Pet Teachers It’s Teacher Appreciation Week And Valley Students Take The Opportunity To Honor Their Favorite Teachers And Explain Why They Have Formed Such A Lasting Impression

Almost all of us remember the teacher who made a difference in our lives, the one who opened some magic door in our hearts and minds.

With that in mind, the Valley Voice sought out students’ essays on the teacher who meant the most to them. We asked one school in each Spokane Valley school district to participate.

This seemed like a good project for Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-11. And already it has paid unexpected bonuses.

When Kristy Luce and Sally Cannon came together this week to be photographed, for instance, it was the first time they’d seen each other in seven years.

For Luce, a junior at West Valley, it was a chance to tell Cannon how very much her fourth-grade year had meant. Luce said she had always wanted to sing Cannon’s praises, but Cannon had transferred from Orchard Center Elementary School. So, Luce didn’t know where to find her mentor.

For Cannon, who teaches now at Contract Based Education, it was a welcome chance for feedback.

“I think teachers go along, and they do the best job they can and they hope they do right by their students - respect them and love them and send them on their way enriched. But you don’t know that for sure. So often, you don’t know. You come away from the end of the year wondering, ‘Could I have done that differently or better?’ ” Cannon said.

“It really meant a lot to me, to have her explain so eloquently how she felt about that year.”

The Valley Voice could not print all the essays received. Those that appear, starting on Page have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.

Thanks to all who wrote about their favorite teacher.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

MEMO: See related story under the headline: Students fondly recall most-memorable teachers