This past weekend I had the rare privilege of attending a tribute to a retired German language teacher. My Mother-in-law, BS, is a retired San Francisco high school language and art teacher. A talented artist and fluent in German due to her family upbringing, her passion for these two subjects equals her education. I married into the family late in life and didn't get to witness BS in her employed years, but knowing her now, I can imagine as a teacher she did things one way; her way. I'm sure there were curriculums, but her students received something totally unique in public schools - life-lessons, reality, love and respect. I know weird unh? To actually teach young adults practical lessons and show them respect as humans and not cattle is contrary to a teacher's survival in today's world.
The tribute was a surprise Oktoberfest party for BS on Angel Island, planned and implemented by her former students of nearly 25 years past. My wife, BS's second daughter, helped coordinate a family picnic on this beautiful island State Park in Marin County. The rest of the attendees waited at the party site some 2 miles from the ferry dock and surprised their "favorite teacher ever" with a BBQ of German Brats, German salads and beers, and fond memories. I got to meet, for the first time, many of these past students and their families that I have heard about in various stories of classroom lore. Why Angel Island for an Oktoberfest? Because BS used to throw a similar party for her students, back in the day. That's right, the German teacher took her students on a field trip across the bay for annual picnic celebrating the culture she knew and that they seek. If you think that is unique, you'll love this; she also took her students to Germany on two separate occasions. Not Germantown USA, but GERMANY.
Various past students told me how their German teacher changed their life, set them on different paths or taught them lessons they still remember today. Really, the German teacher? I don't even remember my high school Spanish teacher's name, let alone a single thing she taught me other than ‘Como se dice'. As one student described, "She taught us manners and how to set a table, while speaking German." Another, "she was like our mom".
After these students graduated they continued to write and keep in touch with their German teacher, she attended their college graduations, they introduced their girl and boyfriends, they invited her to their weddings, and now, some 25 years later, they still include each other in social events.
Teachers didn't and don't get paid much. I've often asked why then do they choose that profession. BS is why. Nice work Mother-in-law.
If I can provide more information about Marin County real estate and lifestyle opportunities, please call me at (415)450.8855 or email me at JoeBurnsMail@gmail.com.
It sounds like your mother in law is a good candidate for teacher of the year. She is a keeper!
Wow what a great story. She must be a very special lady to earn such life long love. I love when a post brings a tear to my eye. Thanks for sharing and in some way introducing me to this special person.
Joe, What a lovely tribute to your mother-in-law. Learning another language is a challenge. She made it fun with practical applications. No wonder her students love & admire her.
Linda Metallo, Re/max Impact, Lockport, Il.
Joe - what a fabulous post.... Every kid deserves one teacher like BS, but few are lucky enough to experience this sort of love and passion and carying. I was lucky like that once -
Thanks for making me reflect on that now:-)
PS: Joe, if I were you, I'd post this to the FamilyTies group as well - it'll be more than appropriate:-)