Maria Mazziotti Gillan - Teachers Make a Difference - Mr. Weiss and Ms. Durbin

The speaker reflects on two influential teachers from Eastside High School, Mr. Weiss and Miss Turban, who greatly impacted their life. Despite being shy, the teachers encouraged the speaker's love for writing and poetry, providing support and opportunities to build confidence. Mr. Weiss's support continued into adulthood, attending the speaker's readings. The speaker concludes by defining a good teacher as someone who opens doors, creates safe spaces, and sees the best in students.

Who were the two teachers that had a significant impact on the narrator during high school?

• Mr. Green and Miss White

• Mr. Brown and Miss Davis

• Mr. Smith and Miss Johnson

• Mr. Weiss and Miss Turban

What subject did Miss Turban teach the narrator?

• History

• English

• Science

• Mathematics

How did Miss Turban help the narrator gain confidence?

• By assigning them leadership roles

• By encouraging them to participate in sports

• By letting them read poems aloud in class

• By allowing them to write essays

What did Mr. Weiss do to show his continued support for the narrator?

• He sent them letters of encouragement

• He attended their readings in New York

• He called them regularly

• He visited them at home

According to the narrator, what is a key quality of a good teacher?

• Strict discipline

• High academic expectations

• Opening doors and seeing the best in students

• Providing extra homework