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| Photo by Andrew Ebrahim on Unsplash |
It was in the mid-twentieth century that the President of the New York City Court of Special Sessions came to expose his ideas about the treatment of primary criminals.
It was a conference before magistrates of the State of Missouri and, at one point, he stated that his attitude towards delinquency among young people originated from an intelligent and affectionate treatment that he was given by one of his previous teachers.
He didn't mention her name, but at the end of the meeting the judge approached him and asked if he had referred to Miss. Varner, adding that other judges gathered there were deeply influenced by her too.
No less than four judges came to speak on the matter.
One of America's most respected lawyers, Judge Laurance Hyde, told him: "She was a wonderful teacher."
She taught her students not to be content with learning only what was in the book. She taught them to question the author, challenge their statements and always seek to know the subject better.
That was how the students discovered the pleasure of learning.
And the President who believed that only for him she was a private advisor, a guide through high school and a mentor until he graduated in Law, realized that this admirable woman had exercised the same influence over hundreds of students who passed through that school.
And each of them considered her to be their private advisor.
Generals, taxi drivers, farmers, magistrates, scientists, admirals, senators, all benefited from her affection and dedication. She has exercised her influence over hundreds of people.
When, at school, there was a boy who all the other teachers considered an incorrigible undisciplined, she said: "there is no such thing". And she would treat the teenager with such love and understanding that the transformation took place.
The police chief himself, more than once, brought good guys accused of illegal activities to her presence. Knowing these were acts without major consequences, but still contrary to the law, she would talk to them in a way they'd never get into trouble again.
Final Thoughts
Calla Edington Varner was a teacher who made a difference. How much we need teachers here like these days. Teachers who have their civic duties in mind and remember that in a democracy everyone matters.
Teachers who believe that each one of us can make a big difference, making small or significant changes regardless of where we are.
Certainly, teachers like that exist. And to these, our great and special tribute.
Above all, the vows that they do not falter, even in the face of the indifference of many, or even discouraging remarks that the investment is not worth.
We also call on those of us who have children at school to become aware of the efforts of such special heroes, who dedicate themselves far beyond duty.
Silent heroes in classrooms for hours and hours. Dedicated heroes in their homes, preparing classes, studying and researching.
Heroes who teach, who enlighten minds, who feed hearts with their affectionate and enlightening presence.
