And then there was Ellsworth Vierra who taught physics. I may not have been the best physics student, but I relished his class. Mr. Vierra taught with an enthusiasm for the subject that was unparalleled.

I think it’s safe to say that those teachers probably didn’t realize the impact they had on me any more than I was aware of the impact they had on me.

As you read through this year’s Amazing Educators section, I hope you’re reminded of an educator who inspired you.

Maybe you had a teacher like Breck Foster, who uses current events to educate her students about climate change.

Perhaps you had a band instructor like Dana Henson, who doesn’t just teach students music, but also the importance of being positive representatives of the community they live in.

Or it’s simply a passionate teacher like Mark Halpern, who works to open his students’ minds through literature.

“The best of the writers are prophets who see into the mystery of being,” Halpern said.

The same may be true of teachers themselves. The best educators see the mystery of being in their students and help them see it in themselves.

Being an educator in this day and age is a daunting task, and that’s precisely why we at Pamplin Media Group produce this product every year. We want to share these stories about exemplary educators and hopefully remind you of an educator who impacted you.