/ July 3, 2012

Sneak Peek and a little help!

Hello! Happy almost 4th of July!! I just finished this new card and am in a bit of a dilemma…

You know how you practice your Oscar speech right? You think of all the people you need to thank, the ones that helped get you to where you are today and without whom you couldn't have made it. In my speech, after the obligatory “I…I…tap tap tap…is this thing on?…”, I roll through my greatest hits list of teachers. Being a product of public education, and being related by blood to mainly educators, it would hardly feel right to stand up there in my (ahem) vintage Valentino gown and not thank some of the talented and hard working folks who, recognizing talent and greatness early on, wisely plucked me from the ranks….ok, I am getting carried away. You get the gist. 

I had many fabulous teachers during my 13-year stint in the Kirkwood R7 Public School District. Mrs. Vaugier in third grade who let me dress up as Cruela Deville for “storybook” day, Mrs. Longnecker in eight grade who taught me how to keep a journal, Mr. Holley freshman year who brought in music to teach us history lessons, and Mrs. Vignery in AP English who taught us to jitterbug while we were reading The Great Gatsby. These things had a lasting impression and I think of them often, and certainly appreciate them more now than I ever did then.

But for all of the good teachers that taught this (mediocre) student, there are 3 who stand out. Three who really made me feel like I had a special talent and was meant to do things. Mr.Dean, my high school art teacher, who taught me as much about being brave as he did about putting together a portfolio. Mr. Stephens, my director in the drama department, who helped me see myself as an entirely more valuable thing, and who despite some of his flaws, taught me more about life and art in his drama classes than any I would take in college. And finally, (I guess you guys are getting the speech… is the music playing yet?) our principal, Mr. McCallie who was one of the most talented and impactful educators I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He knew all of us by name (there were nearly 2000 kids in our school) and knew where you were supposed to be. He showed up for us and ran a tight ship. He somehow kept an eye on me and has been a wonderful support to me to this day. These people made me feel smart, and talented and capable. They were up in my business and knew when I wasn't where I was supposed to be or if I could do better. They were tough on me and helped me fly.

So, here's my problem. Not all who make a great impact are 'teachers' by title. Mr. McCallie was my principal, an educator, but not technically, my teacher. I want this to be for those that impact our lives in this capacity, but I don't want to limit it. I also really think teachers need as many shout outs as they can get…. and I like the word. It feels good.

I have made two versions of this card, and I want you to help me choose which one goes to print! Weigh-in in the comments section of this post and I will make a decision this week.

TEACHER? or EDUCATOR?  what do you think?

xoxo

86 responses to “Sneak Peek and a little help!”

  1. Teacher – definitely!  Educator sounds a little cold to me.  Also, I think you could market this card as being for anyone who has had a profound impact on your life/showed you your true worth/showed you what was possible, etc. 

    Another possibility is the word “mentor” . . .

    My two cents!

  3. Teacher suits me. It conjures up a visual. Educator feels too general and a bit forced. Make another one about educators!! The more, the merrier!

  5. I like “teacher.” As Maya Angelou says, “When you get, give. When you learn, teach.” Everyone has something they can teach others. Regardless, I will love any card you make. You are my favorite!

  6. We find “teachers” everywhere, maybe she’s your 9th grade biology teacher, but maybe he’s your boss, your yoga instructor, maybe she’s your best friend who shows you a new way to do things, maybe he’s a co-worker who insprires passion … teachers are everywhere 🙂

  8. Good points on both sides. I think lots of people can be ‘teachers’ without ever having been a classroom teacher. So my vote is ‘teacher’.  Teacher seems more personal than educator to me.

  9. I am a teacher and I LOVE this card! I like “teacher” better than “educator” for two reasons. One, I am an English teacher and I like the non-repetetive aspect of using two different words, as opposed to the repetition … which can work well sometimes, but not so much in this case. Two, I think we all remember a TEACHER who made a difference or changed things for us, and that is the word we associate with that feeling. I love your work!

  10. Seems like teacher is a job and educator is a passion.  I’ve known many educators that had nothing to do with the teaching profession but made sure I knew what I needed to know. For those teachers that embrace their job with passion I’m sure they wouldn’t mind being called Educator.  Educator has my vote. Keep up the wonderful work you’re doing. slc

  11. Educator! I would be proud to be referred to as an educator. It flows better too. And when I read the second card it sounded like Curly Girl prose.

  12. I like the educator card.  The card is great.  I will get this for many people I know.

  14. I vote for teacher. It sounds more personal. Educator sounds a little more structured and rigid to me. As a former 2nd grade teacher, that’s my opinion. I love your work. Always hit Moonbeams in Kirkwood to find your cards and usually buy half of them!!

  16. Teacher. That’s my vote. It’s a broad term. And, it’s just got a nicer ring to it. Can’t wait to buy a bunch of these…either way!!

  17. Educator.
    I teach curriculum to children, and I educate those students about their strengths, weaknesses, learning styles and talents. Teaching builds on knowledge and educating a child builds the confidence, character, and curiosity to help them become lifelong learners. A teacher needs a teaching degree, an educator, a child.

  22. I vote for teacher. I am a teacher and in no matter what my job title “specialist” “TA” “helper” “student teacher” it doesn’t matter we are all teachers. You are right there are teachers everywhere and we should acknowledge all of them! Wonderful card. 🙂

  23. Teacher!  I would be able to purchase more of them to give to the many teachers that impact the lives of my children that work outside of the school building.  The educator version doesn’t apply as well to that market.

  25. Educator! It could be used in a broader context to include those who teach, but do not have the title of “teacher.”

  26. I vote for teacher. Just look at your writing about the “teachers” who meant so much to you. We grow up calling them teachers, and we always remember them that way. We don’t reminisce about “my 5th grade educator” or “Mr. Silva, my wonderful 2nd grade educator.”
    Teacher is a deep down, heartfelt word. Like saying “sister” or “brother” instead of “sibling.”

  27. I work in education and I vote for “teacher”. It evokes such positive emotions. Educator seems more news article oriented, you know?

  30. I LOVED reading about the special teachers you mentioned.  So many of the special ones in my life as well. 🙂 I vote for “teacher”.  I think anyone in education is a teacher to the students they work with.  It’s a beautiful card, Leigh!

  31. Just a comment… as a teacher, your blog post today brought tears to my eyes. We don’t always get affirmations that we’re doing the right thing.  I loved the part about your principal who showed up for you, knew where you were supposed to be, and was up in your business!  Classic!  That’s what we do for the students at our school, and a gentle reminder that the students who are going places in life (like you!) will appreciate our interest and dedication.  (I think either card is lovely!)

  33. My vote is also for teacher. It opens the door for a personal note inside about how that particular person changed their life. Love your work!!

  35. Dare I suggest a trilemma?  Switch “anyone” and “everything,” and move the second “can” to right after the “but” in both choices so they become questions.  Then, it hardly matters if you use the word “educator” or “teacher.”  Then answer, either way, of course, is “YES!”

  38. Educator – more versatile and can be used for anyone in life that has served as an educator / mentor

  39. I love them BOTH! Teacher is great and educator includes all of the non teacher folks who also support our kids..like speech therapists, librarians, paraprofessionals, etc..I could go on and on!!!  Teacher/educator cards that are really lovely are kind of hard to find! (and you know, we teacher/ educators really do keep them!!!!) thank you on behalf of all of us working passionately got kids!!!!

  40. I love Teacher, it reminds me of all the great teachers of love and life I have had in my time. Educators doesnt remind me of anything….

  41. Teacher!

    I was a teacher, now a professor and think of myself as a teacher, not an educator. Plus, when I think of the greatest teachers in my life—one is my mom, who had no training in that field but is a natural teacher. She taught me all the best things about teaching…

  45. Joe’s “trilemma” suggestion above helped me choose “teacher”. Frankly, I’d buy either card though I think the one with “teacher” would probably sell better. Teacher does come across as the more accessible word choice.

  46. Teacher, most definitely. Educator makes sense, but it feels more formal.  A teacher comes in all sizes and shapes and places – sometimes when you least expect it.  “When the pupil is ready to learn, the teacher will appear’.

  47. My vote is for Teacher. Don’t get hung up in this PC world—your creations are too real to pussyfoot around the heart of it all. That’s why we all like them so much. Keep it real!

  48. Teacher!  Parents are our first teachers.:)  Teacher sounds more personal than educator…  Educator is a more professional term…just like mom, or mommy vs. mother and dad, or daddy, vs. father. I love the card either way and will definitely buy it and frame it!

  49. Teacher.
    I agree that it’s versatile in when we consider the verb teach rather than just the title of a person. I also think it rolls better with teacher in there.
    I’m a teacher, too. Thank you for making this card!

  50. Teacher works for even those who don’t have the job title.  Lots of people teach and invest time and training into us who aren’t offically teachers.

  52. I vote for ‘educator’ because it would adapt itself to a broader audience for the card.  Perhaps someone would like to thank a special person for educating them … someone who is not necessarily a ‘teacher’ in the official sense. (A co-worker, a relative, a friend, etc.) But the same card could also be used for a special teacher who, I am sure, would not object to being called an educator.  I also like the way the words ‘education’ and ‘educator’ balance themselves out on the card.  I LOVE Curly Girl cards! They are all keepers! I even have a few I framed because they are works of art!

  55. I like teacher. As a girl who just graduated with her degree in education, I find myself proudly saying “I’m a teacher”. “educator” sounds too formal, and it is a bit repetitive. I love you work- it always puts a smile on my face and in my heart

  58. I vote for teacher as well. If it’s someone outside of the classroom world, I would buy a thank you card that is more broadly based or one that is blank inside so I can express my gratitude appropriately.  It’s special for teachers to have teacher cards.

  59. I vote for educator…it makes sense because it includes all the people you want to include… your inspiration and it has as good or better ring to it when you read it out loud…:~) Love everything you do and so do our customers! Thanks for always keeping it real!

  60. Teachucator! (kidding) I think teacher is more relatable and I agree they need extra recognition. With several close family members and dear friends in the profession, I think they deserve it. Maybe you also could come up with a card for mentors or people that simply inspire us. Leigh you are one of those for me! Thank you!

  62. My vote is for “teacher.” You can find teachers everywhere, and if you’re lucky, you continue to have them in your lives long after you’ve left the classroom. Also, as a professional teacher, I feel much more attached to that word than I do to “educator.” Beautiful design, by the way!

  64. Teacher! Warmer. I’ve never heard anyone say that they LOVED their educator. I love this card the way it is!  I NEED this card NOW!!!

  65. If you changed the lettering in the word “education” and ” educator” into something a slight bit fancier, it would tie the two together and not make “educator” seem so formal- but more the relative word of education.

    OR… Put a * after teacher and at the bottom write *(one who inspires).

    Or do one of each of your examples and just keep bringing your wonderful cards and designs into this world,

  66. Teacher. An educator teaches as well, but I think for the general public, “teacher” has a broader appeal. And that will equal greater sales for you, and a card that will become a classic for your customers, retail & wholesale.

  68. Teacher- it sounds more simple and less forced.  Educator sounds a bit too politically correct or something!  Doesn’t matter- you are making a much needed card either way- I was just in Marmalade last month looking for this exact card and couldn’t find one!

  69. Teacher…it has a warmer sound to it and I know I have had many people in my life over the years that have been “teachers” that are not in a “classroom” I love the card and the sentiment behind it

  71. Teacher most definitely!  I also agree that education and educator is too repetitive, and teacher just sounds nicer 🙂

  72. Teacher! My hubby is a teacher. It’s a simpler straight forward word that tugs at the heart.  Educator tugs at the brain.  All administrators know they teach too and they know they are just as important.  Beautiful work!

    I love your stuff. Friends have given me several pieces as gifts.  I just love them.

  75. Teachers would be the best because I looked at this quote, “A truly special teacher is very wise, and sees tomorrow in every child’s eyes.” ~Author Unknown   Like Mr. Becker (Chemistry teacher) was an amazing teacher with creative & patience to be taught with students about chemistry. I thank him for that! Of course, there are many teachers that we can name back in KHS! 🙂

  76. I just received my teaching certificate a month ago. As an official educator this brought tears to my eyes. I am so inspired by curly girl.

  78. I LOVE this card! Teacher feels more inclusive and less formal to me.  If you want more teacher inspiration, check out my website! xo

  79. Educator. I feel the card could reach more individuals. There are those who educate in various venues. Schools, hospitals,community centers,home health,etc-this would encompass many more of those that we want to thank and honor. Teacher feels very limited to a school setting only. Thanks,just my thoughts.

  81. teacher!  educator is too stand offish and close in sound to education …doesn’t sound right 🙂  (thanks for all your work…I absolutely love it)

  82. Hmmm… I would say teacher because I have a lot of mentors and teachers in my life who don’t fit into the traditional education category! 🙂

    Whichever you choose, I’m sure it will be a hit!

  83. Teacher!
    I’ve been a teacher for 22 years and teacher feels more personal.  This is a beautiful card!

  84. I agree with the majority… Teacher! I never called my teachers, educators as a kid…

  86. Hi, there. I just stumbled upon this card of yours, and as a long-time fan of Curly Girl Design, I have to say that I’m disappointed. I think you missed the mark on this one. I appreciate the comments about important teachers in our lives, but I fear that with the word “teacher” you are excluding so many who teach. In our society, the word “teacher” is so tied to elementary and secondary education. What about those of us who teach through higher education (professors? student activities professionals? academic advisors?) Or those who teach through community programs or summer camps? Or those who direct musical groups? I could go on and on with the examples. I’m sad because there are few I could purchase your darling card for as it is currently printed with the word “teacher.” I would love to purchase it for so many influential people who have helped me learn and grow, but again, the word “teacher” is limiting. I would love it if you could print this card with the word “educator” as well. I would think that teachers in elementary and secondary schools would also very much identify with the word “educator,” whereas the rest of us who teach in other ways would not necessarily identify with the word “teacher.” Thanks for your consideration.

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