More than reading, writing, arithmetic: Teachers shape lives

“Elementary education plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s academic journey and overall development.  It is during these formative years that children acquire essential skills, knowledge and values that will serve as the building blocks for their future education and personal growth,” according to aulre.org, a teacher/training resource.

Following in her parents’ footsteps as public educators, Henrietta Lewis Logan attended and earned a teaching certificate from Radford State Teacher’s College in 1943.  

Later she returned to further her education, studying and graduating in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Radford College.

Her debut loving and educating children began in far southwest Virginia, Pennington Gap, before moving to Baltimore County, Md., and for the last 13 years of her career here in Alleghany County. 

Retiring in 1986 after 43 years in public education, students and colleagues remember her as one who taught with enthusiasm and selflessness.  Ensuring that her students knew they were loved and were happy about learning was her top priority.  

She is quoted in a 1986 newspaper article as saying that, “Children are children and they need to be loved...They need security, to be taught about home, school and the love of God...I like to see them learn and grow.”

“It seemed as though it was her calling to teach,” said her daughter, Sharon Sarver of Christiansburg.  She remembers her mother showing love to her students in the same way a mother shows love to her child. 

Mom wanted her students to have fun while learning, she said. Special attention was given to those needing extra help mastering skills needed for success in and out of the classroom.  "Mom would move their desk close to hers so that she could continually affirm to them the importance of paying attention."

Sometimes a child would come to school without having had breakfast.  "Mom always had extra snacks on hand to fill an empty stomach.  She knew that no one could pay attention and learn if their bellies were growling," Sarver said. 

If a student came to school without a winter coat she called on a friend who would provide one that fit just right.

Having 60 children in the classroom in her first year of teaching, Mrs. Logan said, “They didn't learn a thing, but I learned a lot!”  

I believe it was just yesterday that the door on a big yellow wagon swallowed me up and carried me off to school. Everything I needed to know I absolutely learned in fifth grade.  I was one of the lucky ones to be assigned to Mrs. Logan’s classroom.  Thinking back on my days in her class evokes a mix of nostalgia and gratitude.  

I remember getting off the bus at the Central-Annex in Selma, walking through the main doors of the school, down a hall and entering a very well put together classroom.  Neat as a pin.  Mrs. Logan took great pride in assuring that everything was in its proper place.  

The very first day and every day after that she would greet her students at the door. Although intimidated by her boisterous voice I remember a feeling of acceptance as she shared a warm hello and gentle hug.  

She dressed to a tee, most days in a vibrant floral muumuu.  Adorned with bracelets and necklaces she jingled when she walked. I recall her locks always in place and lips painted pretty-in-pink.  Talk about a Southern-Belle!

“Good morning, Stephanie!”  “Honey, find your desk and make yourself at home.” 

Recently, when talking with Sharon, she called me, “honey.”  The apple didn’t fall far from the tree!

A fond memory is the comfort Mrs. Logan provided to me the day my brother, Andy, who was in the fourth grade at the time, and two of his buddies decided it was a grand idea to skip out of the building during school hours.  It was quite a fiasco as the fire department, police, my dad and others were called to search for the young runaways.  She assured me they would be found safe and she was correct in her assessment.  

Rules were put into place from the very beginning.  Perhaps a bit of wisdom was adapted from a most famous line of Deputy Barney Fife.  "Here in my classroom the first rule is: Obey all rules.”  

When she said “Sit down and be quiet,” she meant sit down and be quiet.  I knew I had better walk-the-line.  

My choosing to misbehave or talk out of turn (which I was very good at doing) would not only reap her wrath and punishment but that of my dad and mom as well.  She didn’t mind sending home a note or making a phone call to discuss the good, bad and ugly.

A no-bullying policy was not part of a handbook (I'm not sure there was one) because it didn’t have to be.  Every student knew they had better adhere to the wisdom of the Golden Rule. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated and take responsibility for your own actions, Mrs. Logan would say.  I am not a quick learner on some things. 

Modeling politeness, her expectation was that her students would as well.   She deemed it necessary for all to acquire a well-rounded vocabulary.  

"I’m sorry," "Excuse me," "Please," "Thank-you," "You’re welcome," "Yes, ma’am," and "No, ma'am," were necessary verbiage for speaking politely.

My recollection is that those words were part of a weekly spelling test.  Whether you were a visual or auditory learner, she had a way of making sure you got a 100 on that part. 

The day never began without her leading the class in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Everyone was expected to stand up and face the flag, hold their shoulders high and place their right hand over their heart.  Each of us knew that showing regard to America while reciting every word of the well-known verse was not an option.

I recall a specific Monday morning. Mrs. Logan asked the class if anything good happened over the weekend.  Greg, one of my classmates, raised his hand and said, “Yes! My momma got saved.”  

Mrs. Logan often wore shoes that helped her to move more freely in the classroom.   I am confident that she performed a charismatic routine in her Henrietta kind of way…better known as her happy dance!  “Hallelujah!”, she said.

Weekday Religious Education was held in the classroom and Mrs. Logan often participated.  I remember her praying the Lord’s Prayer with us.  No one dared to peek or make a sound because she would scold us for disrespecting the Lord.  That was grounds for marching orders right down to the principal’s office. He wasn’t always your pal, either.

Mrs. Logan loved to sing, and boy, could she carry a lovely tune. Her powerful singing voice captured and kept my attention on more than one occasion.  Actually, there did not need to be an occasion. 

Mrs. Logan is quoted as saying, “Music lifts their spirits and fills in the gaps during the long school day.”  Singing was incorporated into everyday learning and she didn’t care if you couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket.  “Sing!”  Sing!” I didn’t like singing a solo, so I sang!

Still ringing a melody in my head are the words to the chorus from “Down by the Old Mill Stream” and  “K-K-K Katy.”

“Old Dan Tucker was a fine old man;

He washed his face in a frying pan;

He combed his hair with a wagon wheel;

And died of a toothache in his heel.”

Kids these days are definitely deprived, to say the least. 

Intentional with the idea that everyone in her class would excel in reading, she read aloud and with excitement.  It was a daily routine after lunch to put our heads down on a desk and listen as she read from a book.

I especially loved the "Little House on the Prairie" series.  The autobiographical children’s novels based on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, were the absolute best stories. “The Long Winter" remains my favorite.  I remember feeling as if I were part of the stories. I can certainly relate to “Half-pint’s” adventurous outdoor spirit, love for family, strong will, and stubbornness.  Some things are learned, but perhaps some are of one’s own choosing.  I can be quite stubborn at times.  

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s love for reading and writing led her to the Missouri Ruralist as a columnist and later the authorship of the Little House series.  How cool is that?

Sharon is fortunate that she has the set of books that her momma used all those years in her classrooms.  What a treasure.

Mrs. Logan retired from teaching in 1986 but she continued to teach and use her gifts in other ways to support and love the people of her family, neighborhood, community, and church. 

The last time I saw Mrs. Logan was around 2000 at the funeral of a friend of my brother, one of her students.  Her southern twang and gentle spirit took me back a few years to a most delightful place.  

She passed away in 2004, leaving a profound legacy. The numerous ways that she communicated love to me through unconditional giving of her time and energies will continue to warm my heart.  

I am convinced that the wisdom and guidance she imparted helped shape my character for becoming a better student and later as an adult.  Her role as a public educator extends far beyond the classroom and is certainly worth modeling.  

The ways of teaching reading, writing and arithmetic have indeed changed over the many years.  But one thing remains -- public educators will always have the opportunity to impart positive values in and on the hearts of precious children.   

Alleghany Highlands Public Schools have many capable and valuable educators.  Allow me to introduce you to one.

Graduating from Word of Life Bible Institute in 1985 and from Liberty University in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Mrs. Tammy Wright teaches fourth grade at Sharon Elementary with passion and enthusiasm.  In many ways her character, personality and style reminds me of Mrs.Logan, although you will not see this teacher wearing a muumuu.   

I can testify that her students matter and she only wants the best for each of them.  She is known for her genuine love and going above and beyond to support all the children.  Her passion and dedication for teaching makes a difference.

Her inspiration for teaching elementary-age children came from her second grade teacher, Mrs. Pederson.  “She made learning fun," Mrs. Wright said. "She used Hershey bars for teaching fractions.”  

“I recall when studying the history and culture of the Chinese, she brought a wok and prepared Chinese food for the class...I remember feeling cherished and valued...She made me feel like I could do anything.” 

Mrs. Wright often had the privilege of going to Mrs. Pederson's home at the end of some school days.  She ate dinner with her and played with the dog. 

“Much has changed over the span of 30 years in the classroom but as I am faced with new challenges, I find myself becoming more comfortable and ready to conquer,” Mrs. Wright says.

“The advancement of technology within the classroom isn’t as scary as it used to be...In the midst of challenges, I am willing to learn the skills and strategies necessary for helping children to succeed.”

“Negativity is not allowed in my classroom,” she added.  “The children can share their thoughts without fear of ridicule from others...Disrespect is not tolerated.”

“Keep me in the moment”, is her mantra.  

She is involved in the lives of her students outside the classroom as well.  Many evenings during the school year, you will hear her boisterous voice as she cheers at sporting events.

Emphasizing the value of parental involvement, a daily assignment book goes home each day and includes notes of communication. “I have an open-door policy of welcoming parents, and community leaders alike to come and share their talent with my students,” she says.

In 2024, she was awarded teacher of the year at Sharon Elementary.  What an honor.

Thank you, Mrs. Wright, for dedicating your talent, time, and energy for educating, shaping and impacting the lives of children. 

I am grateful to many public educators who not only instructed my children in reading, writing and arithmetic but helped shape their future in a positive and orderly manner. 

There is a proverb that exists in many African languages and it reflects the emphasis African cultures place on family and community; it may have its origins in a biblical worldview: “It takes a village to raise a child.”