Thankful for Thursday: Teachers

The theme of this week's Thankful for Thursday meme is TEACHERS. In particular, those super-awesome teachers who inspired your love of reading and/or writing.

A few teachers come to mind for me, but the one who stands out the most is:

Mrs. McLaughlin - 6th grade English at Stuart Middle School

It didn't matter to her so much that I couldn't diagram a sentence to save my life; she recognized some spark in my writing that I didn't even know was there.  To this day, I can still remember her telling me that she'd look forward to seeing my book in print one day.  It was a head scratching moment, because the thought of being an author had never crossed my mind.  I mean -- come on -- I couldn't diagram a lousy sentence!!

This perceptive teacher saw an innate talent in me before I saw it myself.  Looking back, I'm more fully able to appreciate the quiet confidence that Mrs. McLaughlin gave me in my own skills with just a passing comment that I was good enough.

Thanks, Mrs. McLaughlin -- and to all the teachers who inspired my love of reading through high school and college.  I might not have my name in print *yet* - but I'm getting there.


So what teacher most inspired your love of reading or writing? Grab the badge, make a post and leave you link in the comments over at Oasis for YA.  (Come on, sharing your gratitude will brighten your day -- promise!)