Often unsung figures, long into adulthood they haven’t been forgotten
First year pupils enrol at Croxteth Comprehensive School. September 7, 1983(Image: Mirrorpix)
Today is World Teachers’ Day – a day to say thank you to the teachers and support staff who have made a real difference to our lives. The new academic year is well underway and while thousands of children across Merseyside have already headed back to school or started at a new one, many of us will be reminded of our school days in years gone by.
Over time, you’ve likely reminisced about your own school days, from hymns sung in assembly to the meals we loved or loathed for school dinners, the people who we still fondly remember and more. Many of us will have mixed memories of our school days, but the inspirational teacher will always stand out for those lucky enough to have had one.
Often unsung figures, long into adulthood they haven’t been forgotten. Perhaps they taught us a love of a particular subject or activity – or you may remember them simply for their kindness and patience.
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They may have inspired you to have a career in education yourself. And in many cases this year, tonnes of newly-qualified teachers will be starting their careers in the classroom.
As today, October 4, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, many ECHO readers have been sharing their favourite teachers past and present on our Facebook page. Responses flooded in and we’ve now put together a list of just 31 teachers from across Merseyside and messages from their former pupils.
Administration officer Alison Harley inspects nine sets of twins who join the reception class intake at St Paul’s and St Timothy’ s Infant School in West Derby, 1999(Image: Photo by Martin Birchall/Liverpool Daily Post & ECHO/PA )
We weren’t able to include every single teacher – but we did our best to name those who seem to have made a particular impact on those who commented. We apologise in advance for any spelling mistakes to teachers’ names or lack of details.
This list isn’t intended to be comprehensive and we’ve mentioned teachers whose names and schools were mentioned in the comments. You may remember one or two from our list below.
On Facebook, Laura Bennett said: “Miss Newton from primary school she was the best teacher in Mab Lane.” Kayleigh Cosgrove said: “Rock Ferry High… Mr Madden, Mr Gavin, Mr Karisa, Mr Snaith, Mrs Reilly, Miss Copper, Mr Lloyd.”
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Jenny Murphy wrote: “Miss O’broin – Co-op Academy Hillside. Miss O’broin totally restored my faith in education when she fully embraced my SEN child after he had a terrible time in his previous school. Thanks to Miss O’broin and the school as a whole, my son is the happiest he has ever been. She’s an absolute inspiration xx Embracing SEN all the way xx.”
Vicki Foulkes said: “Miss Morgan from The Oldershaw Acadamy is an amazing teacher . The one person who saw the potential in all children and brought it out in them. Great head of year, great teacher all round x.”
Sarah Starkey wrote: “Gotta be Miss Gidman or Mrs Chape lady teachers an Mr Hughes and Mr Dool men teachers Park high 95-2000.” Kyle Ierston-Stapleton said: “Ian Campbell and Mr Gittens Brookfield high school.”
Lynnmarie Cummings wrote: “I went to Northcote and had some amazing school teachers my favourite was Mrs Howe my reception teacher, Miss Scott my year 2 teacher and Mr King my year 6 teacher X.”
Debbie Smith wrote: “Mr Maddocks from Park High School Birkenhead. He’s part of the reason I’m a teacher now x.” Phil Murphy said: “Anfield Comp, Paddy Ryan and Stan Roberts, legends.”
Liz Appleby commented: “Thank you Mr Brian Frost. Somerville School, Wallasey 1963-64. Changed my life by believing in me!!!.” Ken Taylor said : Mr Dave Beacher.. Henry Meols Senior Comprehensive Leasowe Wirral 1976 to 1978.”
Jan Dent said: “Mr Crush, Christchurch primary school. He was lovely.” Sharon Hickey said: “John Naughton, Hillside high school, Bootle.”
James Spruce commented: “Mr laing, Alsop seniors.” Mike Hickey wrote: “Mrs Leatherbarrow (Lander Road primary).”
Graham Tubey said: “Chris Martin at Cross Farm Primary. Top top teacher.” Alison Morton said: “Mr Woodhouse – Knowsley Hey Comp.”
And Little Ka commented: “Mrs Green and Mr Parks, Archbishop Blanch circa 80s.”