I remember some of them, yep, especially the professors I had for more than one class. In one instance I went so far as to get a drink with a professor (these are the ones who wrote letters of rec for grad school). Others I can remember their faces but can't recall the names.
This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at December 23, 2019 8:08 PM MST
Dr Victoria Balabanski. Used to chew me out for getting my ancient Greek grammar wrong.
Dr Norman Habel. Looked like Santa Claus. Very funny guy. Taught Old Testament prophets, claimed that any subject at all could be found in the OT. Being me, I had to challenge that - "Motor racing.". Dr Habel's reply - "Moses crossed the desert on his Triumph!"
Dr Michael Trainor. Taught exegesis, his favourite line was "suspect the text!"
All of them; their names, faces, their mannerisms, the sounds of their voices, the particular things they said that struck me and changed my thinking, any titbits of their personal lives and character that they happened to drop, and details of their professional history.
I tend to worship most of my teachers.
This post was edited by inky at December 23, 2019 4:26 PM MST
I imagine most of them would remember your demonstrations of bombs and exothermic reactions - and the memory of you would be associated with those explosions.
I also think the students who loved science would be incapable of forgetting you. They love learning and therefore love the ones who help them learn. And you're the one who helped turn them on to their favourite subject.
I'm sure you've had at least a sprinkling of students who've managed to track you down and say thank you.
I think most teachers don't hear back from most students, but it's doesn't mean they failed as teachers. Rather, people tend to take teaching for granted. He or she was paid to do it: it was just a job, nothing more. Or they're distracted by the challenges of life and don't have time to think back and reflect. Some people (many) just have poor memories; they remember only the skills they were taught that they use almost every day and very little else. This problem has worsened since we've come to rely on databases to be our memories. Sad.
I actually went to a local community college on a state grant. It was a 3 month long course. The head of the department, and occasional instructor, was killed in a car-motorcycle accident one day during my time there.
That strikes me as odd. My memories have intense resonance and meaning for me. My past is a big part of what I have become, regardless of whether it was the good things or the ones I had to overcome.
I remember a teacher that we called "Tank" in elementary school. She was a Catholic nun and large in both scope and size. I don't remember her given name.
I remember actual names of a number of teachers and professors starting with 10th grade and through graduate school.
This question took me on a pleasant stroll through memory lane.
I usally play Sister Mary Elephant at the annual Cannabis Growers Ball - I also do that one were a guy says - push the car get your mama to push the car. Cheers!
I remember all of them but not all of their names. I remember all of my profs in law school, along with most of their names.
This post was edited by Thriftymaid at December 24, 2019 5:05 PM MST
Benedict Arnold 