Gillian Goodman

Mrs. Gillian Goodman (Photographer: Maude Caudle)

My favorite teacher was Mrs. Gillian Goodman. She lives in Greensboro, NC, and teaches the fourth grade at Greensboro Day School. If I had to choose three traits that would describe her, I would choose understanding, challenging, and best of all, just plain fun! My fourth grade year was full of excitement and adventure in her comforting classroom, and she encouraged and supported all of my actions. She has inspired me and is my hero.

First, this great role model was understanding. If you did something by accident or turned in something late, she understood. If you had a problem or was stuck in a bad situation, she understood. The best part was if you were blue, or weren’t in a cheerful mood, she understood and tried to help. This educator would always cheer me up, and make me feel like I wasn’t on my own.

Mrs. Goodman (Image by Katharine)

Second, she was challenging. You could do a simple little project, but she would make you kick it up a notch! Make that small book a series! Make the collage a poster! She stretched our minds until we could beat Albert Einstein on a math problem! She made me feel proud of my accomplishments, and every time I did a project, she challenged me. I now challenge myself in school, and remember what she taught me.

Mrs. Goodman (Image by Alexa)

Additionally, I think the best trait, was she was extremely fun! When we would learn, Mrs. Goodman would make it a game. I remember doing The Wheel Of Fortune and Jeopardy when we were learning about simple machines. It was a great way to learn, and the facts stuck in my head. After I played the game, I couldn’t believe how much I had learned! I would always go home, and think about all of the exciting events that happened that day. She would always make learning a pleasure, and I would wake up and anticipate what fun new game we would play that day! I strongly believe that having fun is the best way to learn.

Mrs. Goodman was a special and inspiring teacher that continues to teach children like me. When I describe her I think of the words understanding, challenging, and fun. I believe that these are extremely important traits, and wonderful to have. It puts a smile on my face when I think of my year with Mrs. Goodman, and I will never forget her. She taught me so much, and I use it in my every day life. She is a great role model, and my hero.