Leah Juelke - Teachers Make a Difference - Gayle Hyde

The speaker reflects on the impact of their 7th grade English teacher, who became a mentor and coach in speech and debate. Initially shy and bullied, the speaker was encouraged to join the speech team, which led to personal growth and leadership roles. Returning to coach alongside their mentor, the speaker admires the teacher's persistence and dedication to students, which inspires their own teaching approach.

Describe the initial feelings of the speaker when they first met their 7th grade English teacher.

What challenges did the speaker face in school, and how did the teacher help them overcome these challenges?

What impact did the teacher have on the speaker's confidence and participation in speech activities?

In what ways did the speaker's relationship with their teacher evolve from student to colleague?

How did the teacher's approach to coaching influence the speaker's teaching style?