American Women's Club of Hamburg Currents Magazine January 2014 | Page 6

FEATURE

The Secrets of a Successful Teacher
by Pat F.

When my co-editor Jenny first suggested the theme “Teaching” for this issue of Currents, I quickly
agreed. I had spent sixteen years plus seated in students’ desks, and forty years plus standing in front
of classrooms at a blackboard which evolved into a white board, and more recently into a Smartboard.
And I have relished every moment of it, well, almost every moment. There were a few teachers (code
word for nuns), who to be diplomatic, toughened me up for life. Then there have been a few students
who, to be even more diplomatic, tested my toughening at every possible opportunity.
The secret of a successful teacher is quite simple; relationships are everything. Inspire and challenge each
student in a protected, nonthreatening environment. Mollycoddling and patronizing lead to mediocrity,
but hugs (verbal hugs, too), are to be encouraged!
There is another secret I am now willing to reveal. I have mostly taught third grade classes; everyone I
know, including myself, just loved their third grade teacher. By choosing these eight and nine year olds
right from the start, I was predestined for success.

M r. M atschke Taught M e How to Love
by Karen M.

This is a big “thank you” to my 9th  grade history teacher, Mr. Matschke. I did not
pay attention to one single word he said about German political history and the
incidents that led to WWI. Hell, I almost failed that class! I was too busy staring out
of the window daydreaming about a very special boy I knew. Still, my teacher, Mr.
Matschke, shared the most inspiring words with my class which I soaked up like a
sponge. For me, he was not a teacher, but a philosopher, a life guide. I would love to
talk to him now, knowing a lot more than I did then, and dreaming of other boys now.
He loved love and I guess to some extent he felt like he needed to teach us girls (I attended
an all-girls school) everything he knew about men and love, encouraging us to become
independent and strong women exploring the world. He taught us to always love ourselves
before even daring to love someone else. He taught us, “Never say ‘I need you.’ If you say those
words you lose. Never need him, but want him. You can want him all you want as long as
you will never need him.” It seems like that might not be special, heard several times before,
Pinterest is full of that stuff. But for me, I felt empowered by these words, and felt like I could
master the universe. Well, turns out I did not so much. But I still think of him frequently
and the warning words of love, when I stare out of the window, daydreaming about a boy.

Privacy Policy Reminder!
by Shawn K.

With our club’s plunge into the digital age, this seems like a good time to remind you of our
Privacy Policy. In our Membership Application, which every member was required to sign, the
Disclaimer reads: You also grant permission to the AWCH to use your likeness and that of your
family members on its website and publications (last names will be omitted) unless you request
otherwise in writing. If you would like to exercise your right to keep your name and likeness out
of Currents, both paper and digital, please send your written request to the AWC board ASAP.
Thanks!
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American Women’s Club of Hamburg e.V.