A Letter To My Perfect Teacher

What if I told you that there was a teacher that gave no homework? What if I told you that the same teacher that gave no homework bought their class lunch every day? And in addition to buying them lunch, she played their favorite music, let them do whatever they wanted in class, and passed every last student with an A. Would you enjoy that teacher? I know I would; but does that make that teacher great? I’ll answer that! It doesn’t and although I would enjoy that teacher, I would never want that teacher.

The perfect teacher not only teaches their students the given class material but he/she takes it a step further and shows their students, how it could be used in their everyday lives. The perfect teacher does not just know their students but he/she understands their students and can complement each and every, single one of them. A perfect teacher does not just teach the subject but he/she makes sure students are truly mastering the subject. A perfect teacher treats their students as if they were their own children; protecting, loving, caring and nurturing that student as if they were biologically theirs. A perfect teacher does not only teach the class subject, but provides their students with the tools to go out, grab the world by its throat and take it over. A perfect teacher pushes you to the best of your abilities and when you begin to fall, they are the ones to lift you back up. A perfect teacher is one that embraces your true talents. A perfect teacher sees things in you before you can even see them in yourself. You know you have found the perfect teacher when even after you have successfully completed that class, that is the teacher you want to go to for anything and everything. 

So I have a perfect teacher. I have a teacher who in my opinion is beyond perfect. This phenomenal woman holds qualities that cannot even be described in writing. Jaclyn Novotny, well, Ms. Novotny to me; is my favorite teacher! She is one of the best teachers that has ever stepped foot inside Hillside High School. This woman has helped and encouraged me so much I could never thank her enough. She has been a major asset to me, both inside and outside of the classroom. Ms. Novotny magnificently developed me into a better student. Not only did she embrace me with the knowledge that I needed to succeed and excel in English, she also educated me to the degree that is needed to deal with life in the proper perspective. I ran into many difficulties during my sophomore year and apart from my family she was always my shoulder to cry on. I strongly considered playing football my junior year, but was afraid my grades would fall and I would become distracted having no time to complete my given assignments. She opened up her door to me, she said, “if you really want to, play and as long as you remember that academics come first you will strive both on and off the field.” Even though I decided not to play football, Ms. Novotny’s words have always stuck with me. When I got my first job she was more than willing to go down as one of my recommendations. The same statement she made to me about my academic priorities coming first, helped me to maintain a stable balance between work and school.

Therefore, I feel the perfect teacher is one that is beneficial to you, both inside and outside of the classroom; one that educates you in various subjects, not only the ones they are required to teach you.  Mind you these are the reasons why she is my favorite teacher however; I can call on many students; that can prove my point many times over. This teacher has done so much for not only me, but for each and every one of her individual students. Ms. Novotny is truly deserving of something special. Any teacher who goes above and beyond for their students deserves something special. This particular teacher has made so many sacrifices for her students, it is unbelievable. She is truly a blessing. I have always wanted to write a paper as such but she would never let me. I am a part of her student newspaper club at Hillside High School called “The Sting.” I wanted to insert a piece like this in the newspaper, but she said I couldn’t. She said it’s a Hillside newspaper not a “Novotny Newspaper.” Well, Ms. Novotny this is a “Novotny Paper” saying thank you for everything you have done for me and all your students. You are greatly appreciated!