Staff Favorites: Teachers Who Made a Difference

Everyone has that one teacher they remember—not just for what they taught, but for who they helped them become. This week, we asked our staff: Who is your favorite teacher you’ve had, and what did they teach you? Their answers highlight the lasting impact teachers can have far beyond the classroom.

“My favorite teacher was my third grade teacher, Mrs. Kurtz. She taught me that teachers could care for and love their students! I remember the many hugs that I got from her that year, and they will always stick with me. She is one of the many mentors in my life that make me want to be a teacher in the future! – Evee “Officer Funky” Broadus, Registrar

“My favorite teacher I had growing up was Ms. Isabel. She was my 1st grade teacher and before we left to go home each day, she recited a poem of how much she loved us with how it filled different pots and pans in the kitchen. I couldn’t recite it all since it did take a good 5 minutes for her to say each day, but it began with: “My love for you fills 10 pans, 18 teapots, 3 kettles, 27 teaspoons…” etc. It was such a joy knowing a teacher I loved so much had the same care and love for every one of her students to make the point to emphasize and remind us every day!” – Madison “Boots” Smith, Registrar 

“Mr. Bittinger, my sophomore year chemistry teacher! He taught me how to build relationships and earn trust quickly while also being excellent in his profession!” – Annelise “Smilin’” Morrison, Silverado Camp Director 

“My favorite teacher was my third grade teacher: Mrs. Thompson! She was the BEST! She taught me how to be kind (and multiplication tables).” – Kate “Jiggy” Burns, Springs Women’s Director 

“One of my favorite teachers was my freshman year high school English teacher, Mrs. Peach. First off, her name. Amazingly iconic teacher name. Secondly, she was married to our legendary head football coach, Coach Peach, who won over 300+ games in his 30 years at my high school. Lastly, she made me see how awesome it is to get lost in books that were thought provoking and deep in their storytelling. Her class sent me on a path of loving English throughout high school and eventually getting an English degree from Texas A&M because I wanted to teach like Mrs. Peach someday. Even though it looks a little different, I’m excited I get to teach through doing seriously fun ministry at PC!” – Conor “Flow” Barry, Ridge Camp Director 

“Emily Mofield was my favorite teacher growing up. She taught a gifted class that was essentially a replacement for literature that went a step further into critical thinking. Mrs. Mofield was literally an ICON! She made covers/parodies of popular songs to help teach things like literary devices and inductive/deductive reasoning. Mrs. Mofield had us compete in these Future Problem Solvers competitions. She literally taught us how to analyze a problem, generate solutions, and flesh out one to be a logical fix for the proposed issue. Mrs. Mofield is a trailblazer to teaching in unique and unconventional ways. She also is a follower of Christ. She might not have been able to openly talk about this, but you could see how her faith was the drive for her and her students’ education.” – Eli “Peter Porker” Creasy, Digital Operations and Media Manager

“Harriet Bosico taught me in 6th grade. Her classes were always so engaging and she served her students well. She never punished me by making me miss recess, which was so fun.” – TJ “Philly” Connor, Executive Director – Texas 

“I have two. The first was my English teacher, Amy Beck. She inspired my love for writing, and she also taught my senior year philosophy class, which really grounded my worldview in scripture. The second was my Bible teacher, Reed Dunn. He taught me how to defend my faith, and he also officiated my wedding!” – Marc “Captain” Wood, Silverado Associate Director 

“For me, my favorite teacher was Ms. Adkins. She was my literature teacher, but what I loved about her the most is that she listened to us. I know that might seem small, but as I think about it right now, she would give us space to share how we felt, what we enjoyed, and I could tell when we would talk about our lives; it really mattered to her. She was a teacher that we as students would hang out in her classroom during our free time because we knew that when we were in her office, we mattered. I learned the importance of listening and caring about those that you are leading through her. She has helped me to listen, which has helped me to see people as people made in the image of God.” – Dexter “Pikapoo!” Carter, Outback Camp Director