What makes a teacher great?

There’s something deeply powerful about the role a teacher plays in our lives. Long after we leave the classroom, their words, lessons, and the way they made us feel continue to shape us — quietly, profoundly, and sometimes without us even realizing it.

I’ve been lucky to witness that kind of greatness up close. In my own family, teaching isn’t just a profession — it’s a calling. Two of my aunts are now retired — one was a high school teacher, the other taught first grade — and my cousin is currently teaching first grade as well. Though they all have different personalities and different teaching styles, one thing remains constant in each of them: a deep passion and unwavering dedication to their students.

It’s more than just showing up and delivering a lesson plan. It’s the way they care — truly care — about their students’ growth, well-being, and potential. Their compassion stands out. They know when to be gentle, when to push, when to listen, and when to lead. They offer empathy when it’s needed and discipline when it’s required — always with the heart of someone who believes in the child standing in front of them.

And the impact? It lasts. Years after they’ve left the classroom, their former students still speak about them with admiration and gratitude. I’ve seen it. I’ve heard the stories. Because when someone believes in you — really sees you — it stays with you forever.

I think teachers are some of the most influential people in our lives. In many ways, they are like second parents. They guide us through the unknown, help us build confidence, challenge us to grow, and nurture the parts of us we’re still discovering.

I still remember my own teachers who made an impact — the ones who believed in me, inspired me, and helped me see myself through a kinder, braver lens. I still talk about them to this day.

Great teachers are the unsung heroes — the ones whose sacrifices often go unnoticed, but whose influence is immeasurable. Their role goes far beyond textbooks and tests. They help shape who we become. They teach us to think, to feel, to question, to believe — and to carry their lessons beyond the classroom and into the rest of our lives.

If you’ve ever had a teacher who made a difference in your life, I hope you get the chance to thank them — even just in your heart. Because chances are, they helped you become the person you are today.

💛 Dedicated with love 💛

To my aunts, who taught with heart, and to my cousin, who continues to do so every day — thank you for showing what it truly means to teach with passion, purpose, and compassion. Your students carry your light with them, even long after they leave your classroom. And I carry your example with me, always.