Linda Brown

Eliot-Hine Middle School, 8th grade, Teacher for 23 years

Teacher Linda Brown | Photo by Jason Colston

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Why did you become a teacher?

I chose teaching because I love children. I love making a difference in their lives. Teaching is the one profession that allows me the opportunity to constantly look for ideas, strategies and creative ways to motivate my students.

Both of my parents achieved a high school education but they were determined that all six of their children would receive a college degree. I am committed to affording my students that same opportunity, to reach their highest academic potential and achieve their heart’s desires.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

Mr. Gilchrist, my eighth grade teacher. He taught me more than English. Each morning before we began class he would bring the class to order with a quote or inspirational poem. The class would end with a prayer—so you know how many years ago we are talking about.

He knew that the best way to gain our attention and respect was with order. His style of teaching has been a tremendous help to me in establishing order in my classes. I don’t use his same tactics, but I have developed my own rules and routines for establishing order and mutual respect between teacher and student.

Three adjectives that describe your job:

Challenging, inspirational, rewarding.

What is one thing that you wish someone had told you when you were a first year teacher?

I had a hard one! I do wish someone had better prepared me to address the diverse needs of all of my students, particularly students with special needs. Although I had the same high expectations for all of my students, I needed additional help in identifying their individual needs and knowing how to meet them.

What's one thing your students have taught you about being a better teacher?

I have learned that you can’t be a great teacher until students really know that you care about them. They want to be respected and recognized as individuals. You have to form a partnership.

Over the years I think I have become a better teacher by creating a classroom environment that was firm but fair, and also caring. Students will give you their best and work their hardest if you create a loving, caring, and nurturing environment.

Tell a little about a time when a student's accomplishments completely exceeded your expectations. Or, tell a little about a time when you were inspired by a student.

Approximately 13 years ago I had the privilege of teaching a family of sisters and brothers who were being raised by their grandmother. They were all very respectful and ambitious.

One of the younger brothers showed great potential in math. I often transported children to competitions held on Saturday mornings, and one morning this student had overslept so I was waiting at his home while he got ready.

I was haunted for years by the house, that there was no place for him to study, it was dimly lit…it just looked like a hard place to live. Yet he never missed turning in an assignment. He never made excuses and always seemed happy and content.

He inspired me to take the negatives and turn them into positives. He still comes to visit me, after years in the service and travelling across the world.

He has earned a degree in mathematics and is now becoming a pilot. I am always using his story to inspire students to succeed despite any obstacles or deficits in their lives. This student learned how to soar.

Why is teaching an incredibly important job?

It is incredibly important because the seeds we sow today will become the fruits of our labor tomorrow. We have to prepare our students well. B.F. Skinner says education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten, and I believe that. Teachers have a say in what survives.

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