Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life

by Deborah Roberts

A giftable collection of essays from celebrity contributors celebrating the great work of teachers or a teacher they admire, curated by ABC News journalist Deborah Roberts. Contributors include Oprah Winfrey, Jenna Bush Hager, Robin Roberts, Brooke Shields, Octavia Spencer, Rachael Ray, Misty Copeland, and more.


Everyone can name a teacher that had an impact on their life. Educators not only open our minds to new ideas, but they also help us recognize our potential and our passions. However, they rarely get credit for the life changing work they do, and they may not have any idea how that work can impact a student all the way into adulthood.

In Lessons Learned and The Teacher Who Changed My Life, award-winning ABC News journalist Deborah Roberts curates a collection of essays and musings from celebrity friends and colleagues alike that share how teachers changed them, imparted life lessons, and helped them get to where they are today.

The author has made a donation to DonorsChoose (DonorsChoose.org), a non-profit that encourages people to empower public school teachers by funding their classroom resources.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education, Memoir, Teaching, Short Stories, Essays, Anthologies

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really wish ...i don't see it so ...but i wonder if some of the funds from the purchasing of this book will be donated to some teachers ...a teacher fund. i wonder if folks realize what and how much energy, time and effort goes into being a teacher. now i don't know all teachers ...i just know the ones i was so amazingly able to interact with in my school years ... they encourage and lift me up ...without them ...gosh ...i could see how they would take the time to lift so many of us up ...over and over. even the bullies the ones who were forgotten by others .... even the ones who had been held back ...and didn't act like they wanted that encouragement or wanted to seem they liked the teacher or whatnot. i can think of certain ones who would act mean ...but really you knew what they were doing ...it was the way they had found or could tell that certain student needed this or that. teachers know. they are so smart. aren't they??!? so cool!! my parents were both teachers (librarian and technology teachers, though the name changed throughout their careers they were the same, same schooling, degrees, etc. just for some reason the schooling system felt it was the thing to change their technical names?!) i had the amazing chance to write a sympathy letter to a family of one teacher, now i didn't have her personally but we did interact on multiple occasions and she was awesome, loved her to pieces ...and i felt it was amazing that this family allowed their mom to come to school ...do we realize the effort the time ...and yes, each of these teachers have lives outside of school days ...they might even work on "lesson plans" or whatever at home ...taking away time for their children and spouse. or whatever it might be ...but THANK GOD ...they took the time to encourage and lift us up ...maybe it was a PRAYER or whatever they did ...they did it. and we THANK THEM. we love them. we appreciate them. i do believe that it was in the beginning ...Deborah did say ...that with times so wild at schools these days ...

"always revered exceptional teachers ... awe when interviewing selfless teachers who beam while talking about their students or modestly reveal the extra mile they go for them ..."

"Each day, there were headlines about school staffing shortages. Sadly, teachers are now leaving their profession in record numbers with tales of frustration, discouragement, burnout and disappointment."

i will say that so many teachers when i was in school would talk about similar situations ...but the dedicated ones would stick it out ...'cause they knew the rewarding situation they were doing and dealing with it. i think there is an added situation going on and it is so different. different era. and all that. so sad. I pray for them and i wish it could be different. no i am not done with this book, many more stories to come for me ...but i have been jumping around to my favorites. i figured since it was Deborah's book ...i read her stories ... there are 4 from her ...that i did read first. then ... the "Introduction", "Rosie Perez", "Jenna Bush Hager" and then it was bedtime. so many i cannot wait to read. good fun reading. i enjoy hearing folks' stories. i look forward to more of them soon. i got it with my own money and did have a bit of a credit but not much. i think i paid $10.99 makes you wonder who get the money and will the donate to teacher causes?? curious.

[MaryCatherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page to the last I read with a lump in my throat, almost on the verge of tears (I cry at commercials!) I thought of my favorite teacher as I was reading. I stopped three quarters of the way through to send a text to let her know how much she influenced me and my career as a teacher. I would encourage everyone to do the same. I believe that people should let those who’ve touched their life know it and thank them.
It was very interesting to read about different celebrities and their experiences with teachers. It’s nice to know that teachers are revered and appreciated, if not by everyone, at least by most.

[Melissapalmer404 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice reminder of the importance of teachers and what we do, especially at this crazy time of the school year!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I never was anywhere near as successful as the people who share their stories in this wonderful collection, I have a teacher who gave me an oasis of caring in a turbulent time in my childhood and who I can never thank enough for her kindnesses toward me. But I DID find her after 50 years and got to write her a “thank you” letter for what she meant to me. And now we correspond (sort of) regularly. Even if you never had a teacher who made a difference, it is still an absolutely wonderful read!

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some great teachers in my life growing up, I think everyone can relate to that. Thought this was a good read and definitely a subject worthy of being bound into a book.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deborah Roberts states in the Afterward: “This is not so much a book as it is a love letter to teachers from those who cherish them.” It was indeed refreshing to read these powerful tributes written by very successful people. I was a bit surprised that many of them described teachers who were strict and demanding. However, those qualities seemed to be balanced with loving encouragement and “seeing” the student’s true self. Almost everyone mentioned that teachers deserve more respect and higher pay.

[Yvette French · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is filled with short stories from many well-known individuals. It invites the reader to think back on their own teachers and remember those who impacted one's life.

[Alissa Manning-Telisak · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved the most about Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life is that every single one of us can reflect upon at least one "teacher" who has made a difference in our lives. Not just teachers, but coaches, volunteers and so many others that have the ability to shape the world of a child.

I have been a teacher for 17 years. I know how important my job is. It was refreshing to read that others have the same view. Many times I feel I am floundering, questioning, and simply struggling. I read this book at the perfect time because it reminded me of all the reasons why I continue to do what I do. Even on the hardest days, I know that I won't give up because I have too many little people depending on me. I need to be their voice and their "person."

When it comes down to it, teaching is all about love. The love of education and the love of children.

Kudos to Deborah Roberts for compiling these heartfelt testimonials. Thank you to NetGalley and Andscape for allowing me to read this ARC.

[Karen Davis Engelbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

More than 50 successful people have contributed their memories of influential teachers who have had a significant impact on their lives. As a retired educator I looked forward to reading this, but I got a bit tired of reading the anecdotes which often ended with a recurring theme of teachers being underpaid, deserving more respect, and leaving the field in droves. Not to say that isn't true. It was heartwarming to read the extra steps, sometimes ever so simple, that educators took which left a lasting mark. It makes me wonder how many of my students I made feel valued and special.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely tribute to teachers everywhere! The book is a compilation of many celebrities' favorite teachers.

The consensus is that teachers are instrumental to our development. Kind, caring, inspirational teachers stick with us a life time. The tributes address all types of teachers.

It is also pivotal that most of the celebrities who contribute acknowledge that teachers are under- appreciated, under paid, and overworked.

The book was written right after the pandemic so the challenges for teachers (and students) are significant and noted in many of the essays.

Each contribution includes an inspirational quote about teachers.

I enjoyed reading every one of the contributions and totally agree that the teaching profession needs to be better recognized, compensated, and celebrated!

[Jenna Laird]

As someone who worked in the public school system, I felt this was a wonderful nod to the work and heart that teachers put into their students every day. As a reader, I felt like this would be a great book to have and pick up your read on the chance that you need a pick me up on a really bad day. To read it all in a sitting or at once felt a little repetitive to me and almost less genuine. A lot of repetitive notes regarding great teachers and that teachers don’t get paid enough/need a raise. While I agree to this statement, it almost felt like they were given a template to write and it felt less genuine and impacting my overall opinion of the book. Due to the nature of the book, I’m not giving it any rating but still enjoyed it nonetheless.

[Mhughessc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deborah Roberts is a well-known journalist, and is renowned for her professionalism. Therefore, I knew this book would be researched well. "Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life" caught my attention because I have been in the education field for almost two decades. Using her connections, Roberts amassed a variety of anecdotes from actors, chefs, athletes, etc. talking about the teacher who most influenced them. It was inspiring to read these stories and to realize again that it only takes one teacher to create a difference in a child's life.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Kristen Mund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book "Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life" by Deborah Robert's. This book includes stories from a large group of famous people about a teacher who had a great impact on each individual at the time they were in school and even to this day. Some of the short stories reminded me of my school days, and some made me think of my teaching days. This book would make a great gift as the short stories are easy to put down and come back to at a later time. I will recommend this book to my friends and family.

[TL Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much everyone can relate to the idea of a good teacher who influenced their life. This is a grouping of stories about such teachers from well known (though I didn't know who many were?) people. But really, it could be any group of people sharing stories of great teachers they met along the way. They were nice, short reads but detailed, so you got a feel for each teacher. They did start to sound the same after the first few, so maybe read this one over time, instead of as a cover to cover to avoid that.

[Christa Franz · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an educator, I enjoyed reading the stories of how teachers had influenced these successful individuals. It was a nice reminder that even if it is not said or noticed at the time, that there may be numerous students who you may have impacted but never are aware of the profound impact. I also loved seeing how as adults some of these individuals appreciated being pushed to the be the best that they could be. Sometimes challenges are not appreciated as a child, but as an adult their value becomes understood and appreciated.

[Paul Brais · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice little book. So nice to give teachers credit for their envolment in so many lives. Yes they are underpaid but so many people I have encountered actually think teachers are overpaid. So many people feel teachers have too many benefits. If only they knew!
I appreciated this book because my wife was a super dedicated teacher who often felt that educational administration never give proper appreciation, or just a little encouragement. Teaching is a tough and often underappreciated profession.

[Markie Hornung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading all of these stories of educators that have made an impact on so many lives, it’s encouraging. Living in this day and age when teachers are quitting because teaching is not what it used to be, it’s a nice reminder that teachers are valued. Lessons Learned and Cherished is a book filled with stories that instill hope and faith back into a career that is so important to the future of this world.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have purchased multiple (at least 3) copies of this book, for myself and gifting to the special teachers I know to remind them how impactful their work is, though sadly they likely do not hear it as often as they should! This is a collection of wonderful stories, demonstrating the power of sometimes simple yet powerful words, actions by educators whose students remember and respect them for years later! A great read and fabulous gift!

[Lisa Hartman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise behind this book is fantastic! I also appreciated reading the words of support from the essayists.

The writing was not that great; pretty formulaic. Also, with a few exceptions, the stories were written from people who enjoyed school and/or went to private/Catholic/or somewhat prestigious schools.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such a great idea……but totally misses the mark. I wish there were more specific examples about what teachers did for these individuals, in order to feel more authentic. The use of cliches made me cringe. It felt like if a non-teacher read this, they’d think the power of teachers are ironically overrated and roll their eyes. Again, such a wonderful effort, but felt so flat.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. All the stories were very sweet. My mother was a teacher so I know how hard they work and how underpaid and unappreciated teachers are, but I wish we’d gotten some stories from the teachers mentioned in the book themselves; how to school is doing now or ways readers can support. I would also have loved photos of the celebs as children/at school/at an event etc.

[Karin Meyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. The message was the same only the setting changed. I am a high school English teacher. I was hoping to be inspired. I just learned how widespread the sentiment is for how underpaid teachers are. As a teacher we know there is a ripple effect we may have. I think it is a blessing when we know it.

[Avery Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an educator, this made me feel validated in all of my feelings about education and why I chose this path. It was a wonderful nod to teachers everywhere ❤️ While the education system is deeply flawed and corrupt, I couldn’t help but think of all the amazing educators who impacted me along the way and who I still talk about to this day!

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just okay. I didn't know many of the people that told their stories and that probably didn't help. Being a teacher this book stood out to me. I am grateful for those you taught me as a youth and today. It is an important subject.

[Donna Scoggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this tribute to the teachers that made a difference in the lives of their students. Everyone felt we need to pay them more and acknowledge all the work they put into sharing knowledge, encouragement and kind words to children in their care.

[Melinda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book about as the different people’s stories of teachers that touched their lives. The book made you feel happy and just like you were back in school with all of your own memories. I strongly recommend this book.

[Kim Clymer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read about the impact “ favorite” teachers have on our lives. Stories by many famous, successful and influential individuals. Once again reiterates the importance of teachers despite the fact that they are underpaid and under appreciated.

[Patricia C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your typical “let me tell you about my great teacher” book. It is written to uplift and encourage teachers but to also say “we see you, we know you are struggling, and we want to see the system change”

[Summerfield-Petersburg Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing and inspiration tribute to teachers and family members that have molded
their students into lifetime achievers. I certainly hope they and the teachers of our time
know what an influence they have on the children for the upcoming future.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall the intention was great, but wishing some of the stories were a bit more detailed in order to gain more depth/perspective of what one gained from some of the greatest teachers. It seems there was a form each person filed out, which made the format seem cookie cutterish.