Dear Mr. La Cosse,

I'm not sure how often this might happen to you, but I am one of your former students and felt compelled to get in touch with you. Walking in the park today, I found myself resting on the bench dedicated to you in the area behind Deer Creek Courts with my three year old son. Last week was Ravinia School's Fun Fair, which we attended, and I was amazed at how returning to my old elementary school brought back so many memories. However, I have never forgotten you in all these years, and my recollection of the time I shared with you is clear and vivid. You were not only my favorite teacher there, but probably anywhere until I went to college and met people who weren't quite so Highland Park-y...and had a chance to get to know myself better. You may remember dressing up as Julia Child for Halloween? I was in your class that year. Do you still gather the children around for magical tales of Paddington Bear?
I am now living back in Highland Park after many adventures that have culminated in my working as a Montessori teaching assistant. I have always remembered you so fondly--school was pretty tough for me and there were few bright spots in my education--you were most certainly one! Something about your manner recognized each child. You never singled me out, in fact, I remember feeling faintly ego-less in your presence. As if each one of us were equal, no one kid stood out and became your pet. Unlike most of my academic career, I don't recall vying for attention in your class. I just felt a part of things. Even when I didn't join in, your gentle chiding never riled my insides or caused a white hot embarrassment, shame, or fear to heat my blood. I never felt the helpless fury I felt before and after in my long struggle with academia, when I was a part of your third grade community.
Seems like a lot of us in education were dissatisfied students ourselves...trying to make a difference in the life of a child. You did this for me, as I am sure you continue to do so. I'm heartened to learn that you still teach third grade at Braeside Elementary. I remember you used to catch me reading under my desk at math time, totally in my own world. Remember shouting, "Earth to La Mell? We're in the math corner!" I still haunt the library and never go anywhere without at least a book or two in my bag.
Now with my own child, I spend a lot of time reading stories aloud, but we haven't made it to Paddington Bear yet. I can imagine how much my son, who loves animals, will enjoy the adventures of the little bear from Lima.
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to let you know, since I don't think I did on the last day I saw you, (which was the last day of third grade when I had to come early to complete my multiplication tables so I could move up to fourth grade the following fall) that I haven't stopped reading under my desk. No, not really. What I want to say is, thank you for being my favorite teacher of all time.

In sincere appreciation,

Stacy La Mell