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.

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!

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.