are looking for tips on how you can draft a heart touching speech for teachers’ day, don’t worry we’ve got some suggestions for you (teacher or student).

But remember, the only key to give a heartwarming speech is Authenticity.

Tips to Remember Before you Draft your Teachers’ Day Speech:

1)  appreciate, do not exaggerate.

When you give a speech on occasions like teachers’ day, it demands you to be authentic while sharing your experiences or showing gratitude. Being authentic will help you make your speech pure and impressive at the same time. 

Try to articulate your feelings in the simplest form which will make your speech sound genuine. 

Exaggeration in a speech might make you lose your credibility, making it sound unreal. 

In case of students giving a speech for their teachers, you can appreciate their efforts, praise them, or the way in which they helped you garner knowledge, improve your skills, grow confidence as well as to help you choose the right path to success. 

In short, when thinking about the best way to thank your teacher/s, consider what exceptional they did or above their call of duty? How did they inspire you or change your thinking? Did they inspire some new academic avocation or activity? What skills will you hold dear in future?

You are basically trying to acknowledge the efforts that your teachers have put in. So try and make your acknowledgement sound genuine and speak from your heart and not just for the sake of saying it.

In case of teachers giving a speech on teachers’ day, you can talk more on the lines of how your students have been motivating you or how happy you are to see their efforts to do better everyday, for instance, showing their interests in the extracurricular activities or competitions. 

Pro tip- Do not overdo it, for instance over praising your teachers or students, the listeners will understand it is not coming from your heart. 

2) Dedicate your Thoughts

The speaker should be expressive about one’s emotions. Your speech is dedicated to the event of Teachers’ day, so everything you speak has to support the event.

For students giving a speech on teachers’ day, the speaker can dedicate the speech mainly to acknowledge his teachers, communicate gratitude towards them and applaud them for being a beacon of light in their lives. 

For teachers giving a speech on teachers’ day, you can talk more about why it is celebrated, the importance of a teacher in a student’s life, what motivates you to be a teacher.

3) The PURPOSE should be at the Heart of your Speech

One thing you need to bear in your mind is the purpose of your speech. Purpose means, why is the speech drafted or for what are you drafting the speech. 

For instance, in case of students , the speech is drafted for your teachers in order to pay them a tribute or acknowledge their efforts.

Similarly, in case of teachers , your speech is drafted for the students as well the fellow teachers, so your purpose of talking would be the joy you experience while teaching or guiding your students or expressing your gratitude for the efforts the students have taken to make your day special.

Therefore, your speech needs to revolve much around teachers’ day, so that you don’t deviate from the purpose of your speech.

4) Duration of the Speech 

The goal of any speaker is to make his speech memorable and at the same time the one which has a long-lasting impact.

While drafting your speech, try to keep it short and sweet, as it is more likely to hold your audiences’ attention. It also forces you to say what you mean and nothing more. Meaning, you will cover only those points that are central to your message or speech.

Stick to your topic and then draft your speech accordingly – use as few words as possible and limited anecdotes to retain your audiences’ attention without sacrificing the essential information. 

Make sure the points you want to make come out clearly.

We’ve written an article on How to Deliver a 1 Minute Speech: Tips, Examples, Topics & More . Check it out to get some tips on how you can deliver a short speech.

After keeping in mind these few suggestions, the next step would be to organize your content, so that your speech flows smoothly.

Here’s an article on How to make your speech flow smoothly . You can review this article to get a better understanding regarding the same.

In order to give a clear and a structured speech, your speech needs to be divided into three parts, mainly- Introduction, Body and Conclusion.

How to Organize your Teachers’ Day Speech?

1) introduction.

An introduction can be best considered as the foundation of your speech. Just as you can’t build a building without forming its base, you cannot build your speech until and unless you don’t introduce your topic.

Introducing your topic will help you gain the audiences’ attention because you’re revealing the purpose of you standing in front of them.

The goal is to start your speech with impact and to do this, you can start by telling a story or a quote, or by asking an interesting question.

Here’s an article that we’ve written on various storytelling approaches that you can consider for your next speech.

You can start your speech with, say like a story or a quote and then connect it to the occasion of Teachers’ day or teachers in general. 

For instance, a student can start his speech with a hypothetical situation, supposing a life without a teacher and then connect it to being thankful for having them in your life as torch bearers. 

A teacher can start her speech by expressing her gratitude towards the program that has been organized for them along with a few lines regarding why is teachers’ day celebrated

To start your speech with a bang, you can review the article that we wrote on 15 powerful speech opening lines and how to create your own.

After choosing an impactful opening remark, the next part would be the body of your speech.

Oftentimes, more importance is given to the opening and closing remarks and everything in between is considered to be filler. This should not be the case because the body of a speech is where you offer the evidence or data to support your main message.

Taking the previous example in case of students , you can actually start expressing your gratitude towards them, recognize their efforts, explain their importance in your life, and much more.

In case of teachers , you can build your speech on the basis of how your students motivate you or how you feel about teaching as a profession, or what joy you experience while teaching.

3) Conclusion

The conclusion of your speech should restate your main message. 

You basically summarize the main points of your speech which will help you to create a long-lasting impression in the minds of your audience. 

You can end your speech in much the same way you began- with a story, quotation, or a question. 

In case of students ending their Teachers’ day speech, you can thank your teachers for being an essential part of your journey.

In case of teachers ending their Teachers’ day speech, they can provide a bunch of advice to their students. 

We have a few suggestions or tips on Ways to end your speech with maximum impact .

To make this simple, here are some points that you can cover while drafting your speech.

4 Points Students can cover in their Teachers’ Day Speech : 

• Teacher’s importance in your life
• Acknowledge their efforts that they have put in for you
• You can highlight the significance of teachers’ day
• Express your gratitude towards them

Sample Speech by Students for their Teachers

Education without teachers is like a body without a soul.  “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination and instill a love of learning” , says Brad Henry. Let’s pick the first keyword over here – ‘HOPE’. A teacher is capable of returning the lost light in a student’s life. Therefore, teachers are the torch bearers who show us the path of success and walk us through the entire path until we achieve something. Today we all have gathered here to celebrate the presence of those unsung heroes without whom no profession would have existed, our teachers. It is said that parents give birth to a child, but it is the Teacher who makes sure that the child is not only raised as a tough individual, but also as an ideal citizen. We students have sometimes made it so difficult for a teacher to survive, especially if we personally find a subject boring, but it is the teacher who has made us learn a lesson which is To Never Give Up. Even if we are disrespectful, intolerant, and sometimes cross all our limits of being bearable, she still continues to motivate us.  What a teacher writes on the blackboard of life can never be erased. The values, the skills and the life lessons taught by them are something we all will hold dear in our lives. You are the reason behind our dreams and our farsightedness. You have prepared us to become the fittest and the finest individuals. Without your presence we wouldn’t have learnt how to dream. Thank you for guiding us when we were wrong and being on your toes to get the best out of us, we all are very grateful to have you all as our teachers. I would like to conclude my speech through a short poem called Teachers by Kevin William Huff that summarizes the role of a teacher in a student’s life. Teachers Inspire a love of knowledge and truth As you light the path which leads our youth For our future brightens with each lesson your teach Each smile you lengthen Each goal you help reach For the dawn of each poet, each philosopher and king Begins with a teacher And the wisdom they bring

Download the Teacher’s day Sample Speech by a Student here.

6 Points Teachers can cover in their Teachers’ Day Speech: 

• Appreciate the efforts your students have put in to organize the event
• Express your joy or why you like teaching 
• How students motivate you to teach
• Why do we celebrate teachers’ day
• What do you feel about teaching as a profession
• Few advices to the students for their future endeavours

Sample Speech by Teachers for their Students

“There’s no word in the language I revere more than teacher. My heart sings when a kid refers to me as his teacher, and it always has. I’ve honored myself and the entire family of man by becoming a teacher.”  —Pat Conroy, Author It is said that Teachers have got their designation because of the existence of students, who are taught lessons for life. Welcoming the Principal, my fellow teachers and my dear students. It gives me immense pleasure to thank each and every student present here for putting up such a lovely program. We teachers feel highly privileged to have students like you all, so I would like to dedicate this day to all our students. Teaching for me is one of those careers, where you learn something new every day as well as impart knowledge and skills to train individuals and make them ready to face the real world. We really appreciate all the support that you’ve been giving us over the years and continuously reminding us about the value of our work and our potential to impact your lives for the greater good. In short, your support helps us remain mindful of our ultimate purpose and hold on to the passion that fuels our fire.  This special day reminds me of my own gurus and their impact on my life. I remember one of my teachers telling me this, “Beyond the undone and unseen lies the unachieved.” Meaning, to do something that nobody has done or seen and that’s when you will achieve what nobody has. To achieve something extraordinary you need to conquer the 3 D’s- Desire, Determination and Discipline.  Desire means being passionate about something you love.  Determination refers to being dedicated towards something that you are passionate about. Discipline refers to practicing what you are determined about. As teachers, we strongly believe it is our key responsibility to dig in the foundation to construct pillars of great strength. And I truly appreciate the efforts all the teachers have been putting in so as to achieve this. Before I sign off for the day I would like to give you all a piece of advice. Each one of you is different, each one of you has a different caliber, challenge yourself and chase your dreams. There will be a time in your life when you might fail, but don’t give up. Your success lies without your level of patience. Do great for the society and help everyone possible. Never take your profession on your head because at first, you have to be a good human before becoming a good professional. Hence, I proudly say teaching for me is sacred and I revere teaching as a profession.

Download the Teacher’s day Sample Speech by a Teacher here.

Final Thoughts

Teachers play a major role in shaping the minds of the students. They inspire, motivate, influence, and encourage the students to think differently as well as they instill values and ethics in them.

Hence, students should not hesitate in paying a tribute to their teachers. A speech is the best way to convey your thoughts and appreciate their selfless efforts, as words hold immense power in them.

You can consider these tips and speech samples while drafting your speech in order to make your speech a remarkable one.

The success of any speech comes in when you try to speak from your heart and express what you feel in its truest sense.

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• Farewell Speech for Teacher

Farewell Speech for Teachers by Students in English

Farewell Speech For Teacher By Students is given while bidding farewell to a loved and respected teacher. Along with gifts and surprises, few heartfelt words can have a great and meaningful impact on the teacher. The teacher leaving your school might be the one who inspired you to become the person you are today and in such moments articulating what you feel is so important. Here, we will guide you on how to give Farewell Speech For Teacher in different formats, Long Farewell Speech For Teacher and Short Farewell Speech For Teacher.

Long Farewell Speech for Teacher

The Farewell Speech Given by Students to Teacher is very special because students who usually speak less also pour their heart out for their lovely teachers. The long Farewell Speech For Teacher is useful for students in grades 7-12.

Hello everyone, respected principal, teachers, and my dear friends, we are gathered here today to bid farewell to a highly valuable teacher Mr./Ms. (Name) who has given 20 years (mention the number of years of the respective teacher) of service to this school and is retiring today. Teaching is the profession that creates all other professions we are grateful that you chose to be a teacher and we learned under your umbrella of expertise. Sir joined this school many years ago and contributed so much time and effort to the students and the school. He has worked tirelessly in shaping our minds and leads us on a good path, and many years have gone by it’s so amazing we don’t realize how quickly time flies.

Time goes by quickly when you are having a good time and sir under your guidance we had the best time, and for time well spent sometimes, departures are celebrated more than arrivals. Goodbyes are so hard but also special as you have the opportunity to say how special the person is to them. So on behalf of all fellow students, I would like to say a huge thank you to the teacher who taught us to learn even outside our classrooms and encouraged us to think outside the box. The teacher is the most influential person in a student’s life after their parents and what a great influence he is for us to follow. 

Even a rough idea about a new invention was applauded in his class. He was a constant source of motivation for everyone in the class. He taught us the importance of valuing and respecting other’s knowledge and time by him being punctual, he taught us what actually counts. He always taught us by involving in each discussion and letting us learn and grow by ourselves and not concluding on his own. He always believed in teaching us in a practical world so that we don’t forget our way in the real world. 

We all look up to sir in more ways than one. As he has been our teacher and guided us academically and by being our friend and mentor he has also shown us the right path to chose personally. He has also inculcated in us the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. He has always celebrated our successes and failures equally by saying,” Well now you know what not to do.” There is no one like you sir. 

Certainly, you are the source of inspiration to many teachers here as well, who are enriched with your wealth of knowledge. He is a well-esteemed and very respected teacher, no one will take his place in our lives and no one is worthy of filling his large shoes. Now it’s time to part, and with good wishes and warm regards we bid you goodbye and we are happy because now you can spend your time exploring your own interests in life and spend time with your family and friends. 

Thank you for being the best teacher, mentor, friend, and playing so many roles at the same time.

Short Farewell Speech for Teacher

The Farewell Speech Given by Students to Teacher is very special because students get to share their feeling for their teachers. The Short Farewell Speech For Teacher is useful for students in grades 4-6.

Hello and a warm welcome to everyone present here, respected principal, teachers, and fellow students. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to start this event. I am honored to be here. The guest of honor today is also the best teacher in our school, we will all miss him and I feel lucky to be standing here sharing what we have learned and what we feel on behalf of all of us. Sir thank you for contributing 20 years (mention the number of years of the respective teacher) of your life to this school and for students like us and many more. You are the most inspiring teacher who has taught us to balance both studies and extracurricular activities. 

You have always believed in practical learning and encouraged us to experiment and question everything. During our exams, you also have worked unrelentingly with us till the basic concepts were well understood and had a clear idea about the topics. Whenever we did badly at exams you taught us with more patience and kindness which is quite remarkable. You have also motivated us to do in other areas of student life and supported our non-academic interests be it poetry, singing, or sports. You have taught us the joy of living life in curiosity and to always keep learning. Today we are well versed and eager to learn because we enjoy learning is because of your efforts. Thank you for inculcating such invaluable lessons and habits. We will miss you, sir. 

Thank you for being the best teacher.

10 Lines  Farewell Speech for Teacher

The 10 lines Farewell Speech On Teacher is helpful for students in grades 1-3 as they can keep it short and simple and also say what they feel.

After our parents, teachers are the biggest source of inspiration.

We are thankful for a teacher like you who has helped us in learning as well as making it so much fun.

He is always so encouraging to try new things and new ways of solving problems.

He has always shown us the right way to be and not get diverted in the wrong direction, however difficult the situation gets.

He has taught us the values and good ethics that will be intact even after leaving this school.

He has taught us to be responsible and take accountability for our actions. 

He has also taught us to be respectful to each and everyone in life.

Thank you for teaching us subjects with real-life examples.

You will always be in our memories even after you leave. We will miss you. 

Thank you for being a guide and a friend.

FAQs on Farewell Speech for Teacher

1. How to begin the farewell speech for a teacher?

With farewell speeches, students get to know how to bid a proper goodbye or farewell to a teacher. It is important for students to know what to write to wish their teacher all the best for the future, be it for a teacher who is retiring or relocating. A well-written speech always remains memorable for the teacher, the school, and the student. A student should always greet the audience before starting with the speech. It helps in having the attention of the audience and building a rapport. Then, the student should tell everyone the purpose of the speech. Finally, set the tone of the speech and get going. 

2. What are the tips for the best farewell speech?

The speech should include a positive message, factual experiences, contributions, and achievements of the teacher for which the speech is being made. You can also add humor to your speech in order to make it more engaging and interesting to the audience. There is no specific formula for the best speech, however, these tips help in delivering a well-deserved speech. Always keep your speech moderately short and crisp. Offer gratitude to the teacher. Keep it real and share your experiences. 

3. How to make the farewell speech memorable?

There is no specific formula for giving a great goodbye. Stick to anecdotes and make the speech heartfelt. Give some personal touch to the farewell speech and share your stories with the audience. It allows you to provide a human experience. Share with your teachers how they helped you grow and become a better version of yourself. Offer a meaningful message. Deliver a farewell speech that’s unique to you and that particular teacher. By following said tips, your speech will be memorable and inspirational.

https://studynlearn.com/

Speech on teachers day in english: 4 short and easy speech ideas.

Are you looking for speech ideas to write an amazing speech on teachers day? We have curated a list of 4 short and easy speeches, which you can get inspired by. A friend, a guide, and a philosopher, a teacher is the one that fills a student with knowledge, skills, and confidence allowing them to tap into the independence of life. Teacher�s day is celebrated each year in India on the 5 th of September to honor the birth of the honorable Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, popularly called Professor, he was the second President and the first vice president of India after independence. Admired by many in his field, his birthday was chosen to honor teachers from all parts of the nation since 1962.

Words can be quite impactful and decisive. If you are looking to prepare a speech on Teachers day, we have prepared a list of a few simple speeches that you can use as a reference in making your very own inspirational and motivational speaker.

Here are some examples to help you understand the format of the teacher's day speech.

Speech On Teachers Day : 1

Very good morning to all. Today is Teacher�s day, one of the most auspicious occasions when we get to thank our teachers for everything they do for us. Celebrated on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr. S Radhakrishnan. He was a teacher himself and was the second president of our country.

A philosopher and educationist, Dr. Radhakrishnan believed that teachers are the foundation of the future for us students. From teaching us chapters from textbooks to giving us valuable lessons in life, our teachers help us to become a better version of ourselves. Teachers are not limited to our classrooms. Anyone who provides us with values and life skills can be considered a teacher and they can help us in many forms. Today is the day we get to thank our teachers.

It is my pleasure and privilege to be a part of the group thanking our teachers and I would like to wish them a warm and happy teacher�s day. You are a blessing for us and for our future selves. Thank you for guiding us through the difficult chapters of our textbooks as well as life to help us become valuable citizens of India. On behalf of my class, I would like to extend our love to our teachers. We are fortunate enough to be guided by such lovely teachers to become fine students. We sincerely pray for your happiness and well-being from the bottom of our hearts.

Speech On Teachers Day : 2

Very good morning to all my friends and my lovely teachers. On this wonderful occasion of teacher�s day, we celebrate the birthday of Dr. S Radhakrishnan and honor our dear teachers. Our teachers have been working day and night tirelessly to provide us with the best education that we deserve to help us become responsible citizens of India.

Remembering Dr. Radhakrishnan, every year all of us students wait eagerly for the 5th of September with joy and enthusiasm. This day is celebrated all over our country to pay respects to our teachers who play an important role in sharpening the next generation.

I would also like to include that teachers are equal to our parents. They teach us with utmost effort and treat us like their own children. Though our parents gave birth to us, it is our teachers that held us to the standards of being a wonderful human beings. They fill us with motivation and inspiration to help our young minds grow and reach their potential. Preparing us for the challenges to come, thank you for giving us the strength and inspiration to face any challenge.

Teachers are a blessing to us and we cannot thank them enough with a simple five-minute speech. Let us pledge to respect and honor our teachers by following their advice and teachings to become good human beings for society. Thank you everyone for your guidance and support whenever we need them.

Look at a few more examples of teacher's day speech.

Speech On Teachers Day : 3

Respected Teachers and my dear friends,

We have all gathered here to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Teacher�s day. On behalf of me and all my fellow students, I would wholeheartedly like to thank our teachers for everything that they have done for us. I have prepared a few words in honor of our teachers.

As we all know that Teacher�s day is celebrated on the occasion of Dr. Radhakrishnan�s birthday on the 5th of September. Dr. Radhakrishnan was the second president after independence who was also a teacher and educationist. His excellent guidance helped pave the future path for many of the brightest minds of our country. India has been celebrating Teacher Day since 1962 in his honor who has been an inspirational figure to all.

Our teachers are one of the most irreplaceable parts of our lives. No student can succeed without the efforts and blessings of their teacher. From teaching us lessons from textbooks to life lessons, our teachers have helped us love learning and believe in ourselves and we cannot thank them enough. Can we imagine how life would have been without our teachers? We got a taste of this during the pandemic when we lost our school days and we dearly missed our interactions. From classroom fights to the scolding of our teachers, we missed it all. This however did not slow our teachers down and they jumped back to help us with online classes. With the tremendous efforts and sacrifices our teachers have made for us, we would like to thank you all for being there for us.

We promise to hold up the lessons and values you taught us and hope to make you proud someday!

Speech On Teachers Day : 4

Good morning to all! We are all gathered here to offer our gratitude for the efforts put in by our teachers. Teachers are our parents away from home and our guides to a successful future. On the occasion of Teacher�s day, I would like to extend our love on the behalf of all the students.

Teacher�s day is celebrated to commemorate the efforts of our teachers and observe the birth anniversary of Dr. Radhakrishnan, who was the first vice president and the second president of independent India. It is said that when students came to congratulate Dr. Radhakrishnan on his birthday, he told them to dedicate the day to the profession of teaching, and thus Teacher�s day was born to honor the efforts of teachers across the country.

I would like to take this opportunity and thank my teachers for their support and guidance all through these years. You have all been a motivation and inspiration for us all helping us to tackle any difficult situation in life.

Dear teachers, we will always be grateful for your guidance wherever we are in the future. We are thankful to have been under the blessings of such wonderful teachers who have been nothing but the absolute best.

Thank You. Read More: Teachers Day Quiz 2021: 10 MCQs To Check Your Knowledge!

Students plan a variety of acts and speeches for their teachers. With their teachers, they perform dances, sing songs, and play a variety of games.

Teacher's Day is observed to honor and acknowledge the contributions of teachers to the development of children's futures.

• April,02 2022

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Plan, Prepare & Make the Best Career Choices

Motivational Speech For Students By Teacher

• Motivational Speech for Students by Teacher

The word "motivation" itself refers to the positive emotions that inspire an individual to persevere in difficult situations. Everybody ought to have some rare inspiration to push ahead in their life. Getting moved or inspired by someone who will assist you in achieving your objectives is a constant practise that is necessary for motivation. In any setting—workplace, school, or other—motivation is essential.

10 Lines Motivational Speech for Students

Short motivational speech for students by teacher, long motivational speech for students by teacher.

Believe in yourself and your abilities. You have the power to achieve great things.

Set big goals and work hard to achieve them. Don't be afraid to dream big.

Embrace challenges and see them as opportunities to grow and learn.

Surround yourself with positive people who support and encourage you.

Stay focused and don't let distractions get in the way of your success.

Believe in the power of persistence. Keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.

Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be.

Learn from your mistakes and use them as a tool for growth.

Stay positive and always look for the good in every situation.

Remember that success is not about winning, but about becoming the best version of yourself.

Good morning students of Aditya Academy!

Today, I would like to talk to you about the most precious gift we have been given in this life, and that is the gift of life itself. Each and every one of you is unique, special, and capable of making a positive impact in this world.

As an English teacher, I see your potential every day. I see your desire to learn, your creativity, and your passion. And I want you to know that you have within you all the skills and abilities needed to achieve anything you want in life.

But sometimes, life can be challenging. You may face obstacles and setbacks, and it can be easy to lose sight of your goals and dreams. That's why it's important to remember that life is not about the destination, but about the journey. Embrace the ups and downs, and use them as opportunities to grow and learn.

I encourage you to have a growth mindset, to never stop learning, and to always keep pushing forward, no matter what challenges come your way. And always remember, life is not a competition with others, but a journey to become the best version of yourself.

So, my dear students, I leave you with this thought: Life is precious, and it's up to you to make the most of it.

Good morning students of National Gems Academy.

Today, I want to talk to you about the power of life and how to make the most of it. As an English teacher, I am privileged to be able to observe the potential that each and every one of you possess.

I want you to imagine that life is like a canvas. And every day, we are given a brush and paint to create our own masterpiece. The colors we choose, the strokes we make, and the design we create, will all come together to form the beautiful picture of our lives.

But, sometimes, we may feel lost or stuck, and we may not know what colors to choose or what strokes to make. That's why it's important to remember that life is not just about the destination, but about the journey. The journey is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, but it is through these experiences that we grow and learn.

Story of Vincent Van Gogh

Let me delve a little deeper into the story of Vincent van Gogh, one of the most iconic painters of the 19th century. Born in the Netherlands, Vincent was always drawn to the arts. Despite his family's objections, he pursued his passion for painting, driven by a deep love for the art form. However, Vincent's journey as a painter was far from easy. He struggled to make a name for himself, and his work was often criticised and rejected by the art world.

Despite the many setbacks and obstacles he faced, Vincent never lost his passion for painting. He continued to create, despite the lack of recognition and support, and today, his works are some of the most famous and valuable in the world. Vincent's persistence and dedication to his art serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

So, my dear students, I want you to take a page from Vincent's book. Embrace your struggles and use them as opportunities to grow and learn. Life is not a competition with others, but a journey to become the best version of yourself. Don't be afraid to face challenges head-on, and never lose sight of what you're passionate about. Remember, life is a canvas, and it's up to you to create the masterpiece that is your life.

And always remember, life is not a competition with others, but a journey to become the best version of yourself. Use your struggles as opportunities to grow, to learn, and to become a better person. Embrace the journey and never give up on your dreams. This is the message that Vincent van Gogh's life and legacy can teach us, and it is one that I hope you will take to heart.

And finally, I want you to think of your life as a work of art. The choices you make, the experiences you have, and the person you become, will all come together to create a beautiful masterpiece.

Explore Career Options (By Industry)

• Construction
• Entertainment
• Manufacturing
• Information Technology

Bio Medical Engineer

The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary. 

Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Geotechnical engineer

The role of geotechnical engineer starts with reviewing the projects needed to define the required material properties. The work responsibilities are followed by a site investigation of rock, soil, fault distribution and bedrock properties on and below an area of interest. The investigation is aimed to improve the ground engineering design and determine their engineering properties that include how they will interact with, on or in a proposed construction. 

The role of geotechnical engineer in mining includes designing and determining the type of foundations, earthworks, and or pavement subgrades required for the intended man-made structures to be made. Geotechnical engineering jobs are involved in earthen and concrete dam construction projects, working under a range of normal and extreme loading conditions. 

Cartographer

How fascinating it is to represent the whole world on just a piece of paper or a sphere. With the help of maps, we are able to represent the real world on a much smaller scale. Individuals who opt for a career as a cartographer are those who make maps. But, cartography is not just limited to maps, it is about a mixture of art , science , and technology. As a cartographer, not only you will create maps but use various geodetic surveys and remote sensing systems to measure, analyse, and create different maps for political, cultural or educational purposes.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Product Manager

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Operations manager.

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Bank Probationary Officer (PO)

Investment director.

An investment director is a person who helps corporations and individuals manage their finances. They can help them develop a strategy to achieve their goals, including paying off debts and investing in the future. In addition, he or she can help individuals make informed decisions.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

An expert in plumbing is aware of building regulations and safety standards and works to make sure these standards are upheld. Testing pipes for leakage using air pressure and other gauges, and also the ability to construct new pipe systems by cutting, fitting, measuring and threading pipes are some of the other more involved aspects of plumbing. Individuals in the plumber career path are self-employed or work for a small business employing less than ten people, though some might find working for larger entities or the government more desirable.

Construction Manager

Individuals who opt for a career as construction managers have a senior-level management role offered in construction firms. Responsibilities in the construction management career path are assigning tasks to workers, inspecting their work, and coordinating with other professionals including architects, subcontractors, and building services engineers.

Urban Planner

Urban Planning careers revolve around the idea of developing a plan to use the land optimally, without affecting the environment. Urban planning jobs are offered to those candidates who are skilled in making the right use of land to distribute the growing population, to create various communities. 

Urban planning careers come with the opportunity to make changes to the existing cities and towns. They identify various community needs and make short and long-term plans accordingly.

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Naval Architect

A Naval Architect is a professional who designs, produces and repairs safe and sea-worthy surfaces or underwater structures. A Naval Architect stays involved in creating and designing ships, ferries, submarines and yachts with implementation of various principles such as gravity, ideal hull form, buoyancy and stability. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Veterinary Doctor

Pathologist.

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Speech Therapist

Gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

Hospital Administrator

The hospital Administrator is in charge of organising and supervising the daily operations of medical services and facilities. This organising includes managing of organisation’s staff and its members in service, budgets, service reports, departmental reporting and taking reminders of patient care and services.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Videographer

Multimedia specialist.

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Linguistic meaning is related to language or Linguistics which is the study of languages. A career as a linguistic meaning, a profession that is based on the scientific study of language, and it's a very broad field with many specialities. Famous linguists work in academia, researching and teaching different areas of language, such as phonetics (sounds), syntax (word order) and semantics (meaning). 

Other researchers focus on specialities like computational linguistics, which seeks to better match human and computer language capacities, or applied linguistics, which is concerned with improving language education. Still, others work as language experts for the government, advertising companies, dictionary publishers and various other private enterprises. Some might work from home as freelance linguists. Philologist, phonologist, and dialectician are some of Linguist synonym. Linguists can study French , German , Italian . 

Public Relation Executive

Travel journalist.

The career of a travel journalist is full of passion, excitement and responsibility. Journalism as a career could be challenging at times, but if you're someone who has been genuinely enthusiastic about all this, then it is the best decision for you. Travel journalism jobs are all about insightful, artfully written, informative narratives designed to cover the travel industry. Travel Journalist is someone who explores, gathers and presents information as a news article.

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

Merchandiser.

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Why I’m Happy Being ‘Just a Teacher’

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At a recent dinner party, surrounded by lawyers, engineers, and data scientists, I heard myself say that “I’m just a teacher.” I said it with embarrassment, knowing I was in a room full of people who earn far more money than I do.

It was a few weeks after a friend asked what I was going to do “after teaching” and my “next step.” My uncomfortable answer was that there is no next step. Becoming a teacher was my goal, and I didn’t get into this profession aiming to get out of it as quickly as possible.

Ten years into teaching, I see many of my colleagues striving for that next step—as a department head, a vice principal, a principal. I am a department coordinator, and it is a middle-leadership role I enjoy. But the downsides of it weigh on me: the paperwork, the meetings, being responsible for adults as well as for children, and most of all, being out of the classroom more than I am in it some days.

Educational leadership is a crucial role, but it is not one to which every teacher aspires. Supervising adults is very different from supervising children—for one thing, it’s much easier to be patient with a student who shows up late and doesn’t meet deadlines than it is to be patient with a colleague who behaves much the same way. And calling their parents isn’t an option!

The reality is that being an administrator is an entirely different job and in many ways requires an entirely different skill set than teaching. Being a strong teacher doesn’t necessarily mean that becoming an administrator is a natural next step in career progression.

Part of the reason that so many teachers are eager to climb the ranks of the school system is that society does not value teachers and often views teaching as little more than babysitting. We are not seen as the professionals we are, and this can lead to teachers feeling pressure to move on to leadership roles—even if, for some of us, we are happiest in the classroom.

Many of the administrators I know are open about how much they sometimes miss being a classroom teacher. This perspective has made me consider what I would lose if I stepped into a senior leadership role, in addition to what I would gain.

As teachers, we are never done learning. Every year is a fresh start, with new students with different needs. We’re constantly expanding our skill sets, adapting to new technologies, teaching the same things in different ways.

Good teachers reflect endlessly, and sometimes, as soon as we think we’ve perfected a unit, we find that the brilliant plans from last year don’t work as well with our new group of students. We don’t necessarily need a new job title to grow.

Teachers are natural-born leaders, but not all of us want to be managers. For those who are seeking other kinds of development or change, there are countless opportunities—leading a new extracurricular, participating in a professional learning community, collaborating on an interdisciplinary unit.

These might not sound impressive to people outside the teaching world, but these are the kinds of tasks that excite teachers because they let us hone our skills, bring our passions into our classrooms, and give our students those incredible light bulb moments.

When I think of what I want to do in the future, I don’t necessarily envision myself wanting a bigger leadership role. What I do know is that I want to be that veteran teacher all the new teachers look up to: a teacher who knows her content inside and out, who has such a strong grasp of pedagogy and classroom management that she can experiment with new strategies confidently, whose love for teaching hasn’t dimmed over the years.

These kinds of teachers are leaders in their own right and are role models for students and staff alike. That’s enough of a next step for me.

A version of this article appeared in the March 20, 2024 edition of Education Week as Why I’m Happy Being ‘Just a Teacher’

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Cat’s cover their material, I teach mine.  Shane Robinson’s presentation on Student Engagement at Teaching Camp

Chances are if you are here, you care about teaching. We have that in common. I believe that teaching is one of the highest privileges and I am passionate about engaging students.  Zepke and Leach in Active Learning in Higher Education define student engagement as “Students’ cognitive investment in, active participation in, and emotional commitment to their learning.” As teachers, it is our challenge to help students on their education journey. It is our job to engage them and help them find ways to be active participants in their learning.  This chapter is my collection of the best student engagement practices gathered through the years and my hope is that you will find something here that you can adapt to your class. 

BEFORE CLASS STARTS

The first contact is often an email with a syllabus attached.  After reading your email, students decide if they like you and if they like the class. You can help things along by sending out a welcome letter that sets a positive tone and tells them how your course will apply to their lives.  

Here are Examples of Welcome Emails from My Classes

Welcome to Advanced Public Speaking.  My name is Dr. Lynn Meade and I will be your guide through this incredible journey.  I’m looking forward to meeting each of you and learning about your story, your convictions, and your passions.  I will do my best to challenge you and guide you as you develop critical public speaking skills.  Most students are surprised that this class not only helps them with speaking skills but also with life skills—most importantly, critical thinking.  In addition, many students tell me that after taking this class they have higher self-confidence and self-esteem.

Prepare yourself.  I don’t do a lot of the talking—I let you do it.  You learn public speaking best by getting up in front of people and talking.  I will make sure that you have a lot of opportunities to do just that in this class!  We’ll start off the first day with a class overview and then it is on to the good stuff.  Let’s start to have some fun!

Welcome to Nonverbal Communication. This is going to be a great semester. I know that after having this class, you will never see the world the same again. Of all the classes that I teach, this one seems to stick with students in some of the most significant ways. I have students message me years after they graduate and tell me how this material has helped them in their careers.  I’ve even had some students tell me that they used what they learned from this class to get a job over more qualified candidates.

No matter what your major and no matter what you want to do in life, the material in this class can be used to make you better– better at relationships, better at your job, better with daily communication. This is more than just a class; this is an adventure.

CHECK THE EMOTIONAL TONE OF YOUR SYLLABUS

Pick up your syllabus, remember what it was like to be a student, and begin reading. What do you think of this teacher? Will you like this class? 

Here are a few ways teachers set the tone.

• Psychological Scientist Jennifer Veilleux makes her syllabus look like a party invitation.
• Psychology teacher and technology expert, Katherine Zawisza, formats her syllabus using sway. ( Take a look here to see what she presents to students. https://sway.office.com/lxvY0XIxkMc4BllB?ref=Link  )
• At the University of Arkansas teaching camp, one teacher said they put “ easter eggs ” in the syllabus for students to catch.
• I include positive quotes related to the class topic. (The University of Arkansas mascot is the razorback so I drew a little razorback to go with the quotes.)

As you read each of these statements,  ask yourself what do you think of the teacher and what do you think of the class?

“Email is generally the best way to contact me. Please make sure to put the nature of your email on the SUBJECT line. In your email put your full name and your student’s ID. I will not recognize you by your email address. If there is nothing on the subject line, I will not open the email.” “My job in this course is not to tell you what to think but to help you think better on your own. Keep in mind that “for every complex problem, there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.” By stirring up the waters of easy and taken-for-granted explanations and showing how our world is but one of many possible socially constructed realities, sociology often makes what is familiar seem strange, and what is strange seem more familiar. In so doing, sociology helps us to see the world more clearly and with greater empathy for others. I hope you enjoy the journey, and I am honored to be your guide this quarter.”

When considering the emotional tone of your emails and your syllabus.  Ask yourself these questions:

• What is the tone of your syllabus? angry? punitive? friendly? open?
• Does your syllabus read like a legal contract full of rules and punishments?
• Do your emails feel like they are from a teacher who cares?
• Do you use-friendly and inviting language. Do you use “you” instead of “students?” For example, “You will learn to discover” as opposed to “students will discover.”

Setting the Emotional Tone

One of the ways that I set the tone on my syllabus is to include my teaching philosophy :

My Teaching Philosophy Why I Do What I Do and Why it Should Matter to You

• I believe that teaching you is one of my greatest adventures. I LOVE to teach. Teaching is my hobby. It is not the job that I have to do –it is the hobby that I want to do.  Working with students is truly one of my greatest joys.   If you need help, please come and visit me. I consider it a privilege to work with you one-on-one to develop your full potential.
• I believe that this class will make a difference in your life regardless of your major. This class will be relevant. Improving your public speaking skills will improve your confidence in many areas of your life.
•  I believe in being student-centered.  I will teach the class with you in mind and will try to let you know not just what to do but also tell you why you should do it to help yourself grow as a speaker.
• I believe that learning should be fun. I intend to make this class enjoyable. The more you smile in class, the more you smile when you think about public speaking.
• I believe you should have your own ideas on things, but you should always ask why you believe the way you do. My goal is never to “lead you to Lynn” but rather to make you challenge your assumptions. I want you to dig deep and learn to find credible information on topics so that you can decide for yourself what you think and feel about a given subject. With that said, whatever you believe, I will play “devil’s advocate” to help you to think of all sides of an issue. If I do this right, you will never quite know what I really believe on an issue.
• I believe in stories. I believe that by connecting content with stories, the information will be more relatable and more memorable. I won’t waste your time with random stories but rather challenge you to engage with concepts thru stories.

THE POWER OF PRESENCE

You set the mood for your class the moment you walk into the room. Look confident, be organized, engage students. When you walk into class, make eye contact, smile, and greet students.

Ask students questions where the answer focuses on the positive: “Are you working on anything exciting lately?” “What is the most interesting thing you have learned in one of your other classes?” Notice how these types of questions have the students call to mind positive things. I have found this particularly helpful on the day that students have a big assignment due. Sometimes they feel overwhelmed by the workload so I help them reframe the situation: “What is an interesting thing you learned when studying for this test that you would have overlooked otherwise?” “I know you had to watch a lot of speeches to find what you need to complete today’s assignment, what’s the most interesting speech you watched?” Both of these questions help them focus on the learning rather than the work.

In online classes, students want to feel your presence. Sending a weekly email or adding a little personal story to the weekly lesson helps them to connect with you. Students want to feel like you care about their well-being. Make sure as an online teacher that you connect with your students and you don’t just give them a list of things to do.

Presence In Online Course

There are many ways to be present in an online course. Some of my colleagues make weekly videos for their students, others use various programs to create video discussions. The goal here is not to do it someone else’s way, but rather to find what fits your personality, your topic, and your class.  Since I’m a storyteller, I tell stories.

I teach an online course in nonverbal communication. Every week, a folder opens up in the learning management system and my students complete the work in the folder. Every week. I write them a little personal story that relates in some way to the content for the week. According to student feedback, this makes them feel like they know me personally and it helps them connect the content to the “real world.” Here is an example of one of my weekly posts.

Welcome to the wonderful world of nonverbal communication. I’m sitting here watching my cat laying around and swishing her tail. It makes me wonder if she does that on purpose. I wonder if another cat would think it means something, or if it means nothing at all. I realize as I sit here, I keep pausing to think of the next word to type and I find myself bouncing my leg and sometimes even biting my lip a little. No one is here to see me do these things so it can’t possibly mean something to someone else. But if they were here….what would they think? Would I be communicating with them? 

We will start our journey by thinking about when nonverbal communication is biological and innate and when it is learned and why it matters. Last night, I was playing a game with my college-aged sons and their girlfriends. The game is called Exploding Kittens (I highly recommend it–no cats are actually harmed). I pointed at my youngest son who was leaned back in his chair with arms crossed and a certain head tilt and I whispered to my husband, “Who does he look like?” At that moment, he looked just like my husband’s younger brother. Funny thing is that my son hasn’t been around his uncle very much and yet there he was holding himself in some of the same ways. Could it be biological? 

I hope your mind is ready to question everything and wonder about every move that you and others make. I am glad you are here and I know that I have many interesting things to teach you, so let us begin. 

MANAGE THE DEAD AIR

Years ago, someone loaned me an old VHS tape that looked like it was made in the 1970s. In the video, a teacher walked into the class and shuffled file folders on the desk. The students looked up at the teacher in boredom. The teacher dug through a briefcase to find the chalk and lay it on the chalkboard. Students wiggled in their chairs in boredom. The teacher finally speaks to the class saying, “Raise your hand and say ‘here’ when your name is called.” The students slump in their chairs in boredom. The teacher opens a file folder and says, “Come up here and get your paper when I call your name.” The students slowly, one at a time, move to the front of the class to collect their papers, while the rest of the students lean back in boredom. When the teacher finally begins to lecture, the students are so disinterested and bored it appears as if the teacher will never be able to get them engaged.  The scene fades and a commentator asks, “What does the first of your class look like?”

If someone were to record the first of your class, what would it look like?

When I worked as a radio DJ, we had a phrase—”dead air kills.” That phrase meant if we had time on the air that wasn’t filled with talk or music, our listeners would change to another station. A good DJ learned to manage the moments between the content. This is also true of teaching, engaging students means that you manage those transitions. If you have “dead air” while you are shuffling through the calendar, trying to find something on the computer, or fussing with your slides, then students’ brains go dead–they symbolically change to another station. You can often visibly see the change because they grab for their phones and start scrolling while others take on a zombie-eyed glaze.  Have a plan to keep them engaged. When I am driving to school and when I am walking to my class, I visualize these transactions to help me create a seamless delivery when the time comes.

Here are a few ways that I manage “dead air” (I use different ones for different classes …not all of these at once).

• I play music playing at the beginning of class that connects with the lesson.
• I ask a student to come to the front and write on the whiteboard “Things to do this week. ” I work on organizing my slides and papers while the whole class mentions activities, outings, concerts, and museums that the volunteer writes on the board.
• I have a list of discussion prompts to stir small talk. “Talk to your neighbors about where to get the best salsa in town.”
• I have opening slides with logic puzzles they have to figure out. I then make my opening point with the puzzle.
• I have prompts on the first slide that asks them to review a theory from the previous class with a classmate.
• In my persuasion class, I have commercials playing at the first of class related to the day’s lesson.
• I never pass out papers at the first of class. If they are working in groups or doing pair-share, I pass papers out then. Sometimes, I fold homework in half, put their names on the outside, and place them on a table. I stand by the table at the end of class (to make sure they only get their own paper) and then I greet them with a smile as they pick them up on the way out the door.
• I have prompts on my slides about how to get into discussion groups and what to do while they are there so they can transition quickly.
• On days that we will have activities in class, I email some instructions out the day before, so everyone knows what to do when they get to class.
• If someone asks a question where the answer only relates to them and not to the group, I invite that person to speak with me after class instead of using up class time.

Thoughts on Attendance

There are thoughts on both sides about whether or not attendance should be required, and it is too big of a topic to debate here.  I do, however, want to make a few suggestions for those who want to take attendance. These are things that have worked for me and things that my colleagues do that works well for them. For example, I have a colleague, Kasey Walker,  who makes roll fun. Instead of saying “here” she has students answer the daily question; Students have to say their favorite dessert, which animal they are the most like, or what their favorite binge-worthy show is currently. I know several faculty members who use the clicker system for students to use every class to record attendance.

I am a big advocate of rewarding attendance but have had a recent conversion. I had a change of heart when I heard a friend say they didn’t like to award “butts in seat” but rather “minds at work.” After I considered this, I changed my method from checking roll to rewarding action. I teach a variety of classes from small interactive ones to large lecture ones, and I want to share with you some of the ways that I reward “minds at work.”

  In my smaller classes (20-30), I take attendance while students are doing a pair-share or group discussion which rewards them for working with others.  In some classes, I may have a one-minute paper where they write a reflection of what they learned that day that earns them discussion points. In my large classes (150 students), I do lectures on Monday and Wednesday, and they do group work on Friday related to the topic. A leader from each group submits a report who attended and what the group accomplished. In my larger classes, (150 students), I have a quiz programmed into the learning management system (Blackboard) that I open sometime during the class. The answer to the quiz will be something that was discussed in class. They earn one attendance point if they get the answer wrong and two points if they get it right. Anyone who missed class on days points were earned can write me a two paged paper on the topic discussed that day. Students like it because it if “fair.” It encourages participation while acknowledging that students have lives and they sometime have to miss class.  

START STRONG

I teach my speech students that all speeches should begin with a good hook. I strongly believe that this principle applies to lectures as well.

Here are a few ways that I “hook” students:

• Bring in a news item that relates to the topic.
• Ask a thought-provoking question.
• Bring in an object and talk about it.
• Have a game that is related to the topic.
• Show a slide that makes students think.
• Play a song and make them guess why it relates.
• Do a myth buster series of questions on the topic.
• Tell a story and then tell why it relates.
• Have them review previous class concepts in pairs.

There is an entire chapter dedicated to how to creative ways to begin a speech. All of these strategies also work for how to start a college class. You can review that chapter here. 

CREATE CURIOSITY

I walked into class one day and my college teacher had the table covered with magazines, advertisements, cartoons, and books with passages underlined. He asked the class to look at what he had displayed and to figure out what they all had in common. We examined the materials, we talked amongst ourselves, and we figured it out–all items on the table made a reference to the Illiad or the Odyssey. We sat down in our seats and took out our notebooks. This was a class on college teaching, and we had been talking about how to relate to our students. Dr. Hammons asked us, “If you had never read the Illiad or the Odyssey , would you have understood what was funny about this cartoon? Would you have gotten the reference in the ad?” He went on to talk about how students are not all reading the same books, how they are not watching the same shows, nor listening to the same music, and how that makes it difficult for teachers to use cultural references in class that all students will understand. It has been over 20 years since I participated in that activity, and I still remember what we did and what it meant. Creating curiosity can be very powerful and very memorable. If you can create a hunger for your students to know the answer, you have their attention. Curiosity is important for cognitive development. Don’t always tell them the answer, let them struggle to figure it out from time to time. You can do this at the beginning of your class, or you can work it in throughout.

• Why does your napkin stick to your glass?
• How do we know if we are born to smile, or we do it because we learned it from our caregivers? Why does it matter?
• Why did they have face shields in castles in Ireland?

PREVIEW THE TOPIC

Students learn best when they know what you will be talking about that day. We hope that they did the reading and that they read the schedule and the syllabus …but…  just in case they haven’t (wink, wink)… it is good to say, “Today we will be talking about …” Tell them not only WHAT they will learn but WHY it matters. Write the lesson topic and assignments on the board (or put them on your slide) AND tell them what you will be talking about AND why it matters.

Preview by Writing on the Board (or making a slide):

Today’s topic: Listening What is due : Blackboard quiz due tonight by midnight

What is next: Wed: Read research chapter before class Fri: Exam one—bring a scantron

Preview by Saying: “Today, we will talk about listening, I love this topic because it relates to everyone regardless of major. By improving your listening skills, you can make better grades, improve your relationships, and you can improve your chances in the workplace.”

SO WHAT, WHO CARES?

Students want to know why this topic relates to them. You should remind them daily that what they are learning can help them during their college experience and beyond. They are so much more motivated to learn when they think it matters.

TIPS FOR PRESENTATION SOFTWARE

I am convinced that slide shows are the greatest teaching tool and the worst thing that has happened to education. Let me explain. Projected slides are helpful to give students key terms to write down so they have organized notes. Projected slides can help focus the students’ attention and can show pictures of things to help them understand. The problem is that many teachers use them poorly. In my first semester of teaching, I put all my notes on my slides and then stood there and read them to the very bored students. My students complained that their hands were getting sore from all that writing and that I spoke faster than they could write.

I realized that this should not be a class in speed writing.  I realized that students who are rushing to write it all down aren’t taking the time to think about things. I realized that my slides should never be my teaching notes. I realized that if my slides had all the content, what was the point of me talking–I should just send them the slides and shut up.

I think we need to ask ourselves as teachers, “What do I want my students to learn today?” After we answer that, we determine the best way to get that information to them. Just because slides are an option, it doesn’t mean we have to use them every day and for every point. The idea here is to be purposeful with your slides.

Here are some general rules about slide usage: 

• 6 x 6 (no more than six words down and six words across). Any more words and students spend all their time writing.
• High contrast—dark backgrounds with light letters or light backgrounds with dark letters. It may look good on your computer at home, but it may not project well. Always go for maximum contrast.
• 28 point or larger font size. (If you are using a small font, it may indicate you have too many words on your slides)
• The plain font is easiest to read when projected: Arial, Tahoma.
• Every time you use presentation software, you are modeling for your students what to do when they give class presentations. Look at your slides, are you modeling good behaviors?
• Show a blank slide or use the blank button when you want the students to stop writing and listen to you.

Pictures on Slides

When I teach students how to use presentation slides, I show a funny picture of a politician that is screaming and holding a cat. Beside the picture is three sentences about the history of PowerPoint. I leave the slide up for a few minutes and then blank it. I ask students, “What did the words say?” Usually, they can’t tell me. Pictures can influence how the content is received. People retain more information when the picture on the slide supports the message they are hearing. John Medina, author of Brain Rules says, “We are incredible at remembering pictures. Hear a piece of information, and three days later you’ll remember 10% of it. Add a picture and you’ll remember 65%.” The key is to make sure the picture you are showing match the content of your slide. If you want to show a funny picture or cartoon, go for it, it can be very engaging. Just make sure the funny photo is on it is on its own slide and not a content slide. When you use pictures, always go for a creative commons license, and make sure to reference your photos. Most universities have strong academic honesty policies that require students to cite their sources and warn them against stealing other people’s work, we need to model integrity. 

Make all students feel included by diversifying your slides. If you use photos of people on your slides, be intentional and show people of different races, ages, and abilities.

There is an entire chapter dedicated to using Presentation Slides here. 

I’VE NOTICED THAT

Here is a wonderful trick to engage and motivate your students. Point out the good that they do. Point it out before class, email them a note, talk to them after class.  One of the greatest phrases is…”I’ve noticed that.”

“I’ve noticed that you seem to enjoy this subject.” “I’ve noticed that all your hard work is paying off and your speeches just keep getting better and better.” “I’ve noticed that you are the encourager of the class.” “I’ve noticed that this class can get a little silly but that it seems to always mix that with high grades.”

After exams, I always notice who made A’s on the exam. I send those students a quick email saying, “I’ve noticed that you made an “A.” Great job acing the exam. I know that other students would like to learn your study strategies. If you let me know how you studied, I can share with others so they can do well too.”  This is a win, win. Students love to be acknowledged in this way and they also like to tell you about their process. You can share that process with others to help them improve their study skills.

After the second exam, I send encouraging emails to any students who have at least a 10-point improvement. The subject reads, “Way to Improve!”

DISCUSSION TIPS

When students talk about the material, it gives them a chance to “own” the information. We can help students have productive discussions by helping them be prepared, making them be accountable, and create opportunities where they are given a chance to speak:

• Be prepared . Make sure everyone has information on the topic. Sometimes students don’t discuss because they don’t have any knowledge of the subject. On days where students will be discussing topics, I have a reading quiz at the beginning of class to encourage them to read the material before class so they are prepared. In larger classes, I use the Learning Management System (in my case, Blackboard) to incentivize students to read. I have a quick content quiz programmed and it opens the first five minutes of class. In other classes, I require them to do independent research on the day’s topic (for a quiz grade.) For example, I might say, “On Wednesday, we will be learning about how to give a persuasive speech. To prepare for our discussion, each person should have read three articles for why we should legalize recreational marijuana and three articles against this topic. You must type out the major points for each side before coming to class. This will be worth ten points.” (Students are much more motivated to come to class discussions prepared when there is some type of accountability.)

2. Be given a chance to speak. Make sure everyone who wants to share has a chance to speak. Oftentimes, one person dominates the discussion. To correct this, you might say, “Set a phone timer and give each person two minutes to say their view on the topic. After everyone had said their two-minute opinion, the group can open this topic up for full discussion.” Encourage students to invite quiet members to join the conversation. Some students may have great ideas but won’t share them unless asked directly by their peers.

My favorite strategy is to appoint a leader whose job is to encourage participation. At the end of the session, the leaders send in a report summarizing the discussion.

3. Be accountable. You need to tell students the parameters and expectations of the discussion.

• After ten minutes, I am going to ask each group to highlight the two main ideas that the group discussed.
• After discussing, I want you to summarize your ideas in three sentences that you will share with the class.
• At the end of class today, each group leader will submit a report about the learning outcomes from today’s discussion.

4. Debrief. Discussions, pair-share, and group work can be just busy work unless you allow students to debrief the activity and make connections. This can be done in several ways.

• Students write a reflection paper on how what they did and how it connects to the material.
• The teacher asks students what they learned. The teacher takes the feedback from students and elaborates to help them make connections.

THINK PAIR SHARE

Tell Them What You Expect

You need to remind your students of the expectations you have for discussions such as respecting different opinions and sharing the talk time. This information should be in your syllabus, and you should remind students of this as they begin discussions.

Jennifer Veilleux, who teachers Abnormal Psychology (and makes her syllabus look like a party invitation) says this on her syllabus:

Agreeing to take this course means agreeing to be respectful of your classmates and me, your instructor. No one likes a party guest who trashes the place or insults the other guests, and that is particularly true of this course. We will be discussing sensitive material which can be very y personal for some people, so rude jokes, insults, etc. will result in you being asked to leave class that day.

Katherine Zawisza, who teaching Philosophy Reasoning and Discover includes this on her syllabus:

We will be discussing many controversial and sensitive topics in this course as we assess arguments. While we all feel strongly about our views, it is important to be respectful and courteous to others with different views. Having said that I will not tolerate hateful or disrespectful speech in class. This class is an opportunity to provide thoughtful and well- founded arguments for our beliefs. I will expect you to be able to defend your views. We may not agree with the positions we assess and we do not have to, what we do need to do is assess evidence, provide reasoned arguments, and apply what we are learning. We all want to be right. This class should help you by providing as many tools as possible to get at the truth.

TO GET GOOD ANSWERS, ASK GOOD QUESTIONS

I’ve asked questions in class only to have everyone cast their eyes to the floor.  Silence. Since then, I have learned there is an art to asking questions and a skill to eliciting feedback. I’ve included several important factors that encourage student interaction.

1. Make students feel safe. Students are afraid of saying the wrong answer (for that matter so am I) so it is important you let them know it is OK to get it wrong. They will watch to see how you manage when others get it wrong to decide if you are critical and to see if other’s laugh. How you manage those early interactions will set the tone for the rest of the semester.  I often tell my students, “I’m not trying to ‘lead you to Lynn’ on this topic, I just want to stir the pot and hear what others think. On this topic, there really is no bad answer.” If the question does have a right or wrong answer, I might say, “Dave was brave enough to get things started, he’s not quite there, who is willing to add a little more information to nudge us closer?”

2. Don’t write stupid questions. I find that silence most often happens when I have badly written questions. To help me write better questions or to help them understand my question, I write them on the slides or the whiteboard. The act of doing that helps me refine my question, it helps everyone know exactly what I am asking, and it helps them take better notes.

• The question, “What is listening?” doesn’t inspire discussion.
• The question, “What are some signs that someone is not really listening?” gets a discussion started.
• The question, “What are your pet peeves about those who pretend to listen?” really gets them discussing.

3. Model the answer. Sometimes, modeling the answer gives them the push they need. “If you were to ask me, what makes a great teacher, I would have in mind, my favorite teacher. I would think of Dr. Bigby who seemed to have so much passion for the subject that I couldn’t help but be engaged. What do you think makes a great teacher?” Note: This works especially well with online discussion forums. I always write out model answers the first two discussion assignments and then I get well-thought-out, detailed answers for the rest of the year.

4. Give them time to think. If you ask a question to the class, usually the class clown or the outspoken student answers. Some students have equally good or better answers but if they know someone will answer for them, they will never even take time to think. Say, “I want everyone to think about this question for a moment, and then I will ask for comments about it” or say, “Write down what three attributes you think make up a good relationship? I will give you a minute to write them down and then call on someone to share.” Asking them to write their answer or telling them you will call on someone encourages everyone to have an answer read and not just wait for the fast talker to answer.

5. Wait 30 seconds. If no one answers when you ask a question, stand there and wait. The silence is uncomfortable for you and for them so usually someone answers. I count to myself silently to help me be patient.  If no one answers, repeat the question and say, “I’ve been told that if I wait long enough someone will answer.” Usually, I have someone talking by the time I am done with my sentence. Finally, using the nonverbal hand gesture, come over here, pulls the answer from them. (No kidding, it works).

6. Sing until they answer. The worse I sing, the faster they answer. I’ve also been known to hum the jeopardy song until someone answers my question.

7. Encourage them to be brave by rewarding effort . Make it a safe place to risk being wrong. “I like that you were brave to answer and that you thought about it, you’ve got us thinking but you are not quite there. Who else can add another piece to this answer?” If they seem close enough, you might give them some leading material to get them to the right answer. Education is about the process of pushing yourself and this comes from being open-minded enough to test ideas. We want students to learn to be brave to test out their ideas.

8. Bribe them with gifts . I’ve been known to bring them fortune cookies and once I even bribed them with extra squash from my garden. Intermittent rewards work better than consistent ones. My colleague, Kasey Walker, buys rolls of tickets (like you get at a carnival) and gives them to students who answer her questions. They turn in their tickets for their discussion grade.

CREATIVE WAYS TO CALL ON STUDENTS

One of the classes that I teach is nonverbal communication. In that class, we look at how people take physical cues from others and from the environment when deciding to interact. For example, I’m more likely to call on a student who is making eye contact. I’m more likely to ask a student who looks engaged. Even though I try not to, I tend to call on the person who sits to my left about two rows back. I realize that certain individuals because of cultural or interpersonal challenges may not make eye contact so I am less likely to call on them.  I know these things, so I try to find better ways to call on students. Ways that are equal and fair.

• Say, “Tom” at this point Tom looks up in fear. “Point to someone in class.” Once Tom points to Julie say, “Ok, Julie, Tom pointed to you because he thinks you have the answer, let’s see if he is right. If Julie has no answer, it goes back to Tom. This mixes up who gets called on and builds a fun camaraderie in the class.
• Ask a student to pick a number from one to eighteen (assuming that’s how many students are in class). When they give you a number, look at your roll sheet and call on the person whose name corresponds.
•  Write students’ names on paper or popsicle sticks. Draw one out and call on that name.
• After a think-pair-share or group, discussion say, “Point to someone in the room who has a thought-provoking example.” Ask that person to share. (It makes them feel good that their friends think they had a good example.)
• “I think we need the perspective of someone in yellow. If you are wearing yellow, please tell us what you think on this topic.”
• Ask students to think of their favorite superhero/villain/ cartoon character and answer the question based on what superman would think of the topic. They have to raise their hand if they have a good superhero answer.
• When I teach in a large auditorium, I run up the stairs and say, “I need an answer from someone in this row.”
• University of Arkansas teacher Tina Howlett gives each student a candy or colored marker. She randomly calls out a color or candy name and that person answers. That person then gets to pick the next color.

DEALING WITH INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

 Sometimes students are speaking out just to get a laugh from friends.  When that becomes disruptive, it is important to respect the students who are missing out on a good education for the sake of one obnoxious student. If I have a student who continues to be disruptive, I ask them to come and meet with me in my office. Meeting me in my office takes away the “audience” and it helps me get to the heart of the situation.

• Can you tell me where you got that information?
• What does the research say about that topic?
• Could you connect what you just said to what we had to read for today’s class?
• Sounds like a great conversation for another time.
• Ouch, that kinda hurt my feelings. What did you mean by that?

Food for Thought from an article in the American Journal of Educational Research: “Instructional research suggests that there may be teacher “misbehaviors” that foster or invite student misbehavior…. ‘most frequently cited misbehavior types were sarcasm and putdowns, absent, strays from subject, unfair testing, and boring lectures.’”

THE CURSE OF KNOWLEDGE

I’m so sorry. If you were my student the semester after I graduated from graduate school, I really need to apologize. I need to apologize for using my graduate student vocabulary in your freshman course.  I need to apologize for telling you about the detailed educational philosophy behind everything I did. I am so sorry I used the words “pedagogy” and “learning objectives” in the lectures about how to give a good speech.

In my defense, most new teachers do this especially ones right out of school. I can remember having an English teacher who was finishing up her dissertation–she baffled me with her brilliant vocabulary and impressed me with her cerebral lectures. I have no idea what she said, but at least she sounded smart while saying it.

We do this because of the curse of knowledge. Actor and communication expert, Alan Alda in his book, If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on my Face  says,

Once we know something, it’s hard to unknow it, to remember what it’s like to be a beginner. It keeps us from considering the listener. Using shorthand that is incomprehensible to the other person, or referring to a process they’re unfamiliar with, we lock them out, and we don’t even realize it because we can’t believe we are the only person who knows this stuff.

The problem is people are “unable to ignore the additional information they possess,” according to economists Camerer, Loewenstein, and Weber. These researchers questioned whether or not it was beneficial to know more when it came to sales. In short, their finding was that it is not beneficial. If you know too much information, it is hard not to use that information and too much information can be overwhelming. It is hard to remember what it was like before you had that knowledge. It is hard to put yourself in the mind of your audience who does not understand. Sometimes, knowledge is a curse.

Go to one of your friends and ask them to help you with a little experiment.  Ask them to “guess this song” and then tap out the tune to the “Star-Spangled Banner” with your finger. Did they guess it? Chances are they can’t. Try another common song like “happy birthday.” Chances are that as the tapper, you are going to get frustrated because it is so obvious and so easy to guess,  but most people just won’t get it.

This is a mock-up of what a graduate student at Stanford did.  Elizabeth Newton first asked how likely it would be that the person listening would guess the tapped song. They predicted the odds were about 50 percent. The guessers got it right only 2.5% of the time. What seemed obvious to the tapper was not obvious to the listener. You can see where this is going.

When it comes to engaging students, we need to try to remember what it was like when we were in their shoes. Since I teach speech, I try to remember what it was like to be scared before a presentation. I tell the story of one of my worst presentations ever and how I felt. When I teach advanced theory classes, I try to remember what it was like the first time I had to read an article in an academic journal (it was miserable, and I thought “why would anyone ever write like this on purpose?”).  When I teach my students how to read articles, I try to remember my frustration. Yes, I need to teach my students advanced vocabulary, but I need to start with words they know to lead them to the advanced place.

FOSTER A GROWTH MINDSET

In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck emphasizes the importance of fostering a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset assumes that a person either can or can’t do something. A growth mindset assumes that with work, tenacity, and practice that people can get better.

I teach public speaking and students often come in with the attitude of…. “I can’t do public speaking” or “I’m bad at speaking.” Both are fixed mindsets. They emphasize that a person can’t change what they are.  We can help our students to embrace a growth mindset so they can allow themselves to grow and learn.  I tell my basic communication students several times during the semester, “I hope you mess up this semester.” They all look at me confused and astonished. “I hope you mess up so you have a great story to tell of the time that you really blew it and recovered. Success is not that you are perfect, success is that your recover well. Everyone makes mistakes, this is one of the ways we grow.”

Here are a few growth mindset quotes I want to share with you. These can be helpful to use with your students but they are here for you as well. You are not perfect and you don’t know everything about teaching, but you will continue to get better with practice. I hope you fail at least once so you too can learn to recover well.

 It’s not about being the best. It’s about being better than you were yesterday.  No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow your progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying. Tony Robbins  “If at first, you don’t succeed… you’re normal! Kid President  Be better than you were yesterday.  Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. Charles Swindoll  Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it when we use it. Ruth Gordon  Sometimes what we call “failure” is really just that necessary struggle called learning.  May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. Nelson Mandela  A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there. John Assaraf  Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. Suzy Kassem  You have not failed unless you have quit trying. Gordon B. Hinckley

Hey teacher, I’m talking to you. There is a chance that you have self-doubt if you are a new teacher or chances are if you are a seasoned teacher, you have made some teaching mistakes. Me too! I have made lots of mistakes. That is how we grow,  I just want you to know that this growth mindset section is for you too. We are not perfect yet, but with practice, we are getting better. Samuel Beckett says, ” Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” Let’s keep getting better and teaching our students to do the same.

Thoughts on Culture

In some cultures, it is considered disrespectful to ask questions. It implies that the teacher did not cover the material well enough for students to understand. You can help students by reinforcing that it is OK to ask questions. You might encourage them by saying, “You might be helping out a classmate by asking this.”

In some cultures, it is threatening for someone to write a message in red ink. For that reason, using a blue or black pen to grade can feel less threatening.

SAVE TIME PUTTING STUDENTS IN GROUPS WITH THESE LITTLE TRICKS

In elementary school, I was always the last one to be picked to be on the dodgeball team– it felt horrible! If we tell students to pick their teams, it often leads some students on the sidelines to feel excluded. It is a terrible feeling to be left out. It is horrible to be the one that no one wants. For that reason, I always assign partners and assign groups. I ask students to count off and then tell all the ones to get in a group in this corner and all the twos to get in a group at the front, etc. By telling them both their group number and where to go, the process is much smoother.

In my 150-student class, I use the Learning Management System, Blackboard, to automatically assign groups. I ask them to look online to see which group they are in before class. On the days they have group work, I have numbers posted all over the room and they have to go sit by their group number.

ASK STUDENTS HOW CLASS IS GOING

Somewhere near the halfway mark of class, you should ask your students how the class is going.  By asking in the middle of the semester, you are sending your students the message that you care about their opinions. It also gives you valuable feedback to know if you need to adjust your course. Ask students?

• What has contributed to your learning?
• What has inhibited your learning?
• How has my teaching style helped you to learn?
• What can I do better?
• What is the most valuable thing you learned?

HAVE THEM WRITE A ONE MINUTE PAPER

Near the end of your class, have students write on a piece of paper the most important thing they learned that day.  We learn what we retrieve and the more opportunities we offer students to retrieve the information by review and reflection, the more it becomes part of their long-term memory. One of my University of Arkansas colleagues asks: Write down one new idea you had today, one idea that was reinforced, and what will you do differently because of what you learned. Another teacher asks students to write about connections. How does what we learned connect with your family?  Your career? Other classes you are taking?

Some teachers will have students keep their one-minute papers and turn them in at the end of the semester while others will collect them each class.

One college teacher put it this way: “What’s in your doggie bag? What will you take home with you after class?”

TELL A STORY

The human mind seems exquisitely tuned to understand and remember stories— so much that psychologists sometimes refer to stories as ‘psychologically privileged,’  eaning that they are treated differently in memory than other types of material. Daniel Willingham,  Cognitive Psychologist

Every subject can be storied in some way. It could be the story of how the theory was discovered, the story of the first time you encountered the information, the story of how the topic is used in everyday life. Stories are easier to remember because it engages emotions as well as their sense of logic. If you tell a story in such a way that they see it in their mind’s eye, it can even activate their visual centers.

If you do tell a story, make sure your students get the connection. I listened to a group of students complain about one of the teachers who always went off on random tangents about irrelevant things. As luck would have it, I ran into that very teacher. She was telling me that her classes were going great and her students really liked her stories and how that she thought they were learning so much more because of it.  She thought her stories were obviously connected to the material, but the students thought she was just off-topic. Always make sure you make a clear point after your story. I actually have a slide that says, “What’s the point…” to make sure my students get the intended message.

FIRST TIME TEACHING? IF YES, THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS

If you are a first-time teacher, welcome aboard! So glad you are here. I have a few thoughts for you.

• Consider the impact of how you dress. Students make initial decisions about how knowledgeable and how approachable you are based on how you are dressed.
• Decide in advance what you want students to call you. Are you Lynn, Mrs. Meade, Dr. Meade, or Professor Meade? Let them know what to call you by putting your name on a slide or writing it on the board. When you send them an email, make sure you use that same name so they remember how you want to be addressed. If you are a teaching assistant who is close in age to your students, it can be helpful to go for the formal title, “Mr. Smith” instead of “Joe.”
• Decide in advance your policy on phone usage. Have it on your syllabus and make it clear to them what it is that you expect.
• If you are scared that students will ask you a question that you can’t answer, you are normal. All first-time teachers worry about this and most long-term teachers still worry about this.  When this happens, simply say, “That’s a great question, let me get back with you.”

THINGS I LEARNED THE HARD WAY

1. If you say, “You may leave when you are done,” everyone is suddenly done, and a mass exodus occurs.

2. If you change a deadline, many students are frustrated because they worked hard to meet the deadline. A few will be relieved, but others will resent you for making exceptions for the slackers.

3. Cancelling class early equals heartache down the line. If you let them out early one day, they will keep expecting you to do it again.

4. If students have presentations, let them draw speech numbers out of the hat and then let them work out any changes that need to be made. That puts everyone on equal footing. Students appreciate you being fair.

5. Not everyone expects “A’s” and giving “A’s” to those who didn’t work for it diminishes those who worked hard. Be clear about your expectations and make sure an “A” is something they earned.

6. You can always loosen up the rules, but students rarely tolerate it if you become stricter.

7. Avoiding students’ bad behavior does not make them go away.  Allowing them to take over your class is unfair to those who are there to learn.  Talk to students privately about their behavior. Never sacrifice the attentive students who want to learn for those who are just trying to distract.

8. Be sure that you create a place where students feel like they can openly share ideas. Keep reminding them you care. Mentioning it on your syllabus is not enough.

9. Use examples from different cultures and lifestyles. Make sure your slides include people of differing races, genders, and abilities.

10. On your tests, use names that reflect diversity. (I like to use my students’ names)

11. Never talk with a student about grades in the classroom. Always tell them to meet you in your office. It protects their privacy and shows the entire class that you are open to talking with them and that you respect their privacy. (When a student is upset because of their grade, they need to cool off.  Meeting in your office gives them time to cool off as well as takes away the audience if they are the type of a student who is performing for their friends.)

12. Before meeting a student about grades or policy issues, ask them to read the syllabus, read the assignment, and review the rubric. Tell them you want them to be ready to talk about specific items of concern.

Final Thoughts

When I go to teacher training or read educational books, I write tips on notecards. One idea per card. I have a giant stack of these that I pull out each year as I’m preparing my class. Many of the suggestions that are in this chapter are from my stack of cards. Tom Jensen, professor of marketing called teaching “the art of thievery” in that the best ideas are stolen from other teachers.  I have passed on my thievery, and it is my hope that you will steal some of these ideas, make them your own, use them to engage your students, and then pass them along.

BONUS FEATURES

You may be here because you are teaching public speaking or you may be here because this link was given to you to reference this as a stand-alone resource. Either way, this information can work for you.

This is a chapter in a public speaking textbook. A lot of what we learn in public speaking applies to teaching–in many ways, a lecture is a long speech. Here are a few chapters that may also be helpful for you as you prepare to teach.

Overcoming Communication Apprehension by Hacking Your Body

Overcoming Communication Apprehension by Hacking Your Brain

Delivery Advice: Do Not Imagine the Audience Naked! Managing Eye Contact, Movement, and Gestures

Why Your Voice it The Most Important Part of Your Speech

Don’t Ruin a Good Presentation with Terrible Slides

Alda, A. (2017). If I understood you, would I have this look on my face: My adventures in the art and science of relating and communicating. Random House.

Butler, A. C., & Roediger, H. L. III. (2007). Testing improves long-term retention in a simulated classroom setting. European Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 19 (4-5), 514–527.  https://doi.org/10.1080/09541440701326097

Drummond, T. A  brief summary of the best practices in college teaching: Intended to challenge the professional development of all teachers.  North Seattle Community College. https://www.clemson.edu/assessment/documents/best_practices_college_teaching_Drummond.pdf

Dweck, Carol S. (2008). Mindset : The new psychology of success. Ballantine Books.

Howlett, Tina (2018). Personal email. (Director of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Arkansas).

Koh, A.W.L., Lee, S.C., & Lim, S.W.H. (2018). The learning benefits of teaching: A retrieval practice hypothesis.  Applied Cognitive Psychology ,  32 , 401-410. https://doi.org/10.1002/acp.3410

Perry, J. (2020). Campus conversations: Exercising temperance in an intemperate time. University of Arkansas presentation.

Kearney, P., Plax, T. G., Hays, E. R., & Ivey, M. J. (1991). College teacher misbehaviors: What students don’t like about what teachers say or do.  Communication Quarterly, 39 , 309-324

Kral, T.  (2018). Three-minute teaching tips at the University of Arkansas Teaching Camp. Mt. Magazine, Arkansas. August 2018.

Marsh, E., & Eslick, A. (2009).  Educational Horizons, 87 (4), 206-210. Retrieved February 3, 2021, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/42923769

Medina, J. (2018). Brain rules.  http://www.brainrules.net/vision

Teven, J.J.( 2001). The relationships among teacher characteristics and perceived caring. Communication Education, 50:  159–169.

Willingham, D. (2021) Why don’t students like school? A cognitive scientist answers questions about how the mind worked and what it means for the classroom. 2nd edition.  Jossey-Bass.

Zepke, N., & Leach, L. (2010). Improving student engagement: Ten proposals for action. Active Learning in Higher Education, 11 (3), 167-177.

Zull, J. E. (2002). The Art of Changing The Brain: Enriching The Practice of Teaching by Exploring The Biology of Learning.  SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education, 24 (1), 181.

Public Speaking by Lynn Meade is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Teaching Controversial Issues: Teachers’ Freedom of Speech in the Classroom

Teaching Controversial Issues: Teachers’ Freedom of Speech in the Classroom

by Arlene Gardner

Executive Director, New Jersey Center for Civic Education

What is the purpose of education? The conventional answer is the acquisition of knowledge. Looking beyond this facile response, most people will agree that the true purpose of education is to produce citizens. One of the primary reasons our nation’s founders envisioned a vast public education system was to prepare youth to be active participants in our system of self-government.  John Dewey makes a strong case for the importance of education not only as a place to gain content knowledge, but also as a place to learn how to live. In his eyes, the purpose of education should not revolve around the acquisition of a pre-determined set of skills, but rather the realization of one’s full potential and the ability to use those skills for the greater good.

Democratic self-government requires constant discussions and decisions about controversial issues. There is an intrinsic and crucial connection between the discussion of controversial political issues and the health of democracy. If we want our students to become informed, engaged citizens, we need to teach them how to “do” democracy by practicing the skills of discussing controversial issues in the classroom and learning how to respectfully disagree.

Research has demonstrated that controversy during classroom discussion also promotes cognitive gains in complex reasoning, integrated thinking, and decision-making. Controversy can be a useful, powerful, and memorable tool to promote learning. In addition to its value in promoting skills for democracy, discussing current controversial public issues:

• Is authentic and relevant
• Enhances students’ sense of political efficacy
• Improves critical thinking skills
• Increases students’ comfort with conflict that exists in the world outside of the classroom
• Develops political tolerance
• Motivates students
• Results in students gaining greater content knowledge.

(Diana Hess, Controversy in the Classroom: The Democratic Power of Discussion (2009); Nel Noddings and Laurie Brooks, Teaching Controversial Issues: The Case for Critical Thinking and Moral Commitment in the Classroom (2017); “Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools” (2011); Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, University of Michigan at https://crlt.umich.edu/tstrategies/ts d ).

Yet, teachers may consciously (or unconsciously) avoid controversial issues in the classroom because of the difficulty involved in managing heated discussions and/or for fear that parents will complain or that the school administration will admonish or punish them for “being controversial.” These concerns are certainly not groundless. How well are teachers protected from negative repercussions if they address controversial issues in their classrooms? How extensive are teachers’ First Amendment rights to free speech? How can heated disagreements among students be contained in the classroom?

Two different legal issues exist regarding free speech rights of teachers: The First Amendment directly protects a teacher’s personal right to speak about public issues outside of the classroom and “Academic Freedom” protects a teacher’s right and responsibility to teach controversial issues in the classroom.  However, both have certain limitations.

First Amendment Protection of Public Speech by Teachers

Although the First Amendment free speech protection is written in absolute terms (“Congress shall make no law…”), the courts have carved out several exceptions (for national security, libel and slander, pornography, imminent threats, etc.).  The courts have also carved out a limited “government employee” exception based on the rationale that a government employee is paid a salary to work and contribute to an agency’s effective operation and, therefore, the government employer must have the power to prevent or restrain the employee from doing or saying things that detract from the agency’s effective operation.  Thus, the government has been given greater latitude to engage in actions that impose restrictions on a person’s right to speak when the person is a governmental employee, which includes teachers who work in public schools.

Some of the earliest threats to the free speech rights of public school teachers were the loyalty oaths that many states imposed on government employees during the ‘‘red scare’’ and early ‘‘cold war’’ years of American history. In Adler v. Board of Education (1952), the Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision rejected First Amendment claims and upheld a New York statute designed to enforce existing civil service regulations to prevent members of subversive groups, particularly of the  Communist Party , from  teaching in public schools . The Supreme Court effectively overturned this ruling in the 1960s and declared several loyalty oath schemes to be unconstitutional because they had chilling effects on individuals which violated their First Amendment rights ( Baggett v. Bullitt (1964); Cramp v. Board of Public Instruction (1961); and Keyishian v. Board of Education (1967)).

Much of the reasoning regarding the “government employee” exception to the First Amendment outlined in Adler was abandoned altogether in the 1968 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Pickering v. Board of Education . Teacher Marvin Pickering had written a letter complaining about a recently defeated school budget proposal to increase school taxes. The school board felt that the letter was “detrimental to the efficient operation and administration of the schools” and decided to terminate Pickering, who sued claiming his letter was protected speech under the First Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court held that Pickering’s dismissal violated his First Amendment right to free speech because public employees are entitled to the same measure of constitutional protection as enjoyed by their civilian counterparts when speaking as “citizens” and not as “employees.”

In Mt. Healthy City School District v. Doyle (1977), non-tenured teacher Fred Doyle conveyed the substance of an internal memorandum regarding a proposed staff dress code to a local radio station, which released it. When the board of education refused to rehire him, Doyle claimed that his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights had been violated. The court developed a “balancing test” that required the teacher to demonstrate that the speech act was a ‘‘substantial’’ or ‘‘motivating factor’’ in the administration’s decision and gave the school board the opportunity to demonstrate, based on the preponderance of the evidence, that the teacher’s speech act was not the ‘‘but for’’ cause of the negative consequences imposed on the teacher by the school board. Finally, the court would “balance” the free speech interests of the teacher and the administrative interests of the school district to determine which carried more weight.  Based on this test, the U.S. Supreme Court found that the teacher’s call to the radio station was protected by the First Amendment, that the call played a substantial part in the board’s decision not to rehire Doyle, and that this action was a violation of Doyle’s rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

In a 5/4 decision in Connick v. Meyers (1983), the U.S. Supreme Court held that speech by public employees is generally only protected when they are addressing matters of public concern, not personal issues. Sheila Meyers was an Assistant District Attorney who had been transferred.  She strongly opposed her transfer and prepared a questionnaire asking for her co-workers views on the transfer policy, office morale and confidence in supervisors.  She was terminated for insubordination. Meyers alleged her termination violated her First Amendment right to free speech. The district court agreed and the Fifth Circuit affirmed. However, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed because Meyer’s speech only dealt with personal not public issues.  “When a public employee speaks not as a citizen upon matters of public concern, but instead as an employee upon matters only of personal interest, absent the most unusual circumstances, a federal court is not the appropriate forum in which to review the wisdom of a personnel decision taken by a public agency allegedly in reaction to the employee’s behavior.” Although the case involved an Assistant District Attorney, it is applicable to all public employees: teachers must demonstrate that their speech is of public concern.

This was confirmed in Kirkland v. Northside Independent School District (1989) where the school district did not rehire non-tenured teacher Timothy Kirkland because of poor performance and substandard teaching evaluations. Kirkland filed a lawsuit in federal district court against Northside, claiming that he was not rehired in violation of his First Amendment rights after he gave his students a reading list that was different from Northside’s list. Northside argued that Kirkland had no right to substitute his list without permission or consent and he had failed to obtain either. The district court ruled in favor of Kirkland and Northside appealed. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and dismissed Kirkland’s complaint, holding that Kirkland’s “speech” did not infringe on any matter of public concern and was in fact “private speech.” If the nature of the speech is purely private, such as a dispute over one employee’s job performance, judicial inquiry then comes to an end, and the question of whether the employee’s speech was a substantial or motivating factor in the decision not to rehire him need not even be reached. The U.S. Supreme Court denied cert, leaving this decision in place.

Academic Freedom

Although primarily used in the context of university faculty rights, “Academic Freedom” protects a teacher’s ability to determine the content and method of addressing controversial issues in the classroom.  This is more limited at the K-12 level because the courts have long held the view that the administration of K-12 public schools resides with state and local authorities. Primary and secondary education is, for the most part, funded by local sources of revenue, and it has traditionally been a government service that residents of the community have structured to fit their needs. Therefore, a teacher’s “Academic Freedom” is limited to his or her content and method of teaching within the policies and curriculum established by the state and local school board. By finding no First Amendment violation, the court in Kirkland implicitly held that he had no right to substitute his own book list for the one approved by the district without permission or consent, which he failed to obtain. 

In an early case, following the end of World War I, Nebraska had passed a law prohibiting teaching grade school children any language other than English and Robert Meyer was punished for teaching German at a private Lutheran school. The court held that the Nebraska law was an unnecessarily restrictive way to ensure English language learning and was an unconstitutional violation of the 14 th Amendment due process clause (the 14 th Amendment had not yet applied the First Amendment to the states until Gitlow v.  New York in 1925) that exceeded the power of the state ( Meyer v. Nebraska , 262 U.S. 390 (1923).

“The Fourteenth Amendment, as now applied to the States, protects the citizen against the State itself and all of its creatures-Boards of Education not excepted. These have, of course, important, delicate, and highly discretionary functions, but none that they may not perform within the limits of the Bill of Rights. That they are educating the young for citizenship is reason for scrupulous protection of Constitutional freedoms of the individual, if we are not to strangle the free mind at its source and teach youth to discount important principles of our government as mere platitudes.” Justice Jackson in West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnett (1943)(holding unconstitutional a requirement that all children in public schools salute the flag).

The Supreme Court has more than once instructed that “[t]he vigilant protection of constitutional freedoms is nowhere more vital than in the community of American schools” ( Shelton v. Tucker (1960)). In Epperson v. Arkansas (1968)(a reprise of the famous 1927 “Scopes Trial”), the Arkansas legislature had passed a law prohibiting teachers in public or state-supported schools from teaching, or using textbooks that teach, human evolution. Sue Epperson, a public school teacher, sued, claiming that the law violated her First Amendment right to free speech as well as the Establishment Clause. A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court declared the state law unconstitutional. The Court found that “the State’s undoubted right to prescribe the curriculum for its public schools does not carry with it the right to prohibit, on pain of criminal penalty, the teaching of a scientific theory or doctrine where that prohibition is based upon reasons that violate the First Amendment.” Seven members of the court based their decision on the Establishment Clause, whereas two concurred in the result based on the Due Process clause of the 14th Amendment (because it was unconstitutionally vague) or the Free Speech clause of the First Amendment.

The Supreme Court, however, has not clearly defined the scope of academic freedom protections under the First Amendment, and commentators disagree about the scope of those protections. (See, e.g., William W. Van Alstyne, “The Specific Theory of Academic Freedom and the General Issue of Civil Liberty,” in  The Concept of Academic Freedom  59, 61-63 (Edmund L. Pincoffs ed., 1972); J. Peter Byrne, “Academic Freedom: A ‘Special Concern of the First Amendment’,” 99  Yale L.J.  251 (1989); and Neil Hamilton, Zealotry and Academic Freedom: A Legal and Historical Perspective (New Brunswick, 1998).  

Whatever the legal scope, it is clear that the First Amendment protection of individual academic freedom is not absolute. For example, in Boring v. Buncombe County Board of Education (1998), the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals held that a teacher could be reprimanded (in this case transferred) because she sponsored the performance of a play that school authorities subsequently deemed inappropriate for her students and inconsistent with the curriculum developed by the local school authorities. This judicial deference toward K through 12 institutions often can be seen in cases involving teachers who assert that their First Amendment rights were violated when school administrators imposed punishments on them for engaging—while they taught their classes—in some form of expressive activity that the administrators disapproved.

The content

While cases about academic freedom, such as Epperson , involved state laws that limited or prohibited certain content being taught (in this case prohibiting teachers in public or state-supported schools from teaching, or using textbooks that teach, human evolution); New Jersey has taken a very broad approach to classroom content.  Since 1996, New Jersey has established state standards (currently called “Student Learning Standards”) that set a framework for each content area.  Unlike many other states, New Jersey does not establish a state curriculum but rather leaves this to local school boards. Subject to applicable provisions of state law and standards set by the State Department of Education, district school boards have control of public elementary and secondary schools.  How much protection do New Jersey teachers have when they address controversial topics?  Most First Amendment education cases in New Jersey involve students’ rights rather than teachers’ rights (e.g., school dress, vulgar language, threats, religious speech, equal access, See http://www.njpsa.org/documents/pdf/lawprimer_FirstAmendment.pdf ). However, several recent cases from the Third Circuit (which includes New Jersey) provide some parameters.

In Edwards v. California University of Pennsylvania (3rd Cir. 1998), a tenured professor in media studies sued the administration for violating his right to free speech by restricting his choice of classroom materials in an educational media course. Instead of using the approval syllabus, Edwards emphasized the issues of “bias, censorship, religion and humanism.” Students complained that he was promoting religious ideas in the class. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the Third Circuit’s summary judgement against Edwards, holding that a university professor does not have a First Amendment right to choose classroom materials and subjects in contravention of the University’s dictates.

A very recent decision regarding a New Jersey teacher confirms the fact that the First Amendment does not provide absolute protection for teachers in public schools to decide the content of their lessons if it is not within the curriculum set by the school district.  In Ali v. Woodbridge Twp. School District (3 rd Cir. April 22, 2020) a non-tenured public high school teacher at Woodbridge High School was teaching Holocaust denial to his students and was posting links to articles on the school’s website saying things such as, “The Jews are like a cancer” and expressing conspiracy theories accusing the United States of planning a 9/11-style attack. When the Board of Education fired Ali, he sued claiming that his employment was terminated on the basis of his race and religion, and that defendants had violated his rights to free speech and academic freedom, among other claims. The District Court rejected all of Ali’s claims, awarding summary judgment to the school board, and the Third Circuit affirmed.

These are extreme cases where a teacher is addressing issues that are NOT within the curriculum set by the university or within the state social studies standards and the local school district’s curriculum.  When teachers are teaching a controversial topic that is included in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Social Studies and their school district’s social studies curriculum, the existing case law seems to support the fact that they would be protected  by the Fourteenth Amendment, unless they are violating school policies that require teaching in a neutral, balanced manner that does not seek to indoctrinate students.

For example, what if a teacher wants to assign a research paper about the Stonewall Riots or the Lavender Project?     Since the history of LGBT rights is in the state standards and supposed to be included in local school district social studies curriculum, the Stonewell Riots and Lavender Project would be part of this history. This is not a situation like Ali where the materials were beyond the scope of the local curriculum (as well as being taught in an indoctrinating manner—see below). If the teacher fears that the topics will be controversial with the community, he or she should make the school administration aware of what he or she is planning to do.  Since here, what the teacher plans to teach is within the state standards and the local school district curriculum, the school administration should support the teacher.  If parents object, the real issue is one of policy (Should LGBT history be taught?), which is decided by the state and local boards of education, not the teacher. Therefore, the parents’ argument should be with the state and local boards of education.

What if a teacher wants to show scenes of an R-rated movie in the classroom (i.e. Revolutionary War scenes from The Patriot or D-Day from Saving Private Ryan?) Obviously, the American Revolution and Would War II are part of the state standards for U.S. History and in every local school district’s curriculum.  The movie scenes would need to relate to the district curriculum and the teacher should get prior administrative and parental approval if some movie scenes are going to be very graphic.

How should a teacher prepare lessons on Nazi Germany during the 1930s? Nazi Germany is also part of the state history standards and every school district’s curriculum. It should be taught in a way so that students can understand how the Nazis came to power and the prejudices they carried.  Some of the World War II footage and movies may be shocking but our students will not be able to become informed, engaged citizens if we hide the past from them.  

An ounce of prevention beforehand will help.  Before starting, teachers should be clear about the goal of their lesson: The classroom activities should encourage critical thinking. You are not trying to convince students of any particular point of view. Preview any materials, especially visual media which may be very powerful or provocative. Be aware of the biases of the sources of information that will be used by students.

Teaching Tolerance suggests in Civil Discourse in the Classroom that “Teachers can effectively use current and controversial events instruction to address a wide variety of standards and even mandated content. To do so, however, teachers must work carefully and incrementally to integrate this new approach in their classrooms.”  The University of Michigan’s Center for Research on Learning and Teaching offers guidance for how instructors (offered for college instructors but applicable for K-12) can successfully manage discussions on controversial topics. See Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, University of Michigan at https://crlt.umich.edu/tstrategies/ts d ). The 1940 “Statement on Academic Freedom and Tenure” of the  American Association of University Professors , suggests that teachers should be careful to avoid controversial matters that are unrelated to the subject discussed.

Before engaging students in an activity or discussion involving a controversial subject, tell your supervisor and/or principal what you are planning on teaching and, if necessary, reference the district policy on teaching controversial issues, explain the lesson’s connection with the district social studies curriculum and explain the goal and value of what you plan to do.  Then, consider the demographics of your community. If you anticipate that the topic of your lesson will be controversial with the community, send a note and/or talk with your students’ parents and/or the Parent Teacher Organization.

In an informative piece titled “Do You Have the Right to be an Advocate?,” published by EdWeek.org, Julie Underwood, a professor of law and educational leadership and policy analysis at the School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains that the “district or the state can regulate employee speech during school hours or at school-sponsored activities to protect their own interests in instruction and political neutrality.” Despite the ambiguity in the laws protecting a teacher’s freedom of speech, Underwood concludes: “If it relates to the in class instruction and is age appropriate there is a good rationale for having a political discussion”.

Teaching in a Neutral or Balanced Manner

If the teacher has created a supportive, respectful classroom climate and built tolerance for opposing views, it will be easier to consider controversial topics. For example, considering historical controversies might be good background as practice for looking at current controversies. Establish a process and rules of adequate evidence or support so that the discussion is based on facts rather than simply opinions. To help maintain classroom order even when students are having heated disagreements, set clear rules for discussions or use activities that require students to use active listening skills when considering controversial issues, such as:

• Continuum/Take a Stand
• Civil Conversations
• C3 Inquiries
• Guided discussions
• Socratic Smackdown
• Moot courts—structured format for considering constitutional issues
• Philosophical Chairs discussion
• Legislative hearings—structured format for considering solutions to problems

Carefully consider how students are grouped if they are to work cooperatively.  Provide closure (which may be acknowledging the difficulty of the issue).

School boards work primarily through policies which set guidelines for principals, teachers, parents and students, as well as the district curriculum. To avoid a problem afterwards, the teacher should make sure that the controversial topic is within the state standards and the curriculum adopted by their local school board. Then the teacher should consult the school district’s policy regarding the teaching of controversial issues. Most school districts have a policy (usually #2240) that supports and encourages the teaching of controversial issues and sets guidelines for teaching controversial issues, including a process for dealing with challenges.  Although the language may differ, policies dealing with controversial issues generally focus on the need for the classroom lesson to be balanced, unprejudiced, fair, objective, and not aimed at indoctrinating students to a particular point of view.

Clearly, the type of indoctrination attempted by the teachers in the Edwards or Ali cases is beyond protected speech.  In addition to avoiding indoctrination, teachers should avoid telling a joke in the classroom that might imply a negative characterization of an ethnic group, religion or gender.  A “joke” that might be a put down of any ethnic group, religion or gender told in the classroom to students is never a good idea. It is not even a good idea for a teacher to post such a “joke” on Facebook because such speech might be considered as not addressing a matter of public concern and would not be protected by the First Amendment. However, using an historical photo, engraving or picture that included a negative image of an ethnic, racial or religious group might be okay in the context of examining what was seen as humor in the past and understanding the prejudice that existed during a particular time period. For example, when teaching about the Holocaust, a teacher might carefully use Nazi cartoons to demonstrate the high level of prejudice at the time. Another example might be using images of blackface or corporate ad campaigns to show racial attitudes when teaching about Jim Crow. The teacher does not need many examples to make the point. Know your audience. Choose carefully and be aware that certain advertising images from the Jim Crow era may offend some students in the class. The purpose of using controversial issues is important. At the core of deciding what a teacher should or should not say or do in the classroom is good judgment.

Should a teacher share his or her viewpoint on a controversial issue with the students?

Whether a teacher should share his or her opinion or viewpoint on a controversial issue will depend on the age of the students, if the opinion was requested by the students, and the comfort-level of the teacher.  A teacher’s opinion may have too much influence on younger students and should probably be avoided. What if a middle or high school student specifically asks for your opinion? Such “natural disclosures” in response to a direct question by a student should be accompanied by a disclaimer, such as “This is my view because…” or “Other people may have different views”.  If you prefer not to disclose your view, explicitly state that and explain why. Remember, the goal is to help students develop their own well-informed positions. Be mindful of your position as the “classroom expert” and the potential impact on the students. If you decide to disclose your own view, do it carefully and only after the students have expressed their views. Unrequested disclosures may be seen as preachy, or may stop the discussion. (See Hess, Controversy in the Classroom )

So, for example, should a teacher take a position on climate change?  In terms of content, climate change is in the state standards and should be in the local school curriculum. If parents disapprove of this topic, this disagreement is really with the curriculum set by the school board, not with the teacher.  However, the teaching strategy is important. Rather than taking a position, which may be seen as indoctrination or may simply stop the classroom inquiry, the better approach might be to have the students examine the issue and let the facts speak for themselves.  Let students use the facts that exist to construct their own arguments about whether or not climate change is the result of mankind’s use of fossil fuels in industry and transportation.  If the topic is presented in a balanced, neutral, non-indoctrinating manner, the teacher should not be subject to discipline. Objections by parents should be referred to the school administration because it is a matter of policy (Should climate change be taught?), which is decided by the state and local boards of education, not the teacher.

How should teachers address questions from students regarding Black Lives Matter and racial inequality? The ACLU in the state of Washington prepared a short online article, “Free Speech Rights of Teachers in Washington State” (NJ’s ACLU only has a publication about students’ rights) with a related hypothetical:  The teacher is instructed not to discuss personal opinions on political matters with students.  In a classroom discussion on racial issues in America, the teacher tells the class that he/she has recently participated in a Black Lives Matter demonstration.  Revealing this is the same as giving an opinion and may not be protected speech. Teachers can be disciplined for departing from the curriculum adopted by the school district and this would be a departure.

Can a teacher state that New Jersey is a segregated state when it comes to communities? Is the teacher stating this as a personal opinion or as a fact related to a topic of learning? There is no reason to simply state that NJ is segregated unless it is in the context of helping students understand and appreciate the history of segregation in NJ consistent with state standards and district curriculum. (For example, see “Land Use in NJ” and “School Desegregation and School Finance in NJ” for history, context and facts at http://civiced.rutgers.edu/njlessons.html ).

Is a teacher permitted to take a stand on the issue of removing public monuments? Assuming that this is part of a current events lesson, it would be better if the teacher remained neutral and let the students’ voice differing views. If the students all have one position, perhaps the teacher can take a position as “devil’s advocate,” but it should be made clear that this is what the teacher is doing.

Can a teacher assign blame to protests to specific groups or left or right extremist groups? Assigning blame is the same as a teacher giving his or her personal opinion. The better approach would be to have students look at the actions of specific groups and determine their appropriateness.

Can a teacher assign blame to Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett regarding a Supreme Court decision that is 5-4 and against the teacher’s preference (i.e. Affordable Care Act, marriage, etc.).  Assuming that this is part of a classroom lesson about the Supreme Court, the teacher should refrain from “assigning blame” because this is expressing his or her opinion, but should instead let the students consider the reasoning and impact of the decisions.

Is a teacher permitted to criticize or defend the government’s policies or actions on immigration? Outside the classroom, a teacher has a first amendment right to express his or her views on public issues. As part of a classroom lesson about immigration, rather than criticizing or defending the government’s policies or actions on immigration, the better approach would be to present or let students research the history of immigration policy and its impact and let the students discuss and draw their own conclusions (For example, see “Immigration Policy and its impact on NJ” at http://civiced.rutgers.edu/njlessons.html ).

Can a teacher show a video clip from a specific news station (Fox, CNN) or assign students to watch a specific news program as an assignment?  As long as the purpose is not indoctrination to any particular point of view and the assignments are balanced. If the teacher wants students to see and compare various media views on the same topic, that would be a valuable classroom activity. (For example, see “Educating for Informed, Engaged Citizens” virtual workshop, for background on helping students understand bias in news, at the New Jersey Council for the Social Studies website at http://www.njcss.org/ ;  also see Choices Program at Brown University: Teaching with the News at https://www.choices.edu/teaching-with-the-news/ ;   and Constitutional Rights Foundation Fake News at https://www.crf-usa.org/images/pdf/challenge/Understanding-Fake-News1.pdf and https://www.crf-usa.org/images/pdf/challenge/Tackling-Fake-News.pdf ).

Conclusions

A teacher has a personal right under the First Amendment to share his view on public policy issues in public but NOT in the classroom.  A teacher sharing his opinion or viewpoint in the classroom may be seen as indoctrination. So, for example, teachers should avoid sharing personal views on one’s sexual preference, regarding a particular candidate, President Trump’s taxes, a decision by a Grand Jury, prosecutor, FBI on racial issues, etc. Your school district may even have an explicit policy that teachers should not discuss personal views on political matters in the classroom, in which case, this policy should be followed.  Everything a teacher says or does in the classroom should be considered based on the possible impact on the students.

This does not mean that teachers should avoid having students examine and discuss controversial topics. Encouraging the development of civic skills and attitudes among young people has been an important goal of education since the start of the country.  Schools are communities in which young people learn to interact, argue, and work together with others, an important foundation for future citizenship.  Since the purpose of social education is to prepare students for participation in a pluralist democracy, social studies classes NEED to address controversial issues.  Teachers have the right and the responsibility to help their students understand controversial topics and to develop critical thinking skills.  However, the controversial topics should relate to the broad scope of subjects included in the NJ Student Learning Standards and the local school district curriculum.  And controversial subjects should be addressed in a neutral or balanced manner, without any effort to indoctrinate students, but rather to help them develop the knowledge and skills they will need as workers, parents and citizens in a democratic society.

Background Materials

Meyer v. Nebraska, 262 U.S. 390 (1923)

West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnett , 319 U.S. 624 (1943)

Adler v. Board of Education, 342 U.S. 485 (1952)

Shelton v. Tucker, 364 U.S. 479 (1960)

Cramp v. Board of Public Instruction , 368 U.S. 278 (1961)

Baggett v. Bullitt, 377 U.S. 360(1964)

Keyishian v. Board of Regents , 385 U.S. 589 (1967)

Pickering v. Board of Education, 391 U.S. 563 (1968)

Epperson v. Arkansas , 393 U.S. 97 (1968)

Mt. Healthy City School District Board of Education v. Doyle, 429 U.S. 274 (1977)

Connick v. Meyers, 461 U.S. 138 (1983)

Kirkland v. Northside Independent School District , 890 F.2d 694 (5th Cir. 1989), cert. denied (1990)

Bradley v. Pittsburgh Bd. of Educ., 910 F.2d 1172 (3d Cir.1990)

Boring v. Buncombe County Board of Education , 136 F.3d 364 (4th Cir. 1998)

Edwards v. California University of Pennsylvania, 156 F.3d 488 (3rd Cir. 1998), cert. denied, 525 U.S. 1143 (1999)

Ali v. Woodbridge Twp. School District , 957 F.3d 174 (3 rd Cir. April 22, 2020)

Keith Barton and Linda Levstik, Teaching History for the Common Good (Erlbaum, 2004)

Diana E. Hess, Controversy in the Classroom: The Democratic Power of Discussion (New York: Routledge, 2009)

Nel Noddings and Laurie Brooks, Teaching Controversial Issues: The Case for Critical Thinking and Moral Commitment in the Classroom (New York:  Teacher’s College Press, 2017).

William W. Van Alstyne, “Academic Freedom and the First Amendment in the Supreme Court of the United States: An Unhurried Historical Review,” 53  Law and Contemp. Probs . 79 (1990)

ACLU-Washington at https://www.aclu-wa.org/docs/free-speech-rights-public-school-teachers-washington-state

American Association of University Professors, “Academic Freedom of Professors and Institutions,” (2002) at https://www.aaup.org/issues/academic-freedom/professors-and-institutions

Center for Research on Instruction and Teaching, University of Michigan at https://crlt.umich.edu/tstrategies/tsd

Choices Program at Brown University: Teaching with the News at https://www.choices.edu/teaching-with-the-news/

Constitutional Rights Foundation at https://www.crf-usa.org/

EdSurge at https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-01-17-why-we-need-controversy-in-our-classrooms

Facing History at https://www.facinghistory.org/educator-resources

Find Law at https://www.findlaw.com/education/teachers-rights/teachers-different-freedoms-and-rights-article.html

Forbes at https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicabohrer/2020/09/14/teaching-children-about-freedom-of-speech/#25cb6ff07101

John Goodlad, “Fulfilling the Public Purpose of Schooling: Educating the Young in Support of Democracy May Be Leadership’s Highest Calling,” School Administrator , v61 n5 p14 May 2004.

Jonathan Gould, Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Peter Levine, Ted McConnell, and David B. Smith, eds .  “Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools, ” Philadelphia: Annenberg Public Policy Center, 2011

Amanda Litvinov, “Forgotten Purpose: Civic Education in Public Schools, NEA Today, Mar 16, 2017 at https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/forgotten-purpose-civics-education-public-schools#:~:text=Research%20into%20this%20long%2Dneglected,it%20holds%20for%20student%20achievement.

New Jersey Center for Civic Education (New Jersey lessons) at http://civiced.rutgers.edu/njlessons.html

New Jersey Law Journal at https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/2020/06/28/as-woodbridge-teachers-case-shows-facts-do-matter/?slreturn=20200929134110

New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association at http://www.njpsa.org/documents/pdf/lawprimer_FirstAmendment.pdf

Phi Delta Kappa, “Do you have the right to be an Advocate?, at https://kappanonline.org/underwood-school-districts-control-teachers-classroom-speech/

Poorvu Center, Yale University at https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/teaching/ideas-teaching/teaching-controversial-topics

Teaching Tolerance at https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/publications/civil-discourse-in-the-classroom/chapter-4-teaching-controversy

Texas Association of School Boards at https://www.tasb.org/services/legal-services/tasb-school-law-esource/personnel/documents/employee_free_speech_rights.aspx

The First Amendment Encyclopedia at https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/973/rights-of-teachers

U.S. Civil Liberties at https://uscivilliberties.org/themes/4571-teacher-speech-in-public-schools.html

Prepared by Arlene Gardner, Executive Director, New Jersey Center for Civic Education, Rutgers-The State University, Piscataway, NJ (2020)

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Public Speaking Unit

Looking for a public speaking bundle ? I can provide you with an overall picture of how to teach public speaking. 

EDIT: This blog post about a public speaking curriculum has turned into a monster post! It is easily three times as long as my normal blog posts. That’s ok because I know how intimidated I was when I taught speech the first time. All of the lessons and activities mentioned below are in my Public Speaking Bundle . BUT?! I think you could still use these ideas as a springboard into speech if you aren’t looking to buy a bundle. 

I get lots of emails. Most emails pertain to grammar. The second most emails? Public speaking. Teaching public speaking is challenging. 

I have taught public speaking; I teach in Illinois and hold a teaching endorsement in speech. Additionally, I have coached a speech team and substitute-taught public speaking. I understand the challenges and rewards. 

Students have ambivalent feelings about public speaking. They understand the power of speeches, but they are nervous as can be. Our goal as teachers is to harness that range of feelings and get students speaking comfortably in front of crowds. That is my overarching goal as I organize and create these activities.

A few notes about this blog post:

• This public speaking outline took me years to develop, and I still add pieces every semester that I teach. The order and the activities have reasons for placement, and I’ll explain those as we continue. For your needs and students, you may wish to rearrange these procedures. Please! Personalize as necessary! I purposefully left room for teacher personalization.
• ALL of these activities are in my Public Speaking Bundle —BUT!—if you aren’t looking to purchase anything, I hope you can still use this outline to get started, to know what to expect with a public speaking course.
• When I mention a “Discussion Starter,” I am referencing an activity in the bundle. The topic is a recurring question students have, so you should be aware that students will need that information.
• The “weeks” are general guidelines. Don’t stress if you finish early or run a day over—I do too. Flexibility and compassion help nervous students.
• Please, please feel free to contact me. I will happily answer any question about public speaking. It may be the most difficult class I’ve ever taught, but it certainly is rewarding.

My biggest belief with teaching public speaking: students need time to practice their speeches while providing structure and diverse speaking opportunities. We spend days practicing our speeches alone, with peers, and with me. Professional speakers practice intensely, and students should see that practice prepares them. Teaching public speaking requires flexibility and pep talks.

Week One: Introduction.

How to teach public speaking? Connect with your students and their parents. We complete introductory speech activities . (Download for free. ) Part of teaching public speaking should be building a community to set young public speakers at ease. Giving a speech in front of others can be nerve-racking, and I have never regretted spending time discussing communication and the multiple factors of public speaking with students. General conversations and fun activities help build a supportive community; you really will be setting the room for success.

Discussion Starter: “In the Beginning”

I email parents/post to the classroom website the note for parents about public speaking. (Note in bundle.)

I cover the role of audience members with students (worksheet in bundle). When I give students this expectation, it helps because they know they have a role in class even when they are not speaking.

We read an overview of giving a killer presentation . This takes an entire class period; we discuss how powerful speaking is.

I define the differences between interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. We write about how our intrapersonal communication influences our interpersonal communication.

Week Two: Baby Steps.

Audience Analysis. Who is your target audience? For every speech, students must recognize their audience. We complete the Audience Analysis activity which normally takes two class periods.

Write a radio commercial . Students must realize that their audience cannot read the message; they can only hear and see. I practice “hear” first with a thirty-second speech. Students write and deliver a radio commercial.

This helps because students understand that public speaking holds power—in fact, that is probably why they are nervous about speaking to an audience! I want to harness that excitement and power but not scare students. With the radio commercial, students can “ease into” public speaking. It is quick, short presentation, but it allows me to outline my expectations for speeches.

The radio commercial also allows students to focus on verbal communication without focusing on hand gestures, positioning, etc.

Weeks Three – Four: Narratives: writing and presentations.

Teaching public speaking is a personal endeavor because students will share personal information. Narrative speeches are a great way to build relationships with students.

Discussion Starter: “Where do I stand during my speech?”

I choose a narrative topic for students. I have done numerous, so I have plenty of samples and instructions .

Goal setting sheets help student, and I devote time explaining the process and reasons for planning goals in life. I want them to set goals so that the information is important to them, so they are invested in the process. Setting goals also allows me to differentiate without students asking about their classmates’ plans. After the narrative speech, students create their first goal sheet.

Students deliver a speech without researching and citing sources. The narrative is about them, so they can write and deliver it rather quickly. This gets students in front of an audience without immense pressures.

Week Five:   Informative : research and writing.

For the first researched speech, I have students complete a biography. I do this because they are so easy to organize—students use a timeline of a person’s life. When I question how to teach public speaking, I believe starting students with confidence pays off later.

Additionally, with researching and citing sources, students can become overwhelmed. When they start with a biography, they do not yet have to worry about organizing information. We use the brainstorming sheet as we research these speeches.

Discussion Starters:

• “How do I research my speech?”
• “Citing sources”
• “Outlining your speech”

We research and write the speech outlines. During this week, w e practice extensively. Students have completed several smaller speeches at this point, but this speech is different since students research the topics and cite sources. My sample speech is about Kate Chopin. Showing students this speech allows for me to demonstrate organization while not stealing a potential topic. Most students won’t write about Chopin!

Weeks Six – Seven: Practice, prep, and planning . Presentations.

This week, students will make a visual aid, decide on their goals, and practice their biographical speeches. I often have students work with peers and provide feedback. I rotate around the room these days. Students often put too much information on their visual aids, and this is a correction I work with them.

To differentiate, students choose their own goals. A goal can be to speak loudly, to minimize “um,” or to move hands purposefully. When I grade, I keep each student’s goal sheet by me and watch if they have improved on what their focus was.

Students often want to write their speech and deliver it the next day. To prevent this, I make the outline due a week before we start speeches. Students get points for having their outline done, which they appreciate. This forces them to practice.

I cannot stress enough that students will need lots of prompting and encouragement to practice. Students sometimes tell me that they perform better if they don’t practice. This is not true! Rarely have I given a class too much time to practice and had them bored. Students can always perfect their speeches.

We have many discussions and classroom conversations. Our worksheets start reflection and provide talking points.

• “When Does My Speech Begin?”
• “Using a Visual Aid”

Presentations take about a week (of course, this depends on the size of your class). I encourage proper audience behavior. Students should be engaged and check statements from presenters. Part of a speech class is learning to be a good audience member.

I record students as they speak. As we finish presentations, students watch their presentations and reflect. They write what they should improve, how to improve—taking their goals into account. We wrap up by having a class discussion about concerns and strengths. Students can become overwhelmed or unmotivated, so I always acknowledge the difficulty of giving speeches and how they are succeeding in certain areas.

Weeks Eight – Eleven: Argumentative research and writing.

At the start of this process, students are still watching and reflecting on their previous speeches. Students do this alone, so the rest of the class is often researching and outlining their new speeches.

We repeat the informative layout, but we cover more information as a persuasive/argumentative speech. To me, this is the type of speech students will most often deliver in life. It’s important for them to take it seriously and do well. I don’t have this as the final large speech because when I did that, winter break or the end of the school year (whenever the semester ended) took away from serious speech practice.

I add another week into this speech because I typically increase the time requirement. Students need more practice as this speech is a new format and typically longer.

Decide ahead of time what format you want students to use. I typically use Monroe’s Motivated Sequence for persuasive speeches.

Two days are spent completing the Ethos/ Pathos/ Logos Activity .

Discussion Starter: “Diving deeper with your topic”

Students are familiar with the creation process, so the speech creation and practice process normally is better.

Week Twelve: Impromptu , narrative.

Students have worked hard so far, and I give them a slight break from preparation while teaching them valuable skills: thinking, organizing, and speaking quickly. Plus, students often have habits that need broken: fillers (um, yeah, so) or unnecessary hand gestures. These short and relaxed impromptu topics require students to speak, but at the same time, they can focus less on the content and more on what they should improve.

We also study a famous speech by Susan B. Anthony . These activities are important, but they also give students a rest.

Weeks Thirteen – Fifteen:  Informative , non-biography.

Returning to an informative speech is difficult for students, and I do this on purpose. Students must understand the different expectations of speeches. They will try to persuade during this speech, and that is something of which they must be aware. Part of teaching public speaking is challenging students in new ways.

Informative speech topics can include different types of technology, careers in a certain field, or roles of government branches. I have a sample informative speech included in my speech unit. The speech is on modernism, and I stress to students that they should not border on persuading their audience.

• “Adding emphasis in your speech”
• “Elevating your rhetoric”

We repeat the speech preparation format that the other speeches followed. I also show a presentation about figurative language and show students speeches with samples of the figurative language. Then, students brainstorm figurative language to put in their own speeches.

Weeks Sixteen – Seventeen: Impromptu/Argumentative, how-to .

(Again, you can download these public speaking lesson plans PDF in my library. The impromptu activity is included.)

We practice persuasive speeches again, only this time in impromptu format. Students need to present their point of view logically and persuasively. Many “speeches” will be in front of a college professor or boss when called on to present their case for or against something.

I have students create the topics which normally include ideas like, “sell me this pen” or “explain why your work schedule should change.”

Finally, if I have a large class, students might complete the impromptu speeches the entire week. If I need another speech topic, we complete the other how-to speech we did not do earlier. (I have two how-to speeches included, one for food and one for non-food.)

Week Eighteen: When I taught seniors, this was the most exciting time for my speech class. Students wrote a graduation speech, and administrators judged who would give the speech at graduation. (Students not in my class could participate too.) It was an authentic audience, it was meaningful, it had everything for the end of a public speaking course.

I do not give students a list of rules for their graduation speeches; I make students develop them. This is more meaningful because it shows me if they understand what it takes to create and deliver a great speech, if they understand that not all speeches are the same, and if they can take the initiative in delivering a speech. I use the rubric that is included in the bundle.

Sometimes, schools require that each class have a final exam. The public speaking bundle has a test, which I give if required. Other times, I use the graduation speech as the culminating activity. Then, we complete a final evaluation sheet so that we can close the class.

When I began teaching, I had fifty-year-old books that my students hated. (I didn’t love them.) I had my speaking experiences, and not much else. Teaching public speaking takes dedication and effort, but you can succeed. My hope is that this outline of a public speaking curriculum saves another teacher stress and pain.

I developed this order, these processes after mistakes, reflection, and more reflection. I hope this public speaking unit helps other teachers.

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Thanks for stopping by my blog! I’d love to connect with you after you download the public speaking lesson plans PDF. Join me on Facebook to meet other educators who discuss best practices for how to teach pubic speaking, how to develop high school speech lesson plans, and how to create a speech curriculum for high school.

public speaking public speaking activities

Effective Communication in the Classroom

Why is It Important?

In a student-centered classroom, the instructor should not be speaking all of the time. However, when you are speaking, students count on you to: provide clarity by highlighting key ideas; elaborate on difficult concepts; and provide clear instructions for in-class activities. These messages should be backed up by appropriate visual aids that reinforce what you are talking about: board work, slides, and/or handouts. 

In-class communication can be thought of as consisting of verbal, vocal, and visual channels. 

Verbal channel

The verbal channel relates to word choice: the same content or point can be delivered in different ways using different words. Those differences in delivery affect how students comprehend and engage with the material.

The verbal channel can clarify and reinforce course content by:

• Defining and using discipline-specific vocabulary. 
• Verbally outlining your presentation. Verbal indicators can signal transitions between ideas, helping students make connections to their prior knowledge and experiences, follow along, and organize their notes.

The verbal channel can also be used to send growth messages and create an inclusive classroom. For example, the way you respond to students’ questions and incorrect answers can be an opportunity to create a warm classroom climate but are often not something we consider rehearsing.

 When a student asks a question:

• Try to call on them by name. This will help to create a sense of belonging.
• Thank them for their question to motivate them to ask questions again in the future.
• If a question is common, say so. This will help the student see that others’ have needed clarification on this point as well.

If you pose a question and a student responds with an incorrect answer:

• Thank the student for responding.
• If the student’s response is in line with a common error, say so, so they do not feel alone in their misunderstanding.
• Ask the student about the process that they used to come up with the answer to better understand where they made a misstep. This emphasizes process over product and also teaches good troubleshooting strategies.
• If a student’s answer is partially correct, ask another student to add on or clarify the response. 

Certain verbal phrases can detract from a presentation by being distracting, signaling a lack of instructor preparation, or by making students feel insecure in their ability to succeed in the course.

We all use some filler phrases habitually, and we should strive to minimize them. However, over-focusing on avoiding filler phrases can distract from a clear presentation. The best strategy is to practice avoiding filler phrases when rehearsing a lecture, but when actually teaching to focus on communicating with the students.

Vocal channel

The vocal channel includes aspects of speech such as volume, pacing, and tone. The vocal channel can be used to draw students attention and convey enthusiasm.

Visual channel

The visual channel includes all visual aids that support your message, including you (!), anything that you write on the board, project on the projector, or distribute as a handout. 

Your physical appearance—posture, attire, expressions—are all part of your presentation and affect how students listen to you and receive your message. Here are some ways your appearance affects your presentation:

• Presence/Position/Posture : standing up straight conveys confidence and authority.
• Eye contact : helps you connect with your audience and keep your students engaged. You may tend to focus your gaze on a particular side of the classroom. Consciously make eye contact in a “W” pattern across the room.
• Movement : too much movement can be distracting, but well-timed movements emphasize key points or physically signal a transition between points – reinforce the information you’re presenting.

Plan what you will actually write on the board so you can make sure it’s organized, large, and legible. If you have limited experience writing on the board, try to practice in the room in which you will be teaching. You may be surprised at how large you have to write so that it is legible from the back of the room.  

At MIT, most classrooms are outfitted with multiple, movable boards. Visit your classroom in advance to know the layout of the boards and use this information in your planning. For example, with movable boards, consider the order in which you will fill them to maximize the amount of information students can see at any given point. Students will want to write down everything that you write on the board.

Practice drawing important schematics. If a schematic is necessary but challenging to draw, consider supplementing your board work with a slide, which can also be distributed to students as a handout. Consider using color to highlight ideas, group items, or add clarity to diagrams.

Slide design

The digital nature of slides makes it easy to include more information than students can process on them. In general, try to keep the mantra of “less is more” in mind to reduce the likelihood of cognitive overload and including extraneous information.

When creating slides, words and images are better than words alone. Relevant images can help to support and clarify your message. That said, there are times when images may not be appropriate and you just need to use text. In these cases, summarize the ideas using phrases and avoid full sentences on your slide.

Simple animations of having bullets appear in a synchronized manner with your oration will help to reduce cognitive overload and help students stay focused on what you are saying. Key ideas can also be highlighted by using bolding and color.

Managing Nerves

Stage fright is natural. Almost everyone gets some degree of stage fright. Below are some things you can do at different stages of your preparation to minimize the effects of stage fright.

While preparing for class

• Acknowledge your fears by writing them down or sharing them with a friend or a trusted colleague. This will help you identify specific things you can practice to reduce your nerves. 
• Practice your presentation. Try to make your practice as realistic as possible: practice in your assigned classroom with an audience of friends, colleagues, or a video camera.

Shortly before class

• Warm up your body by stretching, walking around, and standing up straight.
• Do breathing exercises to warm up your vocal cords and to regulate your breathing.
• Drink water to stay hydrated.
• Use relaxation or meditation resources to reduce nerves, like the MIT Community Wellness Relaxation Line, 617-253-2256 (CALM)

During class

• Use pauses to give yourself a chance to breathe and think. You can use longer pauses between major ideas or during active learning exercises to get a drink of water from your water bottle.
• If you find your speech rushing, try taking a longer pause after your next point. Take a couple of deep breaths and get comfortable with silence to reset your rate of speech.
• If you find yourself pacing or moving a lot, try planting your feet or putting your hands on a table or podium (if it doesn’t ruin your posture) to ground yourself. Once you’ve reset, give yourself more freedom to move around the room and interact with your students.

Additional resources

Mit school of engineering communication lab.

The Communication Lab is a discipline-specific peer-coaching program for MIT’s School of Engineering that helps graduate students with their scientific writing, speaking, and visual design.

MIT Writing and Communication Center

MIT Comparative Media Studies/Writing offers innovative programs that apply critical analysis, collaborative research, and design across a variety of media arts, forms, and practices.

Speech on Role Of Teacher In Student Life

Teachers are like guideposts in your journey of learning. They light your path, helping you to grow, learn, and find your way in the world. They are central to your academic and personal development, shaping your future in profound ways.

A good teacher doesn’t just impart knowledge. They inspire curiosity, nurture talents, and instill values. They play a significant role in your life, molding you into a responsible citizen and a thoughtful human being.

1-minute Speech on Role Of Teacher In Student Life

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, today we are here to discuss the importance of a teacher in a student’s life. Teachers are like guiding stars, who show us the path of knowledge. They are not just people who give us homework and grades, but they are the ones who help us grow as individuals.

Think about a tree. A small seed needs water, sunlight, and proper care to grow into a strong tree. Similarly, a student is like a seed. And who are the gardeners? Our teachers. They provide us the sunlight of knowledge, water us with wisdom, and care for us by nurturing our talents and skills.

A teacher is the one who sees the hidden spark in us, even when we fail to see it ourselves. Like a sculptor shapes a raw piece of stone into a beautiful statue, a teacher shapes us. They help us understand our strengths and weaknesses, and guide us to become the best version of ourselves.

Through their lessons, teachers not just teach us about subjects like math, science, and history, but also about life. They teach us to be honest, respectful, and hardworking. They help us understand the difference between right and wrong. They are the ones who inspire us to dream big and work hard to achieve those dreams.

But teachers are not just about discipline and rules. They are also our friends. When we are sad or facing a problem, we can always count on our teachers to listen and guide us. They are our pillars of support, always there to guide and cheer us on.

To sum up, a teacher plays many roles in a student’s life – a guide, a mentor, a friend, and a motivator. They help us learn, grow, and shine. They shape us into responsible and capable individuals. A teacher’s role is truly priceless. So, let’s take a moment to thank all the wonderful teachers who have made a difference in our lives.

2-minute Speech on Role Of Teacher In Student Life

Good day to all. Today, I am here to speak about the topic ‘Role Of Teacher In Student Life’. In our lives, teachers hold a place of immense importance, a place just next to our parents. They are our guides, our friends, and our mentors.

Let’s first talk about a teacher as a guide. Imagine you are in a dark room and you can’t find a way out. Suddenly, someone gives you a torch. That torch is your teacher. Teachers show us the path to knowledge. They guide us through the maze of facts, figures, and ideas. They help us make sense of the world around us. They light up our minds with wisdom and knowledge.

Now, let’s consider a teacher as a friend. Remember the times when you were sad or confused? Who was there to lend a comforting ear? Your teacher. Teachers are more than just educators. They are our confidants and our trusted friends. They understand us, they listen to us, and they help us navigate through our problems. They are always there to lend a hand or share a word of encouragement when we need it the most.

Teachers are also our mentors. They shape our character and our future. They help us understand what’s right and what’s wrong. They teach us values, morals, and ethics. They inspire us to be better human beings. They encourage us to follow our dreams and reach our goals.

But the role of a teacher doesn’t stop at imparting knowledge or guiding us. A teacher also helps us develop our skills and talents. Every one of us is different. We all have unique abilities. Teachers help us identify these special talents. They nurture our skills and help us become the best version of ourselves.

Lastly, teachers are our role models. They lead by example. We learn from their actions, their words, and their deeds. We see them treat everyone with respect and kindness. We see them work hard and never give up. We see them stand up for what’s right. They inspire us to do the same.

To sum up, teachers play a crucial role in our lives. They guide us, befriend us, mentor us, help us develop our skills, and act as our role models. They are the builders of our future. So, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of all the teachers who have touched our lives. Thank you, teachers, for making us who we are today.

• Speech on Role Of Parents In Our Life
• Speech on Role Of Parents In Children’s Education
• Speech on Role Of Mother

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Teaching Speech: Encouraging Good Learning Practices

Introduction, what is speech, what should an introductory speech course include.

• The vocabulary of speech terminology.
• How to prepare a speech outline (with an appropriate introduction, body and conclusion).
• The key points of presentation, including the importance of eye contact, body movement and the voice.
• The roles of both the speaker and the audience.
• Identifying and categorizing different types of speech.
• How to judge and evaluate a speech.

Coping with Large Classes

A practical example, peer evaluation and the student evaluation sheet, strong points.

• Good job.  A well-organized speech.
• Well done.  A well-prepared speech.
• Good delivery.  You held your audience well.
• Interesting information.  I learned something I didn’t know before.
• Very funny.  I laughed.
• You were very enthusiastic about your subject.
• Good strong voice.
• Your intonation was very natural.
• Good, clear pronunciation.
• Eye contact was good.  You looked at everybody.

WEAK POINTS

• Wait until everyone is listening before you start.
• Speak up!  I couldn’t hear you.
• You sound like a robot.  Put more expression in your voice.
• Slow down.  It is not a race.
• Relax.  Don’t fiddle with your (hair/clothes/paper…)
• Look at your audience, not the (floor/ceiling/teacher…)
• It’s O.K. to make a mistake, but say “Excuse me” in English, no in your native lanaguage.
• Your pronunciation is unclear, especially the sounds (r/l, s/th…)
• You should have practiced more.
• Don’t end your speech with “That’s all.”

Why Is Peer Evaluation Important?

Aligning assessment procedures to intended course outcomes.

It is helpful to remember that what the student does is actually more important in determining what is learned than what the teacher does.”

Quantitative Versus Qualitative Approaches to Teaching and Learning

There is no need to separate main ideas from detail; all are worth one point.  And there is no need to assemble these ideas into a coherent summary or to integrate them with anything else because that is not required.   (Lohman, 1993:19)

In the quantitative outlook assumptions are made about the nature and the acquisition of knowledge, that are untenable in the light of what is now known about human learning.   (Biggs, 1994)

• A positive motivational context, hopefully intrinsic but at least one involving a felt need-to-know and an aware emotional climate.
• A high degree of learner activity, both task-related and reflective.
• Interaction with others, both at the peer level with other students, and hierarchically, within “scaffolding” provided by an expert tutor.
• A well-structured knowledge base, that provides the longitude or depth for conceptual development and the breadth, for conceptual enrichment.

Applying Theory to Practice

• Biggs J.B. (1979).  Individual differences in study processes and the quality of learning outcomes.  Higher Education , 8, 381-394.
• Biggs J.B. (1989).  Approaches to the enhancement of tertiary teaching.  Higher Education Research and Development , 8, 7-25.
• Biggs J.B. (1994).  Learning outcomes: Competence or expertise.  Australian and New Zealand Journal of Vocational Education Research , 2(1), 1-18.
• Cole, N.S. (1990).  Conceptions of educational achievement.  Educational Researcher , 19(3), 2-7.
• Lohman, D.F. (1993).  Teaching and testing to develop fluid abilities.  Educational Researcher , 22(7), 12-23.
• Marton, F., Dall’alba, G. & Beaty, E. (1993).  Conceptions of learning.  International Journal of Educational Research , 19, 277-300
• Marton, F. & Saljo, R. (1976).  On qualitative differences in learning – 1: Outcome and process.  British Journal of Educational Psychology , 46, 4-11.
• Shuell, T.J. (1986).  Cognitive conceptions of learning.  Review of Educational Research , 56, 411-436.
• Trigwell, K. & Prosser, M. (1991).  Relating approaches to study and quality of learning outcomes at the course level.  British Journal of Educational Psychology , 61, 265-275.
• Watkins, D.A. (1983).  Depth of processing and the quality of learning outcomes.  Instructional Science , 12, 49-58.  Chapter 1: The research context.

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A Bronx Teacher Asked. Tommy Orange Answered.

When the author received an impassioned email, he dropped everything to visit the students who inspired it.

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By Elisabeth Egan

Elisabeth Egan is still in touch with her high school English teachers.

Tommy Orange sat at the front of a classroom in the Bronx, listening as a group of high school students discussed his novel “There There.”

Listen to this article with reporter commentary

Open this article in the New York Times Audio app on iOS.

A boy wearing blue glasses raised his hand. “All the characters have some form of disconnection, even trauma,” Michael Almanzar, 19, said. “That’s the world we live in. That’s all around us. It’s not like it’s in some faraway land. That’s literally your next-door neighbor.”

The class broke into a round of finger snaps , as if we were at an old-school poetry slam on the Lower East Side and not in an English class at Millennium Art Academy, on the corner of Lafayette and Pugsley Avenues.

Orange took it all in with a mixture of gratitude and humility — the semicircle of earnest, engaged teenagers; the bulletin board decorated with words describing “There There” (“hope,” “struggle,” “mourning,” “discovery”); the shelf of well-thumbed copies wearing dust jackets in various stages of disintegration.

His eyebrows shot up when a student wearing a sweatshirt that said “I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams” compared the book to “ The Road ,” by Cormac McCarthy . When three consecutive students spoke about how they related to Orange’s work because of their own mental health struggles, he was on the verge of tears.

“That’s what drew me to reading in the first place,” Orange said, “The feeling of not being as alone as you thought you were.”

It’s not often that an author walks into a room full of readers, let alone teenagers, who talk about characters born in his imagination as if they’re living, breathing human beings. And it’s equally rare for students to spend time with an author whose fictional world feels like a refuge. Of all the classroom visits he’s made since “There There” came out in 2018, the one at Millennium Art Academy earlier this month was, Orange said later, “the most intense connection I’ve ever experienced.”

The catalyst for the visit was Rick Ouimet, an energetic, pony-tailed English teacher who has worked in the fortresslike building for 25 years. Ouimet is the kind of teacher students remember, whether it’s for his contributions to their literary vocabulary — synecdoche, bildungsroman, chiasmus — or for his battered flip phone.

He first learned about “There There” from a colleague whose son recommended it during the pandemic. “I knew from the first paragraph that this was a book our kids were going to connect to,” he said.

The novel follows 12 characters from Native communities in the lead-up to a powwow at a stadium in Oakland, Calif., where tragedy strikes. “Orange leads you across the drawbridge, and then the span starts going up,” a critic with The New York Times, Dwight Garner, wrote when it came out. The novel was one of The Times’s 10 Best Books of 2018 and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. According to Orange’s publisher, over one million copies have been sold.

Ouimet’s hunch proved true: “Students love the book so much, they don’t realize they’re reading it for English class. That’s the rare find, the gift of gifts.”

Some relevant statistics: Attendance rates at Millennium Art are below the city average. Eighty-seven percent of students are from low-income households, which is above the city average.

In the three years since Orange’s novel became a mainstay of the Millennium Art curriculum, pass rates for students taking the Advanced Placement literature exam have more than doubled. Last year, 21 out of 26 students earned college credit, surpassing state and global averages. The majority of them, said Ouimet, wrote about “There There.”

When three students in the school’s art-bedecked hallway were randomly asked to name a favorite character from “There There,” they all answered without hesitation. It was as if Tony, Jacquie and Opal were people they might bump into at ShopRite.

Briana Reyes, 17, said, “I connected so much with the characters, especially having family members with alcohol and drug abuse.”

Last month, Ouimet learned that Orange, who lives in Oakland, was going to be in New York promoting his second novel, “ Wandering Stars .” An idea started to percolate. Ouimet had never invited an author to his classroom before; such visits can be pricey and, as he pointed out, Shakespeare and Zora Neale Hurston aren’t available.

Ouimet composed a message in his head for over a week, he said, and on Monday, March 4, just after midnight, he fired it off to the Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau.

“The email felt like a raw rough draft, but I didn’t agonize,” he said. “It was my midlife college essay.”

The 827-word missive was written in the go-for-broke style Ouimet encourages in his students’ work, full of personality, texture and detail, without the corporate-speak that infiltrates so much Important Professional Correspondence.

Ouimet wrote: “In our 12th-grade English classroom, in our diverse corner of the South Bronx, in an under-resourced but vibrant urban neighborhood not unlike the Fruitvale, you’re our rock star. Our more than rock star. You’re our MF Doom, our Eminem, our Earl Sweatshirt, our Tribe Called Red, our Beethoven, our Bobby Big Medicine, our email to Manny, our ethnically ambiguous woman in the next stall, our camera pointing into a tunnel of darkness.”

Orange, he added, was a hero to these kids: “You’ve changed lives.” There was Tahqari Koonce, 17, who drew a parallel between the Oakland Coliseum and the Roman Colosseum; and Natalia Melendez, also 17, who noted that a white gun symbolized oppression of Native tribes. And then there was Dalvyn Urena, 18, who “said he’d never read an entire book until ‘There There,’” and was now comparing it to a Shakespearean sonnet.

He ended with: “Well, it was worth a shot. Thanks for taking the time to read this — if it ever finds its way to you. In appreciation (and awe), Rick Ouimet.”

“I took a chance,” Ouimet said. And why not? “My students take a chance every time they open a new book. There’s groaning, and they open the page. To see what they gave this book? The love was palpable.”

Within hours, the message reached Orange, who was in the midst of a 24-city tour with multiple interviews and events each day. He asked Jordan Rodman, senior director of publicity at Knopf, to do whatever she could to squeeze Ouimet’s class into the mix. There would be no fee attached. Knopf donated 30 copies of “There There” and 30 copies of “Wandering Stars.”

In a big, bustling school full of squeaky soles, walkie-talkies and young people, moments of silence can be hard to come by. But when Orange cracked open his new novel, you could hear a pin drop.

“It’s important to voice things, to sound them out, like the way we learn to spell by slowly saying words,” Orange read.

He went on: “It’s just as important for you to hear yourself speak your stories as it is for others to hear you speak them.”

The students followed along in their own copies, heads bent, necks looking vulnerable and strong at the same time. Their intentness proved that, like the spiders described in “There There,” books contain “miles of story, miles of potential home and trap.” On this nondescript gray Thursday, Orange’s work offered both.

After the 13-minute reading came the questions, fast and furious, delivered with refreshing bluntness: “What even inspired you to write these two books?” and “Did Octavio die?” and, perhaps most pressing, “Why did ‘There There’ end that way?” Not since “ The Sopranos ” has an ambiguous denouement caused more consternation.

“We were like whaaaat ?” a student said, holding the last word in a high note.

“It was a tragic story,” Orange said. “Some people hate it, and I’m sorry.”

He admitted that he hadn’t been a reader in high school: “Nobody handed me a book and said, This book is for you. I also had a lot going on at home.” He talked about how he staves off writer’s block (by changing points of view), how he reads his drafts aloud to hear how they sound. Orange shared his Cheyenne name — Birds Singing in the Morning — and introduced a childhood friend who is traveling with him on tour.

Through it all, Ouimet stood quietly at the side of the room. He shot gentle stink eye at a gaggle of chatty girls. He used a long wooden pole to open a window. Mostly, he just beamed like a proud parent at a wedding where everyone is dancing.

The truth is, “There There” didn’t cast a spell only on his students: It also had a profound effect on Ouimet himself. When he started teaching the book, he’d just given up coaching soccer and softball after 22 years.

“I was afraid: If I don’t have coaching, am I still going to be an effective teacher? ‘There There’ was this kind of renaissance. I don’t want to get too sappy,” he said, “but it was a career-saver in some way.”

Eventually the bell sounded. The students pushed back from their desks and lined up to have their books signed by Orange, who took a moment to chat with each one.

Over the din, to anyone who was still listening, Ouimet called: “If you love a book, talk about it! If you love a story, let other people know!”

Audio produced by Tally Abecassis .

Elisabeth Egan is a writer and editor at the Times Book Review. She has worked in the world of publishing for 30 years. More about Elisabeth Egan

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•  workplace

150 Thank You Message For Teachers & Mentors to Appreciate Their Efforts

50 Thank you message for teacher to appreciate their dedication and passion in shaping the future. Thank them for their constant support and positivity.

Table of Contents

Teachers and mentors are vital in shaping our lives, providing knowledge, guidance, and support along our educational journey. They dedicate countless hours to nurturing our growth, inspiring us to reach our full potential, and instilling values that stay with us forever.

However, their tireless efforts often go unnoticed or underappreciated. It's time we express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the remarkable teachers and mentors who have significantly impacted our lives.

In this blog, we present 150 heartfelt thank you messages for teachers and mentors who have made a difference. Whether they have challenged your intellect, encouraged your creativity, or supported you during difficult times, these messages will help you express your gratitude in a meaningful and heartfelt way.

We understand that finding the right words to express your appreciation can be challenging, which is why we have compiled this extensive collection of thank you messages. Whether you're a student, a former pupil, or simply someone who a remarkable teacher or mentor has influenced, you'll find the perfect message to convey your gratitude and acknowledge their profound impact.

So, take a moment to reflect on the teachers and mentors who have shaped your life.

Let's seize this opportunity to express our deep appreciation and gratitude for their unwavering dedication, passion, and belief in our abilities. Together, let's honor the educators and mentors who have made a lasting difference and inspire them to continue their noble work of shaping future generations.

20 Thank you message for teacher

1. "Dear ma'am/Sir, thank you for being an inspiration in my life. Your dedication and passion for teaching have made a lasting impact on me. I am grateful for the knowledge and guidance you've provided."

2. "To my amazing teacher, thank you for making learning fun and exciting. Your creativity and enthusiasm have helped me discover a love for education that I never knew I had."

3. "Thank you, ma'am/Sir, for believing in me even when I doubted myself. Your encouragement and support have given me the confidence to reach for my dreams."

4. "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, ma'am/Sir, for your patience and understanding. Your willingness to go the extra mile to ensure I understood the lessons has been invaluable."

5. "Dear ma'am/Sir, your kindness and compassion have touched my heart. Thank you for not only teaching me academics but also important life lessons that will stay with me forever."

6. "I can't thank you enough, ma'am/Sir, for your unwavering dedication to our education. Your hard work and commitment have made a significant difference in our lives."

7. "Thank you for being more than just a teacher; you've been a mentor and a friend. Your guidance has helped me navigate challenges and grow as a person."

8. "To my wonderful teacher, thank you for making the classroom a place of warmth and encouragement. Your positive energy has created a learning environment where I felt comfortable to ask questions and explore new ideas."

9. "I am grateful to have had you as my teacher, ma'am/Sir. Your passion for teaching is evident in every lesson, and I admire the way you genuinely care for your students."

10. "Thank you, ma'am/Sir, for being the reason why I look forward to coming to school every day. Your dedication to education has left a lasting impression on me, and I will always remember the impact you've had on my life."

11. "Dear ma'am/Sir, thank you for being a beacon of knowledge and guiding me through the maze of learning. Your expertise and passion have inspired me to become a lifelong learner."

12. "To my extraordinary teacher, thank you for igniting my curiosity and fostering a love for discovery. Your ability to make complex concepts simple has made a lasting impact on my academic journey."

13. "Thank you, ma'am/Sir, for not only teaching me the subject matter but also instilling in me the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Your dedication to shaping well-rounded individuals is truly remarkable."

14. "I am incredibly grateful to have had you as my teacher, ma'am/Sir. Your ability to make learning enjoyable and engaging has transformed the way I perceive education."

15. "Thank you for recognizing my potential, ma'am/Sir, and pushing me beyond my limits. Your unwavering belief in me has given me the strength to overcome obstacles and strive for excellence."

16. "Dear ma'am/Sir, your passion for teaching shines through in every lesson. Thank you for not only imparting knowledge but also nurturing a love for the subject matter that will stay with me forever."

17. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to you, ma'am/Sir, for creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment. Your commitment to fostering a sense of belonging has made a significant impact on my personal growth."

18. "Thank you, ma'am/Sir, for your unwavering patience and dedication to my education. Your ability to adapt your teaching methods to cater to my individual needs has made a world of difference in my learning journey."

19. "To my exceptional teacher, thank you for being a mentor and a role model. Your guidance and wisdom have not only shaped my academic success but also influenced my character development."

20. "Thank you, ma'am/Sir, for going above and beyond to ensure my success. Your tireless efforts and genuine care for your students have left an indelible mark on my heart."

20 Thank you message for teachers from students

1. "Dear [Teacher's Name], Thank you for being an incredible teacher! Your passion for teaching and dedication to helping us learn has made a lasting impact on our lives. We are grateful for everything you've taught us and the support you've given us throughout the year."

2. "To our amazing teacher, Thank you for making learning fun and engaging. Your creative teaching methods and constant encouragement have inspired us to reach for our dreams. We appreciate all the time and effort you invest in our education."

3. "Dear [Teacher's Name], You've not only been a teacher but also a mentor and a friend. Thank you for guiding us through challenges and celebrating our achievements. Your belief in us has given us the confidence to strive for excellence."

4. "We want to express our deepest gratitude to our teacher. Your kindness and patience have made the classroom a safe and welcoming place for us to learn and grow. Thank you for always being there for us."

5. "To our exceptional teacher, Thank you for seeing the potential in each of us and pushing us to do our best. Your unwavering belief in our abilities has motivated us to achieve more than we ever thought possible."

6. "Dear [Teacher's Name], Your passion for teaching is infectious, and it's evident in the way you present each lesson. Thank you for instilling in us a love for learning and encouraging us to explore the world around us."

7. "To the best teacher ever, Thank you for going above and beyond to ensure we understand the subjects and overcome our challenges. Your dedication and enthusiasm have made a significant impact on our education."

8. "Dear [Teacher's Name], Your guidance and wisdom have shaped not only our academic lives but also our characters. Thank you for being a positive influence and teaching us important life lessons beyond the textbooks."

9. "To our incredible teacher, Thank you for making us believe in ourselves and for fostering an environment where we feel comfortable to ask questions and learn without fear. Your passion for teaching is truly inspiring."

10. "Dear [Teacher's Name], As the school year comes to an end, we wanted to express our gratitude for your unwavering support and encouragement. Thank you for being an exceptional teacher and leaving a lasting impression on our hearts."

11. "Dear [Teacher's Name], Thank you for igniting our curiosity and nurturing our love for learning. Your passion for education is contagious, and we are grateful to have had you as our teacher."

12. "To our wonderful teacher, Thank you for being patient with us as we navigate through challenges and mistakes. Your understanding and guidance have helped us grow not only academically but also as individuals."

13. "Dear [Teacher's Name], Thank you for creating a classroom environment where we feel valued and respected. Your genuine care for each student has made a significant impact on our lives."

14. "To our dedicated teacher, Thank you for challenging us to push our limits and strive for excellence. Your high expectations have motivated us to work harder and achieve great things."

15. "Dear [Teacher's Name], Thank you for recognizing our unique strengths and helping us develop them further. Your encouragement and belief in our abilities have given us the confidence to pursue our passions."

16. "To our exceptional mentor, Thank you for being a role model and inspiring us to become the best version of ourselves. Your guidance and wisdom have left a lasting impression that will guide us throughout our lives."

17. "Dear [Teacher's Name], Thank you for making learning an enjoyable and enriching experience. Your creative and innovative teaching methods have made even the most challenging subjects exciting."

18. "To our incredible educator, Thank you for taking the time to understand each student's needs and providing individualized support. Your dedication to our success is truly commendable."

19. "Dear [Teacher's Name], Thank you for creating a safe space where we feel comfortable expressing our thoughts and opinions. Your openness and acceptance have fostered a sense of belonging within the classroom."

20. "To our remarkable teacher, Thank you for not only imparting knowledge but also for nurturing our character and instilling important values. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and we are grateful for your guidance."

20 Thank you message for teacher appreciation

1. "Dear [Teacher's Name], thank you for being such an inspiring and dedicated educator. Your passion for teaching has made a significant impact on my life, and I will always cherish the knowledge and life lessons you've imparted. You're the best!"

2. "To my amazing teacher, thank you for believing in me when I doubted myself. Your encouragement and support have given me the confidence to reach for the stars. I am truly grateful for your guidance."

3. "Thank you, [Teacher's Name], for making learning fun and engaging. Your creative approach to education has made a lasting impression on me. I look forward to every class with excitement!"

4. "Words cannot express how grateful I am to have had you as my teacher. Your patience and understanding have helped me grow academically and personally. Thank you for being an exceptional mentor."

5. "Thank you for going above and beyond to ensure our success, [Teacher's Name]. Your dedication and commitment to your students' well-being are truly remarkable. You are a role model for us all."

6. "Dear [Teacher's Name], your passion for your subject is infectious, and it has ignited a love for learning within me. Your enthusiasm in the classroom is contagious, and I'm thankful for the knowledge you've shared."

7. "I want to express my gratitude for your unwavering support during both the highs and lows of my educational journey. Your belief in my potential has motivated me to strive for excellence. Thank you, dear teacher!"

8. "To the best teacher ever, thank you for not only teaching the curriculum but also life skills that will stay with me forever. Your wisdom and guidance have been invaluable."

9. "Thank you for being more than just a teacher; you are a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration. Your compassion and empathy have made a significant difference in my life."

10. "As the school year comes to an end, I wanted to extend my sincerest gratitude to you, [Teacher's Name]. Your dedication to your profession has made a lasting impact on me, and I'll always remember the positive influence you've had."

11. "Dear [Teacher's Name], thank you for instilling in me a love for learning and for pushing me to reach my full potential. Your belief in me has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams. I am forever grateful."

12. "Thank you, [Teacher's Name], for your unwavering patience and understanding. You always took the time to ensure that every student felt heard and supported. Your kindness has made a lasting impact on me."

13. "To my extraordinary teacher, thank you for making a difference in my life. Your dedication to education and your genuine care for your students have left an indelible mark. I am blessed to have been your student."

14. "I wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for the passion and enthusiasm you bring to the classroom every day. Your ability to make even the most challenging topics interesting and accessible is truly remarkable. Thank you for making learning exciting."

15. "Thank you, [Teacher's Name], for being a mentor and guiding me through both academic and personal challenges. Your wisdom and advice have been invaluable, and I am grateful for the impact you've had on my life."

16. "Dear [Teacher's Name], thank you for fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Your commitment to creating a safe space where every student feels valued and respected is commendable. You are truly an exceptional teacher."

17. "I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your dedication to helping me grow not only academically but also as an individual. Your belief in my abilities has given me the confidence to face any challenge that comes my way. Thank you for being an incredible teacher."

18. "Thank you for always challenging me to think critically and to strive for excellence. Your high expectations and unwavering support have pushed me to achieve more than I ever thought possible. I am forever grateful for your guidance."

19. "To my extraordinary teacher, thank you for making learning a joyous experience. Your enthusiasm and energy in the classroom have made even the toughest subjects enjoyable. I will always remember your vibrant spirit."

20. "Thank you, [Teacher's Name], for being a source of inspiration and for igniting a passion for lifelong learning within me. Your dedication to your craft and your genuine care for your students have left an indelible mark. I am truly fortunate to have had you as my teacher."

20 Short thank you message for teacher

1. "Thank you for being an inspiring and caring teacher. Your passion for teaching has made a lasting impact on my life."

2. "Your dedication to educating and supporting your students is truly admirable. Thank you for being an amazing teacher!"

3. "I am grateful for all the knowledge and wisdom you've shared with me. Thank you, teacher, for shaping my future."

4. "Your patience and encouragement have been instrumental in my growth as a student. Thank you for believing in me."

5. "Thank you for making learning fun and engaging. You've transformed the way I see education."

6. "Your guidance and mentorship have guided me through challenges and successes. Thank you for being an exceptional teacher."

7. "I appreciate your unwavering support and belief in my abilities. You've inspired me to strive for excellence."

8. "Your kindness and understanding have created a safe and nurturing learning environment. Thank you, teacher!"

9. "Thank you for going above and beyond to ensure I understand the subjects. Your commitment to teaching is remarkable."

10. "I will always cherish the memories and knowledge you've shared with me. Thank you for being a remarkable teacher and role model."

11. "Your passion for teaching is contagious, and I'm grateful to have had you as my teacher. Thank you for igniting my love for learning."

12. "Thank you for going the extra mile to make lessons engaging and interactive. You've made learning an enjoyable experience."

13. "I appreciate your patience and willingness to explain concepts until I fully understand them. Your dedication is truly commendable."

14. "You have not only taught me academic lessons but also life lessons that I will carry with me. Thank you for being an exceptional teacher."

15. "Your enthusiasm and energy in the classroom have inspired me to dream big and work hard. Thank you for being an incredible mentor."

16. "Thank you for believing in my potential even when I doubted myself. Your unwavering support has made all the difference."

17. "I'm grateful for your guidance and encouragement throughout my educational journey. Thank you for shaping my path."

18. "Your creativity and innovative teaching methods have made learning a delightful adventure. Thank you for making education exciting."

19. "Thank you for taking the time to understand each student's unique needs and helping us reach our full potential. You are an extraordinary teacher."

20. "Your kindness and compassion have made the classroom a safe haven for learning and growth. Thank you for making a difference in my life."

20 Thank you messages for teachers on the occasion of Teachers Day

1. "Dear teacher, your dedication and passion for teaching have left a lasting impact on my life. Thank you for being a guiding light and inspiring me to reach for the stars. Happy Teacher's Day!"

2. "To my wonderful teacher, thank you for your unwavering support and belief in my abilities. Your encouragement has been the driving force behind my success. Happy Teacher's Day!"

3. "On this special day, I want to express my gratitude to the best teacher ever! Your patience, understanding, and wisdom have shaped me into a better person. Thank you for everything!"

4. "Dear teacher, you've not only imparted knowledge but also instilled a love for learning in me. Your enthusiasm and creativity have made every lesson enjoyable. Happy Teacher's Day!"

5. "Thank you, dear teacher, for being more than just an educator; you've been a friend, a mentor, and a role model. Your kindness and compassion have touched my heart. Happy Teacher's Day!"

6. "I'm truly grateful for the time and effort you've invested in my growth. Your belief in my potential has given me the confidence to face any challenge. Happy Teacher's Day!"

7. "To my incredible teacher, you've made the classroom a place of inspiration and discovery. Your dedication to teaching has influenced my life in ways I can't express enough. Thank you and Happy Teacher's Day!"

8. "Your lessons have extended beyond textbooks; you've taught me valuable life skills and the importance of integrity. I'm grateful for having such a remarkable teacher in my life. Happy Teacher's Day!"

9. "Dear teacher, your passion for teaching has made learning a joyous experience. Your words of wisdom continue to resonate with me long after leaving your classroom. Thank you and Happy Teacher's Day!"

10. "Today, I want to thank you for being the guiding force behind my dreams and aspirations. Your support and belief in me have made all the difference. Wishing you a wonderful Teacher's Day!"

11. "To the teacher who goes above and beyond, thank you for pushing me to reach my full potential and for showing me that learning is a lifelong journey. Happy Teacher's Day!"

12. "Dear teacher, your ability to make even the most complex concepts understandable is truly remarkable. Thank you for making education both enlightening and enjoyable. Happy Teacher's Day!"

13. "On this special day, I want to acknowledge the impact you've had on my life. Your guidance and mentorship have shaped my character and prepared me for the future. Thank you, and Happy Teacher's Day!"

14. "To my extraordinary teacher, thank you for fostering an environment of curiosity and critical thinking. You've taught me to question, explore, and never stop seeking knowledge. Happy Teacher's Day!"

15. "I'm grateful for the countless hours you've invested in shaping not just my mind but also my character. Your belief in me has given me the confidence to overcome any obstacles. Thank you and Happy Teacher's Day!"

16. "Dear teacher, your patience and understanding have made the classroom a safe space for me to grow and learn. Thank you for your unwavering support and for believing in my potential. Happy Teacher's Day!"

17. "To the teacher who encouraged me to dream big and chase my ambitions, thank you for inspiring me to believe in myself. Your guidance has made all the difference in my journey. Happy Teacher's Day!"

18. "Thank you, dear teacher, for teaching me the value of perseverance and resilience. Your dedication and commitment to your students are truly admirable. Happy Teacher's Day!"

19. "On this Teacher's Day, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your ability to make each student feel seen and valued. Your kindness and compassion have touched the lives of many. Thank you!"

20. "To my favorite teacher, your passion for your subject and your infectious enthusiasm have ignited a lifelong love for learning within me. Thank you for being an inspiration. Happy Teacher's Day!"

15 Thank you message for teacher after result

1. “Dear [Teacher's Name], thank you for guiding me throughout the year. Your support and dedication have played a vital role in my success. I am truly grateful to have you as my teacher.”

2. “Thank you, [Teacher's Name], for your patience and belief in me. Your encouragement has helped me achieve these results. I appreciate all the hard work you put into teaching and inspiring me.”

3. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, [Teacher's Name]. Your wisdom and guidance have shaped my academic journey, and I am grateful for your unwavering support.”

4. “I am deeply thankful to you, [Teacher's Name], for your passion and commitment to education. Your innovative teaching methods and encouragement have contributed to my achievements.”

5. “Thank you for being an exceptional teacher, [Teacher's Name]. Your expertise and dedication have made a significant impact on my academic growth. I am grateful for all that you have taught me.”

6. “Dear [Teacher's Name], I wanted to extend my sincere appreciation for your mentorship and guidance. Your belief in my abilities has motivated me to strive for excellence and achieve these results.”

7. “Thank you, [Teacher's Name], for inspiring me to reach new heights. Your enthusiasm and passion for teaching have instilled a love for learning within me. I am grateful for your influence on my success.”

8. “I am truly grateful to you, [Teacher's Name], for your patience and understanding. Your willingness to go the extra mile to help me understand challenging concepts has been invaluable. Thank you for making a difference in my education.”

9. “Dear [Teacher's Name], I cannot thank you enough for your dedication and commitment to my academic growth. Your support and guidance have been instrumental in my success. I am deeply grateful for everything you have done.”

10. “Thank you, [Teacher's Name], for being an extraordinary educator. Your ability to engage and inspire students is truly remarkable. I feel privileged to have been your student and to have achieved these results under your guidance.”

11. “I wanted to express my deepest appreciation to you, [Teacher's Name]. Your belief in my abilities and constant encouragement have made a world of difference. Thank you for being an exceptional teacher.”

12. “Dear [Teacher's Name], I am indebted to you for your guidance and mentorship. Your passion for teaching and your commitment to my success have made a profound impact on my educational journey. Thank you for everything.”

13. “Thank you, [Teacher's Name], for believing in me when I doubted myself. Your words of encouragement and support have pushed me to achieve more than I thought possible. I am grateful for your unwavering belief in my abilities.”

14. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to you, [Teacher's Name]. Your ability to make learning enjoyable and your dedication to our growth have made a significant difference in my results. Thank you for being an exceptional teacher.”

15. “Dear [Teacher's Name], I am immensely grateful for your guidance and mentorship. Your expertise and commitment to my education have played a vital role in my achievements. Thank you for being an outstanding teacher.”

10 Thank you teacher cards messages

1. "Thank you, teacher! You made learning fun and showed us the true meaning of education. You rock!"

2. "To our amazing teacher, thank you for being patient with us and inspiring us to reach for the stars!"

3. "You've been more than a teacher; you've been a mentor and friend. Thank you for your guidance and support!"

4. "Thanks a bunch, teacher! You always believed in us even when we didn't believe in ourselves."

5. "Dear teacher, you made a difference in our lives. Thanks for being the best!"

6. "Thank you for all the hard work you put into teaching us. Your dedication is truly appreciated!"

7. "We may not always say it, but we're grateful for everything you do. Thanks for being an awesome teacher!"

8. "You've sparked a love for learning in us that will last a lifetime. Thank you for being such an incredible teacher!"

9. "To the best teacher ever, thank you for making the classroom feel like a second home."

10. "Thank you, teacher, for investing in our future and shaping us into better individuals. You're a true gem!"

10 Thank you message to students from teacher on teachers day

1. "Dear students, on this Teacher's Day, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for being such amazing individuals. Thank you for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication to learning. You make teaching a joyous experience!"

2. "To my incredible students, thank you for brightening up my days with your smiles, laughter, and genuine eagerness to explore new knowledge. Your enthusiasm and growth inspire me every day. Happy Teacher's Day!"

3. "As a teacher, I feel blessed to have such a fantastic group of students like you. Your commitment to education and the respect you show for each other and me are truly remarkable. Thank you for making my job fulfilling and rewarding!"

4. "On this special occasion, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to my extraordinary students. Your creativity, perseverance, and unique perspectives continue to amaze me. Thank you for reminding me why I chose this noble profession. Happy Teacher's Day!"

5. "To my wonderful students, thank you for making the classroom a vibrant and dynamic space. Your questions, discussions, and diverse experiences contribute to a rich learning environment. I feel privileged to be your teacher. Wishing you a joyful Teacher's Day!"

6. "Dear students, your enthusiasm for learning is infectious, and your thirst for knowledge is inspiring. Thank you for reminding me why education is so vital. Your success is my ultimate reward. Happy Teacher's Day!"

7. "To the incredible students I have the privilege of teaching, thank you for being the reason I look forward to coming to school every day. Your kindness, determination, and genuine interest in learning make all the difference. Enjoy this Teacher's Day!"

8. "As a teacher, I am grateful for the opportunity to guide and support such exceptional students like you. Your hard work, resilience, and dedication to self-improvement are truly admirable. Thank you for making teaching an immensely fulfilling journey. Happy Teacher's Day!"

9. "To my amazing students, thank you for your unwavering trust and belief in my abilities as your teacher. Your willingness to learn, grow, and overcome challenges fuels my passion for education. Wishing you a joyful and memorable Teacher's Day!"

10. "On this Teacher's Day, I want to express my deepest appreciation to my incredible students. Your individual strengths, talents, and dreams make our classroom a remarkable place. Thank you for making teaching the most rewarding profession in the world!"

15 Short thank you message for teacher from student

1. “Hey teacher, just wanted to say thanks for being awesome! You rock!”

2. “Thank you, dear teacher! You make learning fun and exciting!”

3. “Hey, teacher! Thanks for making the classroom feel like a second home.”

4. “Thank you for being patient with me, even when I get things wrong. You're the best!”

5. “Hey, thanks for not just teaching us lessons but also life skills. You're incredible!”

6. “Thanks, teacher! Your passion for teaching is inspiring and contagious.”

7. “Thank you for believing in me and helping me grow. I appreciate it so much!”

8. “Hey teacher, you make learning a breeze. Thanks for being so supportive!”

9. “Thanks for making every day at school an adventure. You're a true superhero!”

10. “Thank you, teacher, for making our journey through education so memorable.”

11. “Hey, just wanted to say thanks for the encouragement and motivation. You're amazing!”

12. “Thank you, teacher, for helping me discover my strengths and talents.”

13. “Hey teacher, your dedication to your students is truly commendable. Thanks a bunch!”

14. “Thanks for being more than just a teacher - you're a mentor and a friend.”

15. “Thank you for making a positive impact on my life. You mean a lot to me!”

Tips to write best thank you message for teacher

1. Begin with a warm greeting

Start your message with a kind and personal greeting, such as "Dear [Teacher's Name]," or "Hello [Teacher's Name]."

2. Express your gratitude

Clearly state that you're writing to express your sincere gratitude. You can begin by saying, "I wanted to take a moment to thank you for..."

3. Be specific and mention the impact

Highlight specific instances or actions that had a positive impact on you. For example, you could say, "Your passion for the subject matter and engaging teaching style made every class enjoyable and inspiring."

4. Share personal experiences

Share personal anecdotes or moments where your teacher's guidance made a difference in your learning journey. This could include instances when they went above and beyond to help you or provided valuable advice.

5. Acknowledge their dedication

Recognize the effort and dedication your teacher put into their work. Let them know that you appreciate their commitment to their students' growth and development.

6. Mention how their teaching influenced you

Explain how their teaching and mentorship have influenced you personally. Whether it's a newfound love for the subject or newfound confidence, make sure to mention the positive impact they had on your life.

7. Express gratitude for their support

Thank your teacher for their support and encouragement throughout the academic year or period of learning. Let them know that their belief in your abilities has meant a lot to you.

8. Convey future implications

Share how their teaching and guidance will continue to benefit you in the future. Express your excitement for applying the knowledge and skills they've imparted to you.

9. Conclude with appreciation and well wishes

Close your message by expressing your heartfelt appreciation once again. You can end with phrases like "Thank you once again for everything you've done".

10. Sign off with your name

Sign your message with your full name or the name by which your teacher knows you.

1. How do you say thank you to a teacher?

1. Be sincere

Express your gratitude genuinely and from the heart. Teachers appreciate genuine appreciation.

2. Keep it simple

You don't need to overcomplicate your message. A straightforward "Thank you" can go a long way.

3. Personalize your message

Include specific examples of how the teacher has made a positive impact on your learning or personal growth. This shows that you've been paying attention and value their efforts.

4. Be specific

Instead of a generic thank you, mention the specific actions or qualities that you appreciate about the teacher. It could be their patience, dedication, or ability to explain complex concepts effectively.

5. Use a heartfelt message

If you feel comfortable, you can write a longer message expressing your gratitude and how the teacher has influenced your life or inspired you.

6. Consider a handwritten note or card

Taking the time to write a personal note can be a meaningful gesture. It shows thoughtfulness and effort.

7. Deliver your message in person if possible

Face-to-face communication allows you to convey your gratitude directly and with sincerity. If that's not feasible, a well-crafted email or message can also be effective.

2. How to write a thank you message for a teacher?

1. Start with a warm greeting

Begin your message with a polite and friendly salutation, addressing your teacher by their name. This sets a positive tone for your appreciation message.

2. Express genuine gratitude

Clearly and sincerely express your gratitude for their teaching and support. Let them know that their efforts have made a positive impact on your education and personal growth.

3. Be specific and mention examples

Include specific examples of how the teacher has influenced your learning journey. Highlight particular lessons, activities, or moments that were memorable or particularly beneficial to you. This shows that you have been attentive and appreciative of their efforts.

4. Share personal anecdotes

If possible, share personal stories or instances where the teacher's guidance or support made a difference in your life. This adds a personal touch to your message and reinforces the teacher's significance in your educational experience.

5. Acknowledge their dedication and expertise

Recognize the teacher's dedication, expertise, and passion for teaching. Let them know that their commitment to their profession has not gone unnoticed and has inspired you to strive for excellence.

6. Mention the impact on your personal growth

Highlight how the teacher's influence has extended beyond academics and positively affected your personal growth. Whether it's boosting your confidence, developing critical thinking skills, or nurturing your passions, acknowledge the broader impact they have had on your life.

7. Keep it concise and organized

While it's important to express your gratitude in detail, try to keep your message concise and well-structured. Use paragraphs or bullet points to organize your thoughts and make it easier for the teacher to read and understand.

8. Conclude with a heartfelt closing

Wrap up your thank-you message with a heartfelt closing. Reinforce your appreciation and let the teacher know that their efforts will be remembered and valued.

9. Sign off with your name

Finally, sign off with your name to personalize the message and show that it comes from you.

3.How do you appreciate the best teacher?

1. Show respect

Treat your teacher with respect and kindness. Be polite, attentive, and considerate in your interactions. Respect their expertise and acknowledge their authority in the classroom.

2. Support their endeavors

Teachers often go beyond their regular duties to provide additional resources or organize extracurricular activities. Show your appreciation by actively participating in these initiatives and offering assistance whenever possible.

3. Share positive feedback

If your teacher has made a positive impact on your learning experience, consider sharing your feedback with school administrators or writing a testimonial. Let others know about the exceptional work your teacher is doing.

4. Give a thoughtful gift

Consider giving a small gift or token of appreciation to your teacher. It could be a handwritten letter, a meaningful book, or a personalized item that reflects their interests or teaching style. Remember, it's the thought and effort that counts.

5. Stay in touch

Even after you move on from their class or graduate, maintain a connection with your teacher. Update them on your achievements and let them know how their guidance has influenced your life. Teachers often derive great joy from seeing their students succeed.

6. Advocate for them

If your teacher is deserving of recognition or support, consider advocating for them within the school or community. Nominate them for awards, highlight their accomplishments, or provide feedback to relevant authorities.

7. Be a positive influence

Teachers appreciate students who create a positive learning environment. Help foster a respectful and inclusive atmosphere by being kind to your classmates, supporting others, and actively participating in creating a harmonious classroom.

70 Best International Friendship Day Gift Ideas for Colleagues & Coworkers

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We often come across some fantastic writers who prefer to publish their writings on our blogs but prefer to stay anonymous. We dedicate this section to all superheroes who go the extra mile for us.

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Da’Vine Joy Randolph thanks her mother, teacher and publicist in strong 2024 Oscars speech

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Da’Vine Joy Randolph gave an impassioned speech at the 2024 Oscars , thanking all who helped her get to the Dolby Theatre stage to accept the award for supporting actress.

“God is so good, God is so good,” said the “Holdovers” star, holding back tears. “I think I was supposed to be doing this as a career. I started off as a singer, and my mother said to me, ‘Go across that street to that theater department. There’s something for you there.’ I thank my mother for doing that.”

“I thank you to all the people who have stepped in my path and been there for me, who have ushered me and guided me,” she continued. “I am so grateful to all you beautiful people out here. For so long, I’ve always wanted to be different, and now I realize I just need to be myself.”

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Randolph then specifically thanked her Yale School of Drama professor Ron Van Lieu. “When I was the only Black girl in that class, when you saw me and you told me I was enough. And when I told you, I don’t see myself, he said, ‘That’s fine. We’re going to forge our own path. You’re going to lay a trail for yourself.’”

She also expressed gratitude for “all the women who have been by my side,” and said, “I pray to God that I get to do this more than once. Thank you for seeing me.”

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Randolph’s moving speech got laughs when she made “a special shout-out to my publicist, and I know y’all say, ‘Don’t say nothing ‘bout no publicist, but you don’t have a publicist like I have a publicist!” she said. “You have been by my side, and I’m forever grateful.”

After the commercial break, host Jimmy Kimmel noted that Randolph forgot to mention her publicist’s name — Marla Farrell of Shelter PR — in the speech, and joked, “You shouldn’t have to pay for the rest of the year.”

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From the Oscars to the Emmys.

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Ashley Lee is a staff reporter at the Los Angeles Times, where she writes about theater, movies, television and the bustling intersection of the stage and the screen. An alum of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center’s National Critics Institute and Poynter’s Power of Diverse Voices, she leads workshops on arts journalism at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. She was previously a New York-based editor at the Hollywood Reporter and has written for the Washington Post, Backstage and American Theatre, among others. She is currently working remotely alongside her dog, Oliver.

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Theocratic mobs who chill free speech are the opposite of British pluralism

Three years ago, in one of the most egregious educational scandals of recent times, a religious studies teacher at Batley Grammar School in west Yorkshire was vilified, inundated with death threats and driven into hiding — where he and his family still languish — as a punishment for doing his job.

After teaching a lesson that was an approved part of the school syllabus and included an image of the Prophet Muhammad, the teacher faced complaints not only from Muslim parents, but Islamic activists who did not have children at the school. There were angry protests outside its gates. Instead of defending the teacher, the school suspended him and two of his colleagues and issued a formal apology.

The police and Kirklees council did little to assist him, as he found, in a travesty of a natural justice, that he and his family were effectively living as fugitives. His fears were understandable: six months before, Samuel Paty, a history teacher, had been beheaded outside the Paris school where he worked by an 18-year-old jihadist after showing his pupils a cartoon of Muhammad in a class on free speech. Since the original furore in March 2021, the unnamed teacher has experienced suicidal thoughts and lives with the debilitating consequences of PTSD.

So it is gratifying that Dame Sara Khan’s review of threats to social cohesion and democratic resilience , published yesterday, offers — at last — official recognition of the outrageous failures and neglect by public bodies that left him isolated, gaslit and professionally capsized.

As Dame Sara, the government’s adviser on social cohesion, says: “There [was no] clear condemnation of those engaged in such behaviour who were creating an intimidatory and threatening climate. There was a disproportionate concern for not causing offence to the religious sensibilities of those who, unaware of the facts, chose to engage in intimidation and harassment.”

What is often grotesquely celebrated as ‘consequence culture’ amounts instead to censorship and intimidation

The review covers much ground and the Batley affair is only one of the cases that it investigates. At the conceptual heart of Dame Sara’s findings is what she calls “freedom-restricting harassment”; defined as “when people experience or witness threatening, intimidatory or abusive harassment online and/or offline which is intended to make people or institutions censor or self-censor out of fear”.

This is an important exercise in social, civic and political analysis. What is often grotesquely celebrated as “consequence culture” or “accountability” amounts, in practice, to censorship, intimidation and a culture in which local councillors, public sector workers, artists, civil society activists and MPs exercise self-censorship pre-emptively to avoid the wrath of the mob.

In a truly shocking poll released as part of the review, 76 per cent of the public say that they have refrained from expressing their views openly for fear of harassment. For 27 per cent, the consequences of this intimidation have been “life-altering” — one in eight of this group having lost or changed their job, or been forced to move.

In a notionally free, democratic and pluralist nation such as ours, these findings are unconscionable. No society which appeases every self-appointed “community leader”, the loudest group to claim grievance or the most noisily “offended” can function successfully.

The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, which will come into force on April 1, is the latest instance of a broader trend towards restricting speech that somebody, somewhere, claims to find objectionable.

Though Dame Sara does not directly address this dismal legislation, she is right to focus not upon the limitation of expression but its precise opposite: “How to manage opposing and different opinions, how to debate well and the importance of critical thinking.”

In any pluralist community, the taking of offence is absolutely inevitable. The challenge is to handle such emotions and to protect those who address areas of disagreement. In her review, Dame Sara recommends a series of sensible measures, including a “buffer zone” of 150 metres around schools to prevent disorder at their gates, and the establishment of a new Office for Social Cohesion and Democratic Resilience.

Yet the most important element of her inquiry is its overall warning: that the very fabric of our pluralist society is presently imperilled by the reflexive concessions too often made to those who most menacingly claim the moral high ground.

The unofficial endorsement of neighbourhood theocracies is not a path to stable coexistence. The harder path is also the only one with a chance of success: which is to stand up unflinchingly for the democratic rights and norms that underpin all that is best about this country.

Matthew d’Ancona is an Evening Standard columnist