Thank a teacher this week!

How best to appreciate a teacher during National Teacher Appreciation Week? Tell them! 🧑‍🏫

My Latin teacher in 7-8 grades was Dr. Paul Pietrow. (He was Mr. Pietrow then — not yet a doctor, just a recent college graduate finding his way.)

He only taught for three years before going to medical school and likely sees that as just a brief gap in his studies. But to me he was a luminary: my favorite teacher in middle school, one of my favorite teachers ever, and a lifelong educational influence.

Mr. Pietrow made Latin a joy. His energy was contagious and his love of learning infectious. He enthusiastically led us in chanting the declensions (not a thrilling part of any language, but he made it fun). He led learning games and activities. He even gave us Latin names; mine was “Gnaeus,” which I’ve just learned means “birthmark.” 🤨🤣

He had a unique talent for making us laugh. He entered class one day asking whether we knew how cockroaches scatter when the lights go on; then he frantically demonstrated this depiction of my classmates and me! In the most good-humored manner, he tossed chalk or erasers at us to get attention or “punish” mistakes. (Yes, these were the days of actual chalkboards, yes, an eraser made a satisfying puff of chalk dust against our dark blazers, and yes, I’m using “punish” very tongue-in-cheek.) He didn’t need to throw things because we loved his class… yet he still seemed to relish chucking those chalk pieces and erasers! (We loved it too.)

His antics, energy, and presence inspired me to study hard. After leaving that school I aced the National Latin Exam in 9th grade, scoring the highest of any student in my high school. I continued with Latin until graduation, but under a less effective Latin teacher I lost most of my knowledge and my love for the language.

So: do I remember much Latin? No, but I do remember some of what Mr. Pietrow taught me! One memory: his refrain of “semper ubi sub ubi,” which very roughly translates to “always wear underwear.” Solid advice.

But do I remember his teaching? Absolutely. I loved his class, loved learning Latin, and respected him immensely. (Young teachers: you have no idea how much your just-a-few-years younger students admire you.) He’s one of a few teachers who influenced my lifelong love of education.

Talk about the power of a great teacher.

Mr. (Dr!) Pietrow is now a well-respected Urologist, recognized for years as a Castle Connelly Top Doctor. He still has the same great smile I remember. (He doesn’t have a LinkedIn, though, so I’ll find another way to get him this message!)

The moral: Great teachers are priceless. They work hard for long hours at low pay. Leaving a mark (and not just with chalk!) is why they do the job.

Pay them back! Reach out and tell them why you remember them. It means the world, and chances are they’ll remember you too!