The best teacher I had in elementary school was a black man, son of Mississippi sharecroppers, who told his life story without bitterness, only matter-of-factly in a way that helped us see and appreciate, for example, being able to buy loose leaf paper instead of picking up old brown shopping bags from the side of the road. I don’t know how he did it, but he did. It was when I discovered that a child could be smarter than an adult — I was quicker, and I knew it.
I learned the difference between intelligence and wisdom that year — he was a wise,kindness personified. This was in the 60s, and boys in his class kept their shirts tucked in and were expected to act like gentlemen; girls in skirts sat with their ankles crossed and were expected to act like ladies, and we all shined our shoes. He invited us into the classroom when we were finished lunch (what teacher does that?!) to play jacks, checkers, etc., and we had dances (boys in a line on one side, girls in another.
He taught ethics, humility, grace, and long before inspired self-respect above getting the grade.
His name was Raymond E. Alford, and I have tried to find any mention of him — although likely not hard enough. But he is the best of men, and I imagine hundreds of us would be lesser people if not for him.
the thought of not having known Mr. Alford — I would not be the same person, although my wish nowadays is that I had learned better his lovingkindness.
No men in elementary school? Sexist and demeaning!
I had three teachers like that from kindergarten thru 12 th grade; our parents and THOSE SPECIAL TEACHERS are the people who made us who we are today.
After I joined the Marine Corps I lost contact with them (never went back to my hometown) but they will remain in my memory and prayers for the rest of my life.
Thanks for bringing back those memories of Mr. HOFFMAN, Mrs. PENCE, and Mr. ARCHULETA.