Inspiration
Five classic novels with teachers who change the life of their students
All of these novels feature a teacher as the compelling central character and are as inspiring and relevant as when they were first published.
All of these novels feature a teacher as the compelling central character and are as inspiring and relevant as when they were first published.
To Sir, With Love by E.R. Braithwaite
The focus of the narrative is upon Rick Braithwaite's first year as a teacher at Greenslade Secondary School on London's lower East Side, a rough, lower class area of the city. How he brings the class around and imparts lessons for their future forms the crux of the story.
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Scorned by her own parents, the young protagonist, Matilda, finds solace in the company of her schoolteacher, the sweet and supportive Miss Jennifer Honey, who supports her academically and emotionally when no one else sees her value.
Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
It took a very special teacher to recognize little Trisha’s dyslexia: Mr. Falker, who encourages her to overcome her reading disability. If only every struggling child had such a teacher.
Sahara Special by Esme Raji Codell
Sahara has never had a teacher like Miss Pointy, the new fifth-grade teacher. Through Miss Pointy’s unusual teaching, storytelling, and quiet support, Sahara finds the courage to overcome her fears and shows her true self.
Anne of Green Gables & Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery
In Anne of Green Gables, her teacher, Miss Stacy, has unorthodox and liberal teaching methods that others’ criticize, but she becomes a much-needed role model and mentor for Anne. In the second book, Anne begins her job as the new schoolteacher and the real test of her character begins. Along with teaching the three Rs, she learns how complicated life can be.