Faye Snodgress is executive director of Kappa Delta Pi.

Photo taken by Garin Grist of the Indiana Department of Education

On Jan. 10, I had the privilege of participating in the Indiana Teacher of the Year banquet. It is an event that I attend annually and always leave feeling inspired and with a smile on my face. This year’s event didn’t disappoint. I sat next to three students of Steve Perkins, the Indiana Teacher of the Year, who were eager to outdo each other in sharing accolades and stories about their beloved Latin teacher with the rest of us seated at the table. They shared that their teacher, who loves heavy metal, would translate song lyrics into Latin and then perform them with other students.

Listening to their reflections, it reminded me that we don’t always know what will leave a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of our students. Indeed, it is often not the things that we think will remain with them.  In the end, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that we have the privilege of touching lives in a meaningful way every day .