Teachers have a lasting impact
“Love the children first, and then teach them”
Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
The impact a good teacher makes on a student is life-long. Today is National Teacher Day, and we celebrate all those women and men who give their lives educating and mentoring students, preparing them for their futures.
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We thought this story shared by Sister Florence Norton illustrates how special the relationship with a teacher can be, even after many years!
Sister Florence writes: “A few years ago, I answered the telephone and a woman was on the other end to ask some questions of me. “Sister did you ever teach in Indianapolis?” Yes I did. “Did you teach at St. Thomas Aquinas?” Once again, yes, I did. “Then I think when I was in first grade you were my teacher.” That was more than 70 years ago! I then asked her how she found me. There was a tiny article in the Criterion Catholic newspaper about sisters celebrating milestone anniversaries of service. She is now 80 years old and was in my first- grade class! We have written back and forth since then. I invited her to come to see Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, but she said her traveling days are behind her. I’d say she is pretty smart to figure all this out. I had a different name way back then [Sister Thomas Ann]. So, I have now a lovely pen pal.”
The Sisters of Providence offer their prayers especially today for all teachers who work tirelessly to improve the lives of their students. Happy Teacher Day!
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Were you taught by a Sister of Providence? See what she is up to today using the “Find a Sister” feature on our website.
Would you like to contact a sister you once knew? Use the contact form on our website.
On this National Teacher Day, would you like to donate in honor of a favorite Sister of Providence who made a difference in your life? Do so here.
I’m sure anyone who had S. Florence as a teacher would remember her. She’s just such a kind person!