Crushing on a teacher inspires some students to study harder; it drives others to try extreme outdoor sports. In response to an MSNBC.com story, readers remembered the teachers they adored, and the things those teachers inspired them to do.
Kristi of Chino, Calif., is now an eighth grade English teacher, largely because of her adoration for her own eighth grade English teacher. But before he inspired her to teach, his influence drove her to try something else.
"I even went on a snowboarding trip because he went, and I don't know a thing about snowboarding!" Kristi writes.
For Chip of Kalamazoo, Mich., a pretty student biology teacher who took over his class for a semester encouraged him to hit the books. "My grade went from a D+ to a B+ in a matter of weeks," writes Chip of Kalamazoo, Mich. "I didn't want her to think I was dumb."
Keep reading for more responses.
All of the girls in our school were crazy over Mr. Mock — the wood shop teacher. That class never saw so many females until he started teaching. He was patient with us, which, according to 14-17 year-old girls means "he likes me." He was a lot of fun and he did teach us how to build a great birdhouse!
— Jennifer, Portage, Pa.
It was 4th grade when I realized that girls were pretty special. My teacher Miss Brown was so nice to everyone. She had long, brunette hair, big green eyes, she stood about 5'4" and had a nice voice. One day we were out on the playground and one of her contacts had fallen out and she was bent over looking for it. I immediately rushed over to help her. I spent the entire recess time just knowing I could find it. She kept telling me "It's OK!" but I wouldn't quit. She eventually found it herself which of course kind of crushed me. She gave me a hug for trying and thought I would never let go. I just knew since she was a Miss and not a Mrs. I had a shot! I did everything for her I could in or out of class. The other kids just shook their heads and laughed at me but I had only one focus: Miss Brown.
— Keith, Spokane, Wash.
I had a huge crush on one of my English teachers in high school and for many years after. He encouraged me to write and use my gifts in reading, writing and language and was the first to introduce me to classical and jazz music as well as modern art. I got over the crush (eventually) but am eternally grateful for his influence. Because of him, I am in my 20th year of teaching English.
— Cynthia, Bowling Green, Ohio
In the 7th grade, in Jacksonville, N.C. in 1966. He was, first of all, the first male teacher I had ever had, and he was gorgeous! Tall, dark and handsome. Prior to that year I was always getting into trouble for talking too much. In his class, I hung onto every word he said. My grades went up that year! I certainly didn't want him to think I was stupid, as if it would matter! It was innocent, it was lovely, it is a very sweet memory. I'm sorry in today's world we have to be so cautious of our children and they can't enjoy the innocence of a teacher crush.
— Debi, Greensboro, N.C.
Her name was Miss Manley, but manly she wasn't. I was a growing boy, and she was built like Dolly Parton. Needless to say, ALL the guys had a crush on her until she married one of the other teachers, a nerd no less. What a waste!
— Bob, New Bern, N.C.
In high school I had Mr. V for AP history. So smart which I found sexy (and easy on the eyes). I did more work in his class than any other. Plus I loved the class and had to work twice as hard because everyone was so smart. He wrote very positive and encouraging words on my very lengthy assignments. I did well because I wanted too impress him. I still have some of those old assignments in my yearbooks. He inspired me as a teacher as well. Last year I taught a global studies class and loved it! He was a result of that.
— Pamela
Are you kidding? My teachers were nuns — mean and ugly!
— Anonymous
I was in 2nd grade and my teacher was entirely new to the school and district. Her name was Ms. Quick. She was a fox, but to this day I have no real recollection of what she looked like. Our class photo did not include a picture of her for some reason. There's really not much else I can tell you about my elementary school years. But the name "Ms. Quick" rolls off my tongue pretty easily!
— Derrick, Bayfield, Colo.
I had a crush on my seventh grade math teacher, and always looked forward to his class. I remember that I did work extra hard that year, which was reflected in my math marks. My mother told me that when she attended parents' night, he told her that if I worked any harder, I'd have an ulcer!
— Pam
In biology class, we had a student teacher come in for a semester. My grade went from a D+ to a B+ in a matter of weeks. I didn't want her to think I was dumb. I am pretty sure she had no idea. After all that time of my parents telling me if I applied myself I could do it, imagine that — they were right.
— Chip, Kalamazoo, Mich.
I became an 8th grade English teacher because of my 8th grade English teacher! I adored everything about him and as a result I remember every project, activity, and smile he gave me. I even went on a snowboarding trip because he went and I don't know a thing about snowboarding! I still think of him all the time and try to create the same fun learning environment in my classroom that he created.
— Kristi, Chino, Calif.
I remember back in my junior year of high school I had a crush on my chemistry teacher. (I think every guy in the class thought she was amazing.) I was doing really well in the class; however, I would always try and have one on one tutoring sessions with her. The funny thing was all the guys in the class knew what I was doing. The thing that really made her really attractive was the fact she knew baseball and was an attractive teacher. So I didn't mind coming to chemistry class or even staying after school for some tutoring.
— Tony, Chicago
It was my seventh grade science teacher. Looking back I don't think he was a fantastically handsome 24-year-old, but I thought he was the cat's meow at the time, and although science was my favorite subject even before that year, it sure didn't hurt anything. I would get in trouble in class for talking and get lunch detention with him (why he thought that was a deterrent, I'll never know) and we would sit and work out science problems. He acted like he really needed my help, which made me feel important, intelligent and motivated to be the best. I wonder what he's like now, but I imagine I'd be disappointed compared to what I have built up in my memory.
— Lacy, Oklahoma City, Okla.