Special Teachers Give More Than Education

After reading your piece about Laurie Fidler, the art teacher at Jefferson High School (“Her Teaching Just Hits the Spot,” Oct. 6), I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading it and remembering some of the very special teachers who have been a part of my education.

I couldn’t help but think that you were really writing about the rare and few teachers I have had. I kept thinking, this isn’t Laurie Fidler, this is so-and-so who taught me English composition or this is about so-and-so who was my marine science teacher in high school.

The thing that strikes me most about these born-to-be-a-teachers is not the subject matter that they were paid to teach me, but the incredible amount of self-esteem that I gained while under their instruction--and that it has stayed with me.

Laurie Fidler is a rare bird and deserving of much more than any $100 million contract given to an egotistical rock star. She is helping young people feel worthwhile and capable of contributing to this world. Maybe it is a somewhat naive and idealistic notion to think that she could actually change the path of someone’s life, but I thank God for people like her because I was one of those people who respond to that kind of approach, and I know I’m not the only one.

One thing I have always believed about those special teachers was that they genuinely cared.

CATHERINE ROKITSKI,

Palmdale