Mothers reveal how English teachers are the 'real heroes' shaping young brains

Learning is not marked just by words and phrases. To speak confidently, understand emotion and thereby others’ feelings, is also a crucial aspect. For decades, English teachers have been taking a tremendous amount of this responsibility through their subject. A mom named Amanda (@amandasmildtakes) revealed on December 2 that her kids have been learning more than just a language thanks to the English teacher who takes her job seriously and does it with wisdom and love. Many fellow parents agree and are applauding them for their significant contribution to schooling. 

The mom revealed that the teacher was reading her students “Animal Farm,” a popular book from 1945. “My kids are reading ANIMAL FARM in school and their English teacher is having them identify the rhetorical devices used in Squealer’s speeches to manipulate the other animals, and I have never been more grateful for a teacher,” she wrote. There’s a reason these old stories have hung around for decades. When English teachers pick what stories to read or teach, they do so with a very detailed intent. It’s not just the story, it’s the morals, values, realities of the world, and so much more that they’re teaching along with it.

@treeshinedesigns pointed out, "My kid is reading the same this year. I was so impressed with the entire book list for her English class this year as it all addresses propaganda/manipulation tactics. Thank you, English teachers." @goatsdogsandpanda added, "My kids (twins) studied this last term. We had the best conversations. There is so much to unpack in that tiny book. The character studies themselves are so enlightening. And it’s just as relevant today as it ever was." @montana.crochet remarked, " I have a freshman and a junior in high school right now and their English teachers are slaying this game. It is so soothing knowing that my kids are being taught such rigorous and rough testimony to our times. Without fail, these teachers have shown the f**k up, and I am so insanely proud of them!"

According to author Steve Taylore-Knowles, kids grasp many of the skills they’re going to need to use in the real world during their education process, per Macmillan English. Knowles explained how critical skills like decision-making, putting a point-of-view forward whilst absorbing that of others, and so on, are learned during school life. It is crucial, then, that along with words and stories, these features are also introduced and encouraged, and English teachers play a vital role in the process. So the moms were right in giving the English teachers due credit. Many others pointed out how their kids’ language teachers used different methods to impart significance. 

@stephenrozov said, “As a former teacher, there is a desperate need for students to learn critical thinking, analysis and literacy and Animal Farm is a great place to be.” @rachelinnvdo added, “My kiddo has read ‘Lord of the Flies,’ ‘Animal Farm,’ and ‘1984’ so far this year. Her English teacher is ON IT.” @myanaloglife noted, “My daughter’s English teacher had me on constant vigilance last year — in a good way. He was diving deep and asking great questions, my kid would then ask me. I had to reread the books in the syllabus to keep up. Love that!” @halfkalff remarked, “I wish I could go back to high school and thank the teacher who taught this book in his class. I think that book and his lessons radicalized me early.”

More on Scoop Upworthy

Teacher's 30-second rule on being mindful of our actions and words in daily life is winning hearts

Teacher explains equity and why students can’t always be treated equally—and it’s eye-opening

Teacher explains what educators really do in a day and sadly most of it goes unnoticed