Joe Weil - Teachers Make a Difference - Alice Bartnique

The speaker reflects on the profound influence of Mrs. Bartnick, their high school teacher, who first recognized their potential as a poet. Despite personal hardships, Mrs. Bartnick's encouragement and belief in the speaker's talent provided the confidence needed to pursue a career in poetry. The speaker recounts a touching reunion with Mrs. Bartnick, who attended a reading at their old high school. This experience highlights the lasting impact a dedicated teacher can have on a student's life, offering guidance and support even in challenging times.

Who was the most influential teacher mentioned in the text?

What significant role did Mrs. Bartnick play in the narrator's life?

How did Mrs. Bartnick influence the narrator's perception of poetry?

What challenges did the narrator face after the death of their parents?

In what way did the narrator feel a lack of role models in their journey to becoming a poet?