When I think back to elementary school, the face of Mrs. Gertson comes to mind. Smart, warm, interested, she was absolutely wonderful, and made me feel safe enough to explore the subjects that came naturally and more importantly, the subjects that didn’t. I’m going to take a stab in the dark that most of us have that one elementary school teacher that made a difference.
So it was such an honor to be able to podcast with retired teacher, bogger, and author, Pete Springer. In this episode, co-host Vicki Atkinson and I talk with Pete about his book, They Call Me Mom: Making a Difference as an Elementary School Teacher
Pete, an elementary school educator for 31 years, tell us some heart-warming, and also some heart-breaking stories that came from his years in the classroom. As he worked to educate kids and helped to raise a generation of decent people, he captures all the lessons he learned from the unfiltered goodness of children.
He recalls his early days on the job – wanting to walk in and prove himself but also finding out how much on the job learning happens as a teacher. So he pays homage to how hard, and also necessary, it is for new teachers to be vulnerable and ask for help.
Pete speaks to the level of trust that’s necessary to connect with students to create a positive learning environment and it comes as no surprise that some of his former students still trust him enough to have their stories included in his book.
At the end, we ask Pete about his thoughts about the future of education and also what he’s working on. And he shows us that it’s possible to teach through writing.
This is a great episode about teachers, learning, and the best of community and collaboration when we come together to support both educators and students. I know you’ll love it.
Episode 129: Wish I Was Here with Ilsa Rey – Sharing the Heart of the Matter
Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen on Anchor Episode 36: They Call Me Mom with Pete Springer
Links for this Episode:
If you want to be on the podcast, or have additional guests to suggest, please email us at sharingtheheartofthematter@gmail.com
Listen on Anchor Episode 36: They Call Me Mom with Pete Springer
They Call Me Mom: Making a Difference as an Elementary School Teacher on Amazon
Pete’s blog: Pete Springer
The Heart of the Matter 
Mr. Springer sounds like the kind of teacher everyone remembers. And a male, at that!.
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Thanks for the kind words, Dr. Stein. To be remembered fondly by my students is the ultimate compliment. Yes, we men aren’t all hopeless. 🤣 Kudos to teachers around the globe who give of themselves each day while flying under the radar.
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Cheers and kudos to Pete…Mr. Springer…”mom”. And praise to teachers everywhere…especially one who wrote such beautiful book. A gift to those considering teaching as a career and a reminder for those ‘in the trenches’ of why they matter. xo! 🥰
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I consider teaching to be the hardest yet most rewarding job I ever had. Sometimes the great payoff comes years later when we realize former students are making their mark in the world and paying it forward. It’s the best feeling in the world to see one’s “children” affecting the world in positive ways.
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Yes! And thank you for exemplifying all the goodness of a dedicated teacher. Transforming lives…yes, indeed! 😉
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❤ ❤ ❤
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Oh, I can’t wait to listen! Yes, praise to teachers everywhere. A good teacher is a treasure!
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Thanks to you and your wife, Brian, for changing lives as educators. Each one of us has role models or teachers that we emulate and want to be like. What better compliment is there than that?
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My wife is the educator. I’m just along for the ride. I’m like the holiday inn guy, I play one on tv and am a huge cheerleader for teachers. Ha ha, I know you’re retired from teaching but that’s got to be a cool feeling inside knowing the countless students you’ve helped over the years. Like an ob-gyn with pics of all the babies you’ve delivered. Yup, I taught her, had him too, etc., etc., very cool!!!
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Ha! Great analogy. I imagine it is the same feeling. I taught many second generation students and often found it humorous how much certain children were like their parents. People like to talk about the physical resemblances, but I often saw familiar personality traits.
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Oh yes, I have enjoyed many wonderful teacher throughout my life! Teachers work tirelessly to enrich the lives of their students and cheers to Mr. Springer for his devotion to education!!!!!
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I encourage everyone, if they still have the means, to reach out to those impactful teachers. I try to support all of my former students if I can, and their words of praise mean the world to me.
I live in the same town that I taught in and have the great pleasure of seeing children and adults around town (the students in my first class are nearly 50 now) who I’ve taught. One funny anecdote to share is I take turns going to three different hair stylists that I taught in elementary school. They all cut what little hair I have left. 🤣
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Oh, so very wonderful!
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Thanks so much for the opportunity to chat with you, Wynne and Vicki. You’re providing a terrific service by inviting others into the podcast world to share their stories. Life should always be about lifting others up and supporting one another. Long life community and collaboration!
I’ve listened to several podcasts over the years, and I’m so impressed with the quality of yours. I’d love to have you appear on my blog as guests somewhere down the road.
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It was our pleasure, Pete, in every way! Thank you for your kind words. You get us! Lifting others up and being supportive? Our goals – right there! And yes…cheers to more fun with you, Pete. Look forward to whatever you have in mind. 🥰
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What a kind comment, Pete! Thanks for coming on to our podcast! Life long community and collaboration – we’re right there with you!
I see my partner has already confirmed that we are up for whatever you have in mind. Ditto what Vicki said!!
It was so fun to talk with you, Pete! Hope you enjoy the weekend!<3 ❤ ❤
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It’s lovely to see Pete featured here with his book. I also enjoyed it.
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Thank you so much for listening! It was so fun to talk with Pete and hear his perspective!
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🦋🩵
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Thanks for stopping by, Robbie. I hope Terrence and the boys are well. How is Greg enjoying university?
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Hi Pete, Greg much prefers Uni and likes his course 🩷
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