The Teachers Who Changed Our Lives
- Off the Beaten Path Psychologists
- Oct 9
- 8 min read
With Alberta's teachers in our thoughts, we at OBP wanted to share something personal: the stories of the teachers who shaped us. These aren't just memories. They're reminders of why this profession matters so deeply, and why supporting teachers means supporting every child's potential.
My most memorable teacher was Mr. Zannon, my Physics 20 and 30 teacher. I barely passed those classes, but I stuck with them because of him. He had a kind of lore about him. There were rumours of the famous "Zannon Cannon," which supposedly blew out a classroom window and cost him a small fortune to repair.
He was hilarious and kind. Before class, he would show us pictures of his dogs and tell jokes until everyone was smiling.
When I was in Grade 11, I had some moles removed from my face right before the spring dance. I was too embarrassed to go. That night, three of my friends showed up at my door wearing Band-Aids on their faces to match mine. Then the phone rang. A voice told me to "get my butt to the dance." It sounded suspiciously like Mr. Zannon.
Sure enough, when I arrived at the gym, there he was wearing Snoopy Band-Aids all over his face. He was simply the best. ❤️
Thank you to the many Mr. Zannon's out there, who provide so much more than a curriculum.
In elementary school, my most memorable teacher was Mr. Dougherty. He made school feel like magic. Every precious moment of quiet he earned (lunch hours, after-school programs, summer breaks, you name it) he poured right back into our learning experience.
In Grades 5 and 6, most of us were just trying not to be noticed, and the spaces he created became our first chances to take small risks and be ourselves, whatever we thought that meant. His classes had everything: fog machines during Social Studies, juggling camps over the summer, and even some after-school homework help (though I never went to those). All the while, he held high expectations for us and somehow knew exactly when to show warmth and compassion when we fell short.
Now, 25 years later, I've had the privilege of working alongside so many other teachers and friends who show that same dedication and heart. So, to all the teachers who lead with passion, kindness, and quiet courage—thank you.
One of my favourite teachers was Mr. Hugh Mitchell, son of the late Alberta author W.O. Mitchell. He taught me English in junior high and was the kind of teacher every student hoped to have. Walking into his classroom, you knew something unforgettable was going to happen—whether it was one of his wildly funny stories, his warm and playful teasing, or the promise of a gymnastics trick if we finished our work. (To this day, I still remember him lifting himself into a handstand from a seated pike position, suspended by his hands, his feet never touching the ground!). He was also a shorter person, and as a vertically challenged person myself, I always felt hopeful I would surpass him one day.
Junior high can be a tough time, and for me, it often was, whether academically, socially, or just feeling like I didn't quite fit in. But in Mr. Mitchell's class, I always felt like I belonged. He made me feel like I mattered. I was motivated to try harder because he believed in me. His storytelling didn't just bring the curriculum to life; it brought us to life. He created a connection through shared human experience.
Years later, when I became a classroom teacher myself, I was known for my storytelling and my ability to connect with students beyond the curriculum, just like Mr. Mitchell. Today, as a therapist, I carry that same desire to help people feel seen, heard, and valued. Mr. Mitchell planted those seeds early, and they've shaped not just my career, but the way I move through the world. I'll always be grateful to Mr. Mitchell.
Mrs. Rempel was my favourite teacher growing up, and it's easy to understand why. She taught me in both the 7th and 8th grades, and each morning she began class with a quiet, reflective quote that always seemed to land just right, whether you needed inspiration, comfort, or just a moment to breathe. A true professional, she was always dressed impeccably (it was the 80s, after all), but beyond her polished appearance was a deeply nurturing presence. One of her most lasting influences on me was the practice of journaling; not only did she have us write regularly, but she would always write back and I couldn't wait to see what she would write. Her responses were thoughtful, encouraging, and never judgmental, even when I shared things that felt too personal to say out loud. That feeling of safety and being heard was rare at an age when most of us felt constantly judged.
Mrs. Rempel passed away a few years ago, and reading her obituary brought back a flood of memories. So many little moments, lessons, and feelings that had stayed with me all this time.
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." — Maya Angelou
That quote is Mrs. Rempel. She had a quiet way of making you feel truly seen, completely safe, and deeply valued, especially at an age when that kind of care meant everything. It's something I'll never forget.
It is difficult to pin down my most memorable teacher as I was lucky to have quite a few. In my early elementary years, my most memorable teacher was my Grade 4 teacher, Mme. Daenick. I had a rough go in early elementary with being in three schools in four years and taking French Immersion. I was quite behind in my academics, and my confidence was non-existent when I entered Grade 4. This teacher saw that I loved to read and loved animals and gave me a book "The Trumpet of the Swan" by E.B. White and said that she was sure that I would love it. She had such a gentle and kind approach that I finally felt comfortable at school. And so, my love of reading and the belief that I could do well in school began. And I still have the book that she gave me to this day.
In my high school years, I became very academic focused but struggled with Math. Given that I was hoping to get into Sciences in post-secondary, I was quite devastated with my performance in Math 10 and Math 20. Once again, my confidence took a hit. However, Mr. Frew, my Math 30 teacher, was the best! He made Math fun; he helped unravel the mystery of all things mathematics and taught in a way that made math seem accessible and doable. He provided study guides and tutorials every day at lunch. He took the time to get to know me, and I really felt that he had my back, and I remember thinking about his positive messaging when I encountered tough questions on my final Diploma exam (back when they were worth 50% of your final mark!). In the end I did well in Math 30 and I credit Mr. Frew and his belief in me, which translated to me believing in myself, for making this happen.
Without a doubt these two teachers were difference makers in my life. I remember the impact these two educators had on my life, and when I began my journey as a teacher I tried to emulate their approach in getting to know students and taking a gentle approach whereby students could tell me if they didn't understand, so that I could teach them in a way that met their needs.
In support of teachers, we were asked to write about one of our favourite teachers we've ever had. Reflecting back on my school years, I can't choose just one teacher because all of my music teachers from junior high and high school in Okotoks shaped me in ways I did not understand or fully appreciate at the time.
I attended the Alberta High School of Fine Arts, where I was part of the jazz band, concert band, and a production program called Main Stage, where we performed Broadway musicals. One year we did The Sound of Music, and it was magical. But now I see that it was magical, because of the energy, time, and heart my teachers poured into every rehearsal, concert, and performance. At the time it was fun, but I see now how much those moments built discipline, confidence, and teamwork. Without band class, I would have missed some amazing experiences.
As an adult (and now a parent), it is amazing to look back at the commitment and passion those teachers gave to us students. Their efforts opened doors for me, reinforced values, and taught me what it means to show up for something bigger than yourself.
Teachers give so much of themselves to help students grow, and often we only understand that when we're older. To my music teachers, and all teachers standing up for education right now - your work matters deeply, and does truly lasts a lifetime.
When I think about the teachers who truly shaped me, Ms. Wilson is the first person who comes to mind. She taught me in grade 5 and led our grade 4 and 5 music classes with a free and artistic spirit that I instantly gravitated to. I felt safe and welcome in her classroom, a space where creativity was celebrated and dreams were allowed to take root. I have such fond memories of singing oldies with her, like "Lollipop," and feeling like the world was bigger and brighter than I'd ever imagined. Even though she faced personal challenges and was on leave for part of that year, the time I did have with her was precious. In her class, I began to imagine a life shaped by travel, music, and art—a vision that deeply influenced how I saw myself and who I wanted to become. Her warmth and creative teaching style didn't just spark my passions; it helped lay the foundation for my identity and continues to shape the kind of psychologist I am today.
I am so grateful for Ms. Wilson and all the other teachers who had a positive impact on my education and development as a person. Teachers are so much more than subject matter experts, they help us to learn about ourselves and the world around us and they deserve to have our support and recognition.
The Common Thread
Reading these stories, a pattern emerges. Great teachers don't just teach subjects. They teach children how to believe in themselves. They show up with Band-Aids on their faces. They spend lunch hours tutoring. They write back in journals. They pour their summers into creating magic. They see the quiet kid who needs to belong, the struggling student who needs encouragement, the child who just needs someone to believe in them.
This is what Alberta's teachers do every single day, for every student who walks through their classroom door.
We're grateful to our teachers because we remember. We remember what they gave us, and we see what they're still giving to the next generation.
Off the Beaten Path Psychology provides counselling and therapy services in Airdrie, Cochrane, and Calgary, Alberta. Our team of registered psychologists and therapists specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and more. Contact us today to find the right fit for your mental health journey.