Signe Myers Hovem - Teachers Make a Difference - Jim Miller and Bill Preston

The speaker reflects on two influential teachers who shaped their love for reading and writing. Mr. Jim Miller, a 6th-grade teacher, fostered a love for storytelling by reading classics without quizzes or assignments, allowing students to immerse themselves in the stories. Mr. Bill Preston, a 10th-grade teacher, encouraged deeper engagement with texts, helping the speaker develop empathy and personal connections through reading. Both teachers played crucial roles in nurturing the speaker's passion for literature and creative expression.

What was the author's innate passion that was nurtured by their teachers?

Who was the teacher that had a significant impact on the author's life in 6th grade?

What unique method did Mr. Jim Miller use to engage his students during reading time?

How did Mr. Bill Preston help the author transition from being a consumer of stories to an engaged reader?

In what ways did the author's experiences with reading and writing shape their understanding of the human condition?