Mine was a high school English teacher, Ms Laughlin-Hillier— Ms L. H., as we all called her. There was something about her. She was exuberant and got us excited about learning. She taught me something about life, not just transitional verbs and the pyramid structure. I told her when I left high school that I’d dedicate my first published article to her.

Who was your most memorable teacher? Was it the one who didn’t mind staying after school to help? The one who gave you a second chance after you messed up? Or maybe it was that teacher who seemed to inspire more than teach.

The Champion wants to know about these educators for its Teacher of the Month feature. This is a chance for you, as a student or parent, to drop us a line and tell us what makes your — or your child’s — teacher special.

The contest is open to all teachers from pre-school to Grade 12 in the public and Catholic school systems, as well as Milton's private schools.

Each month, we in the editorial department go through the nominations and make an executive decision. The winners have an article written about them and their class receives a pizza lunch on us.

As a reporter, it’s always fun to deliver good news. And once a month, usually around week two, I put the phone to my ear and get ready to make the call.

By the time I hang up, having told one special person they’ve been chosen Teacher of the Month, I’m usually smiling ear to ear.

I love the surprise in their voices. “I’m nothing special,” is often what they say, although not in so many words.

But they are. And it often seems to mean just as much to the nominating parent or student as it does to the teacher.

October’s Teacher of the Month story ran in Wednesday’s paper. We’re now looking for submissions for November.

If you’d like to nominate your teacher, send us an e-mail at editorial@miltoncanadianchampion.com .

Simply tell us what sets him or her apart, and make sure to include your contact information.