The Lasting Effects of Inspirational Teachers on Career Choices

Teachers can be among the most influential and impressionable individuals in the world, as they are in a position to make a difference in the lives of the next generation.

Preply, a platform offering online Spanish classes and other language courses, surveyed 966 individuals about their experiences with educators. According to their survey, 59% of respondents reported that a teacher had significantly shaped their lives through their guidance and teachings. While it’s impossible to expect that every teacher will have a positive impact on a student, an impressive 84% of respondents said they had encountered at least one teacher who had a positive impact on their lives.

What Makes a Teacher Memorable for Students?

Every student has unique preferences when it comes to the qualities they value in their educators. However, the findings appear to have uncovered that most will favor a particular type of teacher at a specific level of education.

The majority of respondents indicated that their favorite teachers were those they encountered during high school, followed by teachers from primary and middle school. At the same time, they would respond that their favorite teachers would be those who taught general subjects. Close behind were English and language teachers, as well as science teachers, who also left a strong impression.

For most students, they found that their favorite teachers were fair and didn’t necessarily treat them differently from other students in the classroom. Seventy percent responded by saying that they didn’t feel that they were treated more favorably than others.

What Are the Lasting Impacts That Students Have Felt from Educators?

While teachers have had a lasting impact on students' education and knowledge, other areas of their lives have also benefited.

Despite findings revealing that 61% of students were influenced academically, many of them would go on to have an impact that provided students with a source of inspiration. 37% of those who have had struggles at home in relation to their parents admitted that they felt an educator had provided them with the support that they needed away from home.

Most noted that people employed in this profession had also helped them to develop key skills that could allow them to thrive later in life, or adjust while they were at school. Among the three top areas in which people cited their favorite teachers having an impact outside of their academic studies included helping them to overcome shyness and navigate new school settings, as well as providing support in relation to mental health - which can still be a taboo subject for many when discussing with family.

Teachers Remain Appreciated Long After Their Main Purpose

Lasting Impressions. Many students retain vivid memories of their favorite teachers, whose influence extends far beyond the classroom. Some individuals attribute their career choices directly to the inspiration provided by these educators, suggesting that a particularly effective teacher can significantly alter the trajectory of a student's life.

Inspirational Educators. Teachers often ignite a passion for their subjects that lasts a lifetime. An English teacher's eloquence could spark a student's desire to pursue a writing career, while a science teacher's enthusiasm for the topic might inspire another to follow a path in scientific research. This shows the profound impact that teachers can have, shaping professional aspirations and dreams.

Unspoken Gratitude. Despite the deep influence some teachers have, 61% of individuals admit they have never expressed their gratitude to the teacher who impacted them most. According to a Preply survey, while 77% of respondents think about their favorite teacher at least annually, many never communicate their appreciation directly.

Social Media Connections. In today's digital age, 45% of those who remember their teachers fondly wish to reconnect and share the impact they've had on their lives. Social media makes this easier, with 18% of respondents already connected to their favorite teacher online. However, 42% have not spoken to their influential teacher since leaving school, often due to concerns about crossing professional boundaries or the awkwardness of transitioning from a teacher-student relationship to one of equals.

Conclusion

Teachers wield an incredible influence on their students, often shaping their future choices and instilling long-lasting values and interests. Despite this significant impact, many teachers remain unaware of their lasting influence, as students frequently hesitate to reach out. Encouraging more open communication could enhance the satisfaction teachers feel from their roles, reaffirming the importance of their dedication and hard work. As society continues to evolve with technology, the barriers to expressing gratitude and maintaining connections with former mentors are diminishing, offering more opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge the profound contributions teachers make to individual lives and society at large.