When I asked beloved author to share her thoughts on why teachers are important, she had two stories to offer:
鈥淢y third grade teacher, Mr. Watson, read to my class every day after lunch. He was famous for his book choices: students in upper grades still remembered the stories he鈥檇 shared during their year. So it was a big deal for me when I told Mr. Watson that I wanted to be a writer someday. He told me, most sincerely, that he believed I would. I鈥檇 already shared that dream with my parents, but having a teacher affirm that it was possible meant so much to me. Many years later, when my first novel was released, Mr. Watson came to my book signing.鈥�
鈥淚n 4th grade, these things were true: I loved to read. I loved to write. And I was painfully shy. So I was surprised when my teacher, Mrs. Sexton, told me that I had a knack for public speaking. As I entered 4-H and countywide speaking competitions, I thought Mrs. Sexton was giving me advice simply to help me fare better. Make eye contact with people as you talk. Speak clearly and more slowly. Remember: you have something important to say. In retrospect, I realize that experience wasn鈥檛 so much about learning to give a speech. She was helping me find confidence in my voice. I鈥檓 forever grateful for the impact she had on me as a writer and as a person.鈥�
is the author of . about her 鈥渧isit鈥� to my classroom on Monday.