What an amazing teacher your Miss Austen was. I loved this Sarah, it reminded me of some of my own teachers. I too had an inspirational history teacher and my memory if her is so crystal clear because of her personality and her amazing teaching ability. We never forget those who really ignite our thirst for knowledge. Wonderful tribute for a what sounds like a wonderful woman.
I haven't seen the TV show, although I am a big fan of Jane's. Genius. I am grateful to learn the etiquette of how to address elder daughters. I didn't know that. 😀
Absolutely loved this! I have been wanting to write about a couple of my teachers (who I still write to) so this is a reminder to get on it! Miss Austen sounds amazing. (And I also enjoyed the TV show. Keeley is a proper treasure)
Oh, the grey haired teachers in tweed suits and sensible brogues. My girls’ high school still had a whole staffroom full of them. Fiercely intelligent and intimidating but capable of great kindness if they thought you were doing your best.
I thoroughly enjoyed your tribute to Miss Austen! I look forward to seeing the television program here in May.
I was thinking of two of my favorite history teachers last night. I told my husband that I am thankful they are not alive to see what Donald Trump is doing to the United States. 😔
Moving and so beautifully written, Sarah. When my English teacher got in touch many years later and said how much she enjoyed my (very short) essays I was amazed & very touched.
What a heartwarming story which reminds me of my lovely history teacher Anne Lashley who was married to a descendant of the famous Captain Lashley.
I’m of a similar vintage to you and Mrs Lashley inspired me to become a history teacher, even going back to her beloved classroom to observe and hold/mark a test as a postgraduate before starting at what was originally King Alfred’s College Winchester.
Sharing your disappointment about current levels of history education in schools, I remember Anthony Seldon sardonically greeting a coach on the touch line at Wellington who’d said he was bottom of the pile : « oh you must be a history teacher »
How lucky you were to have someone who recognised your potential & gave you all the support she could. You now give us, your readers, the benefit of your research & knowledge with your wonderful books & articles.
Such a lovely story. I'm glad ypu got to know Miss Austen as a grown-up. I had a teacher i didnt appreciate at the time, and didnt get the opportunity to thank. I wrote about it here if you're interested:
A lovely tribute, Sarah! I loved hearing about your Miss Austen. I was a high-school English teacher for many years. Yesterday, over lunch with one of my former students, she pulled out an essay on Shaw's "Pygmalion" that she had written for my class in 10th grade. I had recommended that she become an English major and a writer. That is just what she did!
What an amazing teacher your Miss Austen was. I loved this Sarah, it reminded me of some of my own teachers. I too had an inspirational history teacher and my memory if her is so crystal clear because of her personality and her amazing teaching ability. We never forget those who really ignite our thirst for knowledge. Wonderful tribute for a what sounds like a wonderful woman.
I haven't seen the TV show, although I am a big fan of Jane's. Genius. I am grateful to learn the etiquette of how to address elder daughters. I didn't know that. 😀
Absolutely loved this! I have been wanting to write about a couple of my teachers (who I still write to) so this is a reminder to get on it! Miss Austen sounds amazing. (And I also enjoyed the TV show. Keeley is a proper treasure)
Oh, the grey haired teachers in tweed suits and sensible brogues. My girls’ high school still had a whole staffroom full of them. Fiercely intelligent and intimidating but capable of great kindness if they thought you were doing your best.
I thoroughly enjoyed your tribute to Miss Austen! I look forward to seeing the television program here in May.
I was thinking of two of my favorite history teachers last night. I told my husband that I am thankful they are not alive to see what Donald Trump is doing to the United States. 😔
This was such a a moving piece and what a remarkable and generous woman your Miss Austen was.
Moving and so beautifully written, Sarah. When my English teacher got in touch many years later and said how much she enjoyed my (very short) essays I was amazed & very touched.
Thank you. I was lucky, I had two lovely teachers and I'm still in touch with the other one, sent her my book!
What a heartwarming story which reminds me of my lovely history teacher Anne Lashley who was married to a descendant of the famous Captain Lashley.
I’m of a similar vintage to you and Mrs Lashley inspired me to become a history teacher, even going back to her beloved classroom to observe and hold/mark a test as a postgraduate before starting at what was originally King Alfred’s College Winchester.
Sharing your disappointment about current levels of history education in schools, I remember Anthony Seldon sardonically greeting a coach on the touch line at Wellington who’d said he was bottom of the pile : « oh you must be a history teacher »
How lucky you were to have someone who recognised your potential & gave you all the support she could. You now give us, your readers, the benefit of your research & knowledge with your wonderful books & articles.
That's very kind, thank you!
Thanks, wonderful story well told
So beautiful, Sarah 💛
Beautiful tribute to a beloved teacher!
Lovely piece. Still waiting for revelations about your american nannying venture!!
I find your Miss Austen a most interesting character profile. Much more fun to read about than the other Miss Austen.
Such a lovely story. I'm glad ypu got to know Miss Austen as a grown-up. I had a teacher i didnt appreciate at the time, and didnt get the opportunity to thank. I wrote about it here if you're interested:
https://open.substack.com/pub/terryfreedman/p/blast-from-the-past-dear-mr-dale?r=18suih&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Miss Austen sounds very 'old school'!
A lovely tribute, Sarah! I loved hearing about your Miss Austen. I was a high-school English teacher for many years. Yesterday, over lunch with one of my former students, she pulled out an essay on Shaw's "Pygmalion" that she had written for my class in 10th grade. I had recommended that she become an English major and a writer. That is just what she did!
Still have idea wtf that was all about?