My mother soon attended college, not for herself immediately but to provide a better life for her child—me. During her time at Mott Community College in Flint, she struggled with academics and worked very hard to overcome her deficiencies. At some point, she felt as if she had made an unwise choice to attend college. But, during that tumultuous time, she was blessed to meet a female professor who believed in her. It was this professor’s belief in my mother that encouraged her to complete her studies at Mott and to later attend Michigan State University. The professor at Mott nurtured, inspired, and motivated my mother to think big—and she did! She went on to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree at Michigan State University while raising a child.

A public school educator’s comments broke my mother’s spirit, while the inspiration and motivation of positive comments and affirmations from a college professor lifted and inspired my mother to go farther than she ever dreamed possible. The influence of both these figures is critical, as they demonstrate the experiences of multitudes of men and women in our society. Some teachers influence for the positive, just as others influence for the negative. In either case, far too many educators take for granted the weight of their influence and impact—words and actions are power; affirmation is power; encouragement is power. However, the lack of affirmation is also power, just as the lack of encouragement is also power. Educators must utilize their considerable powers to uplift young learners to their highest potential.

The teaching profession is amazingly influential, even if the powers of influence are not many times considered. It must be considered, though, and deliberately exercised to enhance the educational experience of young learners. Typically, influence is the last thing a teacher is thinking about when a student is sarcastic, violent, or defiant. Yet, the responsibility for teachers to remain in control and maintain their polish is imperative because young people are always watching to see what “the adult” will do in response to their immature behavior.

I am sure that all of you reading this article have either been inspired by or hurt by the comments or actions of an educator. That being the case, you also know negative feedback from teachers impacts individuals far more than feedback from most adults, simply because educators spend more time with kids than anyone else, including parents. Teachers are major figures in the lives of young people, and that is a fact.

The impact of teaching is clear, and the influence of the profession is immeasurable. All it takes is one moment, one situation, one discussion to turn the life of a young learner. So stay ever mindful of the impact your words and actions can carry. They will make a difference, as they did in my mother’s life.

Graysen Walles is an educator, speaker and author of the new release TEACHING: The Greatest Career on the Planet. He is married, with three sons and lives in Atlanta Georgia. Please visit him at www.theteachersmovement.com or greatestcareerontheplanet.com. You can reach him directly at graysen@theteachersmovement.com

2009 Copyrighted © Dr. Graysen Walles

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