<p>I am over 60 and I still remember Mrs. Schneider, my 7th grade social studies teacher. I was one of the two top students in the class, but for every page that the other student would write on an exam or a paper, I probably wrote three. Mrs. Schneider took me aside and showed me Ted’s paper and then mine, and pointed out how my extra words did not add anything at all to what I was saying. She taught me to get to the point, and not be verbose. She taught me that every word I use should have a reason to be there.</p>
<p>When I was in college I was fortunate enough to take several classes with a renowned poet, who reinforced the above lesson, challenging every word I put to paper.</p>
<p>My son had several excellent teachers who stood out, but his 5th grade math teacher would be at the top of the list. He was one of several exceptionally gifted math students, and this teacher took these kids aside and accelerated them. Thank goodness! His AP Physics teacher and AP Western Civ teacher also stood out, and they motivated several of my son’s classmates to become high school teachers themselves.</p>