At Nasco Education, we’re honored to serve educators every day, and we want to take a moment to say — thank you.
Thank you for the countless hours you dedicate, both in the classroom and beyond. Thank you for creating an environment where every child feels welcome, valued, and supported. Thank you for always believing in the potential of every student, no matter the challenges they may face.
To celebrate the extraordinary impact that teachers have, we asked our Nasco Education coworkers to reflect on their favorite teachers and the memories that shaped their lives. This is what they had to say:
“Looking back at my school years and teachers that played an influential role in my student growth, my favorite teacher that impacted me was Mr. Johnson, aka K.J. He was an English teacher as well as our school Athletic Director. In class, he made literature exciting and always strove to make it comprehensible and relatable, no matter the measure of student, achieving this with just the right amount of “push” to work harder to grow and meet deadlines.
“In my last two years of high school, I became his student aide. During this time, he also became my friend. When my dad died, he tended to look out for me to help me find myself and provided guidance to make sure that I didn’t stray too far from the correct path. Teachers’ work many times goes far beyond the class they’re teaching within those four walls. And I for one, am so very thankful for that experience!”
–Trudy R., Nasco Education Customer Solutions Manager
“Mr. Robert Vincent, aka “Mr. V,” taught industrial arts and started the graphic arts program at Fort Atkinson High School. I had excellent teachers who influenced me throughout my schooling in Fort Atkinson – too many to list, but Mr. V influenced my entire career path to date.
“I was unsure of what I wanted to do in my life, and didn’t really think about my career past high school. Most students in his classes were not going to be doctors, or lawyers, and some (with me included) certainly needed direction. This is where Mr. Vincent shined the brightest!! He had an amazing talent to take a student who was struggling in Math, Science, English, or even in life in general, and not only show that student that they can choose a career in a technical field but succeed in that field – just like those choosing a 4-year college experience.
“In my case, I signed up in the Delayed Entry Program for the United States Marines as a junior in high school. Mr. V was a Navy man, and when he found out that I signed up, he completely stopped calling me by my first name and called me “Jarhead.” In hindsight, he didn’t do this to belittle me, or mess with me – he did it because he knew that if he called me “Jarhead,” it would stay in my head and that would be my motivation to never give up, and ensure I completed boot camp, claimed the title of United States Marine – and never gave up along my tour in the Corps. He just had a gift to figure out students on the inside – what motivates them, what inspires them, and how to guide them along their path.
“I did earn the title of Marine in 1990, graduating as a squad leader, and earning a meritorious promotion. I served 4 years as a combat engineer and experienced combat in Operation Desert Storm. Upon leaving the Marines, I went to MATC in Madison, earning an associate’s degree in Commercial Art, and have been employed at Nasco for over 26 years. None of this would be possible without the positive direction, guidance, and caring that Mr. V gave me in my high school years. SEMPER FI, Mr. V!!”
–Ryan S., Nasco Education Manager of Marketing Assets
“Not only was Robert J. Vincent my favorite teacher, but he was also the most influential person in the trajectory of my career. I remember he had one of the first Apple computers in his office that was a part of the graphics program that he started at Fort Atkinson High School. He let me use the computer during class and study hall. I started out just messing around, but I ended up getting proficient enough using it that a couple teachers had me “typeset” things for use in their classes.
“I also learned screen printing, made fun notepads, did darkroom processing, and even ran a printing press. I know he was an inspiration to all of his students, but he was particularly interested in seeing more women get into the graphics/printing and publishing field. He followed many of us for years after we graduated, and it was always fun to run into him and fill him in on what I was doing. I just know how happy and proud he would be to know that because of his influence, I have stayed in the same field through all of it’s advances, learning and growing for my entire career. I still think of him often, and he is always the only name for the answer to this question when I’m asked. Although he has been gone for many years, I still want to say, ‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mr. V.’”
–Jill. R., Nasco Education Senior Marketing Asset Coordinator
“I gotta brag on my husband, who’s been an art teacher for 28 years. When we first got married, that first summer, I was a bit surprised that he got calls and texts from students just to check in — and he even got some postcards from students while they were on vacation. Some were even continuing with school-type projects over the summer and they wanted his input.
“I have the honor to see first-hand just how invested he is in his students’ success — both inside and outside of the classroom. He is truly there for his students and stays in touch with many as they transition into college and careers as well. Mr. B is a teacher who cares immensely and truly makes a difference!”
–Sue B., Nasco Education Director of Digital Experience
“I have had so many influential teachers in my life, starting with my elementary art teacher, Mrs. Crosby, who helped nurture my love of art. I remember draping glue-soaked cheesecloth over balloons to make ghosts and crafting with clay — always a favorite. After she retired, I was lucky enough to have Mrs. Crosby give art lessons to my own daughter, and she even shared her love of baking with her, teaching her how to make the giant cinnamon rolls she had made growing up.
“I also have fond memories of my high school math teacher, Mrs. Pope, who took a special interest in the weird art kid who didn’t pay attention in math. She always gave me extra attention, even if it was just to ask about the art projects I was working on. She knew that if she connected with me, I would be motivated to pay attention in math class. It worked, and I passed the class because I knew she cared about me as a person.”
–Liz B., Nasco Education Creative Director
“Mrs. Carpenter was an amazing teacher who recognized her students as individuals and what their specific needs were. My first day in her classroom was my first day at my fourth high school. We were late in enrolling at the beginning of the year and the class was taking a quiz.
“Instead of taking the quiz, Mrs. Carpenter asked me to write an essay of my favorite mythological story. She then took the time to review it with me and bring me up to speed on where they were in the class. Because of her dedication to helping me succeed, she became my ‘go-to’ teacher. I’ll always cherish how this action made me feel welcome and comfortable.”
–Michelle A., Nasco Education Contract Sales Manager
“My favorite teachers are the ones who challenged me the most. My high school English teacher, Mrs. Wilke, wasn’t afraid to push me, and she showed me that pushing myself was worth it. I could use my time and talents to not just get a better grade in her class, but to become a stronger writer and grow more creative, curious, and confident in myself. Because she believed I could do better, I believed it myself. It was one of the first steps to my career as a copywriter, and I’m so grateful to Mrs. Wilke and all the teachers that helped me become who I am today.”
–Michelle B., Nasco Education Copy Manager
“My 12th grade World History teacher, Ms. Atkinson, did a great job of making history come to life. She had the ability to explain the past and show us how it affects our lives today.”
–Jake H., Nasco Education Assistant Product Manager
“Mrs. Straub’s FCS class helped boost my confidence in the kitchen. My new skills allowed me to see cooking as a creative outlet. I recall preparing a delicious orange chicken recipe where she showed the class how to marinate chicken, create a perfectly balanced sauce, and achieve that crispy texture everyone loves. The flavors were incredible, and the sense of accomplishment was even better. I continue using this recipe and techniques to create this delicious dish for my family.”
–Courtney M., Nasco Education Product Manager
“My high school economics teacher, Mr. Conom, taught me financial literacy that I use daily. He taught from his life experiences, and I know decades of students that loved him. One day he pulled me aside to tell me he had worked with my grandfather who passed when I was young. He told me great stories and what a great man he was. His favorite saying: There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”
–Amy S., Nasco Education Senior Art Director
“I have been blessed with so many amazing teachers that it would be difficult for me to single out just one! That said, my favorite teacher is my daughter.
“I’m a very proud mom! She was accepted into the Teach for America program and dedicated 2 years working as a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher in one of the toughest school districts in the Houston area. As a 22-year-old, she had 50 students in her classroom (with seating for 30). Most of her students were living below the poverty level and many were ESL students. Her passion and commitment to inspiring and educating these students, as well as serving as a positive role model, is awe-inspiring.
“Committed to making a difference in kids’ lives, she earned her master’s degree with the Urban Scholars Program at Boston College and continues to serve as a middle school teacher in a Title 1 school. I have such tremendous respect and admiration for everyone in the teaching profession!’
–Pam T., Nasco Education Chief Marketing Officer
“My favorite teacher was Victor Meuch, who taught high school Art and Photography. Mr. Meuch grew up in the Ukraine and not only taught us a lot about art, but also what it was like to grow up in another country where life was very different than in the U.S. He helped all of us to see life from a broader perspective and not to let little obstacles discourage us from our goals.”
–Toni R., Nasco Education HR Director
“My favorite teacher was Mrs. Sharon Crawford, later Ms. Sharon Usinger, an English teacher at Cambridge Senior High School Cambridge, WI. I was already an avid reader, but she introduced me to some books that remain in my top 5 books of all time. “Exodus” by Leon Uris and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. She encouraged me to try different genres and authors and really expanded my love of a well-written story with a message that resounded with me. Thank you, Mrs. Crawford/Ms. Usinger, for sharing your enthusiasm for reading!”
–Tammy K., Nasco Education Customer Care
“My 10th grade science teacher, Mr. Carty, always made science exciting. It was the only science class I remember wanting to attend. He dressed up wacky all the time and made most of his lessons hands-on but with a fun twist.
“I remember the very first class he told us that in order to pass the class we would need to learn how to juggle, moonwalk, or do a magic trick (yes, he could to all three). We had all year to learn, and we could show the class at anytime. He always made a big deal when someone accomplished the trick and handed them a certificate.
“He reminded us that learning can be fun, that we were still kids, and even as an adult, it’s ok to be silly once in a while. I did pass the class by learning how to moonwalk, which is still fun to pull out every now and then.”
–Jamie V., Nasco Education Digital Designer
“I would have to say Mr. Kroll was my favorite teacher. He taught social studies in our high school, and to me he seemed to be able to predict the future. He always seemed to know what was going to happen in the news before it happened because he paid attention to what happened in past and current events. I took away an appreciation for history and anthropology that I still have to this day and share with my kids when we go historical sites and museums.”
–Kara H., Nasco Education Senior Graphic Designer
“My favorite teacher is and was Madame Tralmer. I was a part of a very special French class that had Madame Tralmer for 7th and 8th grade and then again in 10th-12th grade. Madame Tralmer started teaching French to us in middle school, and as we transitioned to high school, she did as well, taking a job at Craig High School in Janesville, WI. Madame always made sure we were doing something fun in French class, and it almost always involved some type of food—king cake, crêpes, Brie, and French bread, and my personal favorite, bûche de Noël, a log cake made at Christmastime. She also always had us laughing; we were almost like one big French class family. I am lucky to still be able to see Madame and her husband out and about in Janesville, still greeting me with the same big smile and contagious laugh. Merci, Madame, pour tous les souvenirs et les rires !”
–Abby F., Nasco Education Product Manager
“One of the best teacher influences in my life was my high school AP Biology teacher, Ron Klingner. Mr. Klingner was an inspired, inspiring, beloved and voracious educator. He took the time to breathe life into complicated subjects, engage students at every level, and masterfully find ways to keep high school students attentive and learning. More so than any other mentor I have ever had, he had a unique gift to bring people into the natural world. He was a polymath — adept at many things and a prolific learner: a black belt, illustrator, storyteller, deep thinker, world traveler, foodie, questioner, and a true life enthusiast. Perhaps more than anyone else outside of my family at that age, he demonstrated how to live a rich and full life on a modest budget by simply enjoying everything that life had to offer. What a wonderful influence he has been in my life — encouraging me to question everything and think even further beyond my original inquiry. He lived for jokes and was as fun and fun-loving as you could get, and always made you feel like he was your biggest fan, regardless of who you were. He was a credit to his fellow educators.”
–Bryan K., Nasco Education Chief Information Officer
“Back in high school I was trying out lots of different ways to express my creativity, and one of them was making jewelry. I was thinking about selling my pieces on Etsy but was worried that nobody would be interested. My art teacher, Mrs. B, was super supportive and convinced me to try it, and then she was my first customer! Throughout all four of my high school years she was always there to support and foster my ideas and creativity. I appreciate it to this day.”
–Jill H., Nasco Education Senior Graphic Designer
“I have to say, one of the teachers in my life that made a difference to me in High School was Mrs. Green, our FCS/Advanced Teacher. Upon arriving in any of her classes, she always made it a point to check in to see how your day was going, cheering you up or encouraging you when needed. She had a heart of gold and a smile that was so contagious.”
–Tracy A., Nasco Education Customer Care
My photography teacher in high school, Mr. Rutowski, ignited my passion for what I do. He was always so much fun in class (I’ll never forget his funny jokes) and encouraged us to try new things with our art. I wanted to learn more each time I came to his class.”
–Brian R., Nasco Education Photo Studio Manager
“Coach Worm was both my softball coach and my sophomore year biology teacher. While our class was quite rambunctious, her love for the subject was apparent in her teaching and ignited my own love for the subject, especially genetics. I was lucky enough to also have the chance to learn from her on the softball field and will always appreciate her support for her players both on the field and in our daily lives. And I will never forget that even though my desire to take Anatomy & Physiology didn’t fit into my schedule the next year, she still found a way to get me on the field trip to the cadaver lab at Marquette University.”
–Carrie S., Nasco Education Product Manager
“My favorite teacher would have to be my Science/Health Science teacher, Mrs. VanLewen. She made Science fun and engaging for her middle school students, giving us room to explore and not be afraid to ask questions or use the inevitable word “WHY?”
“As a Health Science teacher, she made real-world scenarios and situations meaningful and gave us room to understand and grow as an adolescent teen. I absolutely loved carrying around our Flour Babies. She still teaches to this day, and when I am given the chance, I pop in and say hi and let her know how much she means to me after all these years.”
–Tosha S., Nasco Education Customer Solutions Manager
“Mr. Dunn was my Industrial Arts teacher in Middle School. He took time out of his day (homeroom and lunches) to teach me how to play chess. I wasn’t very good at first but he showed me patience and how thinking ahead can give you the advantage.”
–Jason D., Nasco Education Director of Marketing Operations
We’d love to hear from you. Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into education? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. And don’t miss these free poster downloads that celebrate your work in the classroom!