Over the course of a year writer David Shribman questioned virtually everyone he encountered about the role teachers had played in their lives. The result is this extraordinary collection of personal remembrances of teachers, relayed by people from all walks of life.Readers will be inspired by the Montreal bookseller whose math teacher taught statistics using cards and dice, by the second-grade teacher who let a young George Stephanopoulos go to the library whenever he was bored in class, and by Sister Patricia, a favorite teacher of former Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, who once told her, "You can fly, but that cocoon has to go."These 365 short testimonials offer a tribute to teachers for each day of the year. With accounts from Geena Davis, Clarence Thomas, Norman Schwarzkopf, and others, I Remember My Teacher. . . will move readers with inspiring stories of their most influential teachers, professors, and coaches.

It caused me to remember back to my own fifth grade teacher, who, upon completing the year, wrote me a quick note which encourages me to this day. You, too, will think about your kindergarten teachers and learning your letters, or the guy who taught you the software used in your job.

Shribman uses examples from celebs galore, but the important part is learning about the teachers who helped mold the leaders of today. Tomorrow's leaders are sitting in a third grade classroom across the world, and a great teacher is guiding him or her.

Teachers can read this and be encouraged and excited that what they do does matters. Students will read this and see that their teacher's unorthodox ways and persistence in teaching makes a difference.

I fully recommend "I Remember My Teacher: 365 Reminiscences of the Teachers Who Changed Our Lives" by David M. Shribman.

Anthony Trendl


Wonderful book!   May 7, 2002
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I picked up I REMEMBER MY TEACHER because I liked the cover. I bought two copies because once I started reading it, I had to send copies to the college professor and the high school coach who inspired me. This book was the perfect opportunity to thank them after more than 15 years for the support and advice that still means so much to me.


From A Retired Teacher   April 9, 2002
 19 out of 19 found this review helpful

A former student of mine sent me this book with an inscription that made my day -- make that, my year! After reading the personalized inscription a dozen times, I started reading Mr. Shribman's book. What a delight. The book made me remember why I became a teacher.