May 01, 2025

Seven Signs You Are a Life-Changing Teacher

One of the amazing aspects of teaching is that we engage with our students early in their life trajectories. Consequently, our influence can persist and grow after students leave us, mature, and enter new phases of life. What may seem like incidental exchanges, off-hand advice, small acts of caring, or assurance of understanding can have a lifelong impact. What may feel like a small win with students today may change how they view and live life long after they leave us.

Unfortunately, our role positions us in a place where we are usually not able to see and hear how our influence has made a difference for our students. If we are lucky, some students might return and tell us how we have had an impact on who they are and what they are doing, but these tend to be rare occasions, representing just a fraction of the differences we have made.

But how do we know if the experiences our students are having with us today are likely to be life-changing? Are there signs or signals that can reassure us that what we are doing will not only be important today, but will likely stay with students far beyond their time with us?

The good news is that when students look back at their time in school, they often point to certain experiences, observations, and messages that have stayed with them over time and have had an influence on who they have become. Here are seven reflections students share about teachers whom they describe as life-changing:

This teacher…

Really saw me. Students value teachers who see them as more than just a student. Taking time to listen and understand how students are feeling and empathizing with their challenges and struggles matters. For students, being seen translates to feeling valued and significant.
Thought I was exceptional. While it certainly can, exceptionality does not have to translate to academic achievement or perceived intelligence. Instead, the focus may be a certain talent, ways of thinking, or unique insights. For students, being considered exceptional can feel like permission to be who they are and not always have to conform to what others think or expect of them.
Made me want to learn. When teachers allow their curiosity, passions, and excitement to show through their teaching, students can find it difficult to ignore or resist. Developing a love for learning can make a lifelong difference for students.
Held high expectations. Students often underestimate their potential. When someone pushes them to invest, persist, and discover what they are capable of, it can become a habitual approach to life beyond the classroom.
Never gave up. Nudging, reminding, and supporting students are expressions of confidence that success is possible. Letting go and moving on can send the opposite message. Students remember and treasure people who never gave up on them.
Was flexible and creative. Unexpected things happen. When they do, the circumstance can be turned into a timely reminder or offered as something new to learn. Even negative events have a way of becoming an opportunity for something good. Finding value and worth, reframing, and reflecting can be powerful models for young people trying to understand life.
Was someone I wanted to be like. Students are constantly looking for role models. They want to have adults in their lives who have clear values, integrity, and courage. When they find what they are looking for in us, we can be their “north star,” their beacon of hope, and a measuring stick for who they want to become.

Obviously, we cannot be all these things all the time for all our students, but the beauty is that we do not have to exhibit all these characteristics. In fact, there are times when even one of these elements can be all a student needs in order to see more in themselves, aspire to be more than they are, and follow a path created and begun during their time with us.