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| Billie Silvey |
| Three English Teachers |
| September 2006 |
| Three English teachers have been influential in my life, teaching me English and so much more. |
| Lella Foster Moudy--My high school English teacher stimulated my love of words. In addition to taking us through grammar lessons including diagramming sentences and the standard reading texts, she required that we memorize additional poetry and read extra books. Fulfilling the basic requirements gave us a C in the class. Pages of outside reading and lines of poetry recited could bring the grade up to a B or an A! She impressed me with her concern, not just about English, but about each of us as individuals. |
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| Dr. James Smythe--My major professor in college trained my ear. Reading Chaucer in the original middle English, with a hearty appreciation and a spirited expression, he taught me to listen--to cadence, accent, the pure sensual ring of language. And he taught me to appreciate the English literary canon. He was so aware of each of us and our responses that more than once he called on me before I could ask a question. (That could be because I scarcely have what you’d call a “poker face.”) Here he is shown preaching for a local congregation. |
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| Kathryn Silvey Hall--My English teacher daughter taught for 11 years in public high schools in the Los Angeles area, converting gang members, taggers and students with few options into readers bound for higher education. After receiving her master’s degree, she began this year to teach in the community college system. Kathy expanded my taste in literature to include minority voices in this country as well as around the world--including (I’m embarrassed to admit) women! |