Throughout my education, I have encountered all kinds of teachers. Some were abrupt and challenging; others a little too easy-going. One name comes to mind when I reflect on one of my favorites.Mr. Roemer was my fifth grade teacher in New York. He was a tall, rotund man with white hair and a curly moustache. When Mr. Roemer sat and thought intently, he would twirl the ends of his moustache with his fingers. The class would chuckle every time he did it!
Up until this point, I still felt like a child. Mr. Roemer, on the other hand, treated myself and others like adults. He shared "real" stories with us about "real" life. Stories about sports and politics, history and the present.Mr. Roemer was also a firefighter and shared experiences about the profession, and dangers they encounter to save others. Another memory is when we went to see the New York Mets play ball on a fieldtrip. I don't recall who they were playing, but I do know a good time was had by all!
I will always remember Mr. Roemer for his honesty, and the way he treated all of us as individuals. Most of all I will remember the respect he gave us, and each "real" experience.
-- Melissa Stiehler, Florida Atlanitc University