If your teacher still remembered who you were after 11 years, would you be surprised?

Question

As in, remembering your full name and exactly what you were like in class?

Answer 1

I'm not surprised that many teachers recognize and remember many of their students, even after 10 or 20 years. I would certainly be surprised if a teacher remembered ALL of their students, even all the students from a single class, although I've talked with teachers who do remember a single class from 10 or 20 years ago with special fondness.

It might be impossible to know what made you memorable to that teacher.

I taught very briefly, so I have a limited pool of students to remember, but you'd probably be surprised that some of the ones I remember most are the ones who talked the least, never called attention to themselves, and earned neither excellent nor awful grades. I also remember some students whom I felt I'd failed as a teacher, and some whom I respected for their scholarship, enthusiasm, or strength under difficult circumstances.

What can trigger a lasting memory of a student? "Something learned" is a huge factor: if the teacher learned something by teaching you, working with you, talking with you, even acting inappropriately (such as losing her temper, or treating you unfairly).

Or maybe you reminded the teacher of himself (or herself), when you were in the classroom, or you seemed similar to some other 'special' student from the past -- the teacher may never have shown any special attention, yet may have always had an eye on you.

I remember some surprises, usually good ones, like students who seemed uninterested in my class but then turned in a remarkable, inspired essay; students who pretended to be slackers but then aced the exams (but hid the results from their friends).

Answer 2

I have been teaching for 30 years. There are some students particularly from the earlier years that I will never forget. Then there are some I had last semester that I have trouble remembering. I usually recognize faces, but have trouble with the names. Oddly I can remember where in class they sat even when I can't remember their name. So, I always introduce myself to former teachers so as not to put them on the spot. Amazingly, my high school German teacher remembers me and everyone else in my family and that has been over 35 years ago.

Answer 3

No, most teachers would remember their students especially if you had made an impact while you were in her class. Example very bright, very talkative,disruptive,always late to class,a good singer the best artist.

Answer 4

Not really. Teachers remember a lot about many students.

Answer 5

No. I know of many teachers who remember ther students.

Answer 6

No because I am memorable & I look pretty much the same

Answer 7

it wouldn't surprise me at all. i was a pain in the *ss.