GoodPeopleStories.com: Susie Fishbein - The Kind Of Teacher People Remember

Susie Fishbein - The Kind Of Teacher People Remember

Susie Fishbein (Formerly Susie Spector) was my younger brother’s 4th grade teacher. She was new in Oceanside’s School #8 when I was in elementary school and had a great reputation as an exciting young teacher. Her smile, her way, everything about her exuded passion and a love for her job.

She must have heard about my love of poetry through my brother or another teacher, because I had never even spoken with her before - but one day she came to me in the hall and told me she had submitted my poetry to Newsday and they were going to publish it. As a fifth grader, getting my poetry published was the greatest thrill imaginable.

It touched me that a teacher that didn’t know me would take the time to seek out my work and send it to a newspaper. It showed that she really believed in bringing positivity to children.

For that, I thank you, Mrs. Fishbein. Wherever you are now, I am sure you are doing something great that is inspiring others the way you inspired me.

3 Comments

What a difference a fine teacher can make in shaping a child’s mind and future. Many people are too quick to find fault with their teacher rather than seeing the why of a situation, and taking responsibility for their actions. I’m so pleased that Mrs. F. was one of those special ladies in your life.

Posted by halivah on 07/15 at 07:36 PM

I accidentally stumbled on this comment and it absolutely made my day (and made me cry). I am no longer a teacher, I write cookbooks, but I think about my teaching days often. I truly loved the 3 years worth of children that passed though my classroom and wonder where they are now. Time passes quickly and these 4th graders are all young adults, some through college, but in my mind they are the adorable, bright shiny 10 year olds that I spent every day of a year loving and growing with.
Susie Spector Fishbein

Posted by Susie Fishbein on 10/21 at 09:00 PM

Mrs. Fishbein,

I’m so glad you found this page. Now that 15 years have passed since you sent my poetry to Newsday, I can understand how you probably moved on to another profession - one that you’re obviously very good at. But the nostalgic part of me still thinks about what a great teacher you were, and, well, it’s just uncanny to think of you doing anything else. Of course, my image of you still comes from the eyes of a ten year old.

It means a lot to me that my story touched you. It’s my small way of repaying you for being so great to me and my brother Russell. Perhaps we’ll cross paths again.

- Evan Bailyn

Posted by Administrator on 10/22 at 09:32 PM