On the occasion of World Teacher’s Day, we spoke to several teachers and the founder and director of “Erudito” licėjus, asking them to reminisce about their time in school, their favorite subjects, and the teachers who left a lasting impression on them. It turns out that almost all of them became teachers of the subjects they were most passionate about.

DR. NERIJUS PAČĖSA

Founder and Director of “Erudito” Licėjus

A source of wisdom in the school. Every sentence is like a sentence of wisdom. Not everyone could speak about math as if it were poetry.

A teacher to me is… a source of wisdom.

The most valuable quality of a teacher. Empathy and communication. If you have knowledge but no empathy, it won’t lead to anything.

A teacher who left an indelible impression or changed lives. Although I had many good teachers, I remember most vividly the life advice from the basketball coach Kazimieras Petkevičius. He was the true source of wisdom: he sincerely wanted to get to know us as individuals, tailored advice to each of us, and I still remember and use some of them. The coach taught us to make every moment meaningful and take care of our bodies – if you’re climbing stairs, push your legs, stretch, exercise your muscles; if you’re on a trolleybus, there are many devices around, use them, move your arms, and so on. The coach taught us to give meaning to every activity.

What subject’s teacher would you want to switch places with for a day, if you could? I am very passionate about economics because I studied it, but I would probably like to be a math teacher for a day. Not because I excelled in it at school, but because I enjoy finding ways to show the beauty and meaning of mathematics. Mathematics is a beautiful subject because it always requires finding solutions. You truly discover the beauty of mathematics when you start solving complex problems.

Perhaps it’s not even worth asking which subject was your favorite in school… Well, yes, it was math (laughs).

Best wishes to the teachers.

 

 

JURGITA MAIRONIENĖ

Lithuanian Language Teacher

Jurgita could be a doctor and prescribe “bulletins” to her colleagues so they wouldn’t need to take “bulletins.” What are these “medicines”? Read the interview!

I became a teacher because… I enjoyed playing, learning, and laughing with children.

The most valuable quality of a teacher. Openness and fairness.

A teacher who left an indelible impression or changed lives. Lithuanian language and literature teacher Živilė Lembutienė.

Favorite subject in school. Literature.

Which subject’s teacher would you want to switch places with for a day, if you could? I would like to try being a chemistry teacher in the laboratory.

Short message to teachers. Teacher, if you stop laughing and joking, you must take a “bulletin.”

 

 

 

RŪTA GUDYNIENĖ

Elementary School Teacher

I became a teacher because… I see great meaning in this work. A teacher can contribute to the growth, development, inspiration, and support of individuals.

The most valuable quality of a teacher is… kindness towards all children and a constant desire to learn and improve.

A teacher who left an indelible impression or changed lives. There were several of them in school. However, if I had to name the teachers who had the greatest impact, they would be my class teachers. One of them was a physical education teacher.

Favorite subject in school. Lithuanian language and English language.

Which subject’s teacher would you want to switch places with for a day, if you could? I am where I most want to be. The work of an elementary school teacher involves almost all subjects.

Short message to teachers. I believe that a teacher is someone who can give a child wings and lift them to great heights in life. I wish all teachers to become an authority figure for at least one of their students, to give them wings, inspire them for great deeds, and encourage them to spread goodness in the world.

 

 

JUSTINAS VISICKAS

History and Religion Teacher

What surprised me the most was that I found Justinas to be an excellent stand-up comedian. He is also the champion of quick responses: he answered questions immediately when I sent him an email, probably within five minutes.

I became a teacher because… it is a meaningful job.

The most valuable quality of a teacher. Understanding.

A teacher who left an indelible impression or changed lives. I met such teachers while studying at the university. They were professionals in their field and knew how to inspire with their passion for what they did. If I had to name names, it would be Shaunas and Richard.

Favorite subject in school. Now, I feel that it’s religion.

Which subject’s teacher would you want to switch places with for a day, if you could? Lithuanian literature.

Short message to teachers. Experience something new and interesting every day, enjoy your work every day, and let teaching be fun.

 

 

JŪRATĖ BABICKIENĖ

Primary School Teacher

Her cheerfulness and positivity captivated me on the very first day – I noticed how tenderly she interacts with children, how she can embrace, listen, and how children gather around her and cuddle up to her, and she caresses each little head… The childlike manner in which she answered questions took us back to childhood and elementary school, making us feel once again in the care of our first teacher.

I became a teacher because… it’s my calling.

The most valuable quality of a teacher. Empathy and humor, establishing a connection with children.

A teacher who left an indelible impression or changed lives. Probably, in school, we all had teachers we admired. But if I had to name the teachers who had the greatest impact, it would be my class teachers. One of them was a physical education teacher.

Favorite subject in school. Language and arts (visual arts and technology).

Which subject teacher would you like to switch places with for at least one day? I would not only like to but also could be an arts and physical education teacher. I really enjoy sports.

A brief wish for teachers. Relax, bring more positivity and joy!

 

 

FRANK VAN LIESHOUT

Physical Education and Health Teacher

I caught Frank in the cafeteria during the lunchtime rush, and students kept coming up to him: to greet, give a high-five, chat, say they had a gift for him (we were talking on the eve of Teacher’s Day), or ask him something. “You’re very popular and beloved among the students here,” I noticed. Frank smiled. It seems like he’s always smiling.

I became a teacher because… as a child, I was fascinated by sports and the opportunity to share my experience. After enrolling in a sports university in the Netherlands, I got to know teaching up close. Since I was quite shy, I thought it wasn’t for me, but now, after nearly sixteen years of teaching, sharing my experience and knowledge, I am very happy.

The most valuable quality of a teacher. Communication. Both the opportunity to get to know students and reveal the best in them and the interaction among teachers.

A teacher who left an indelible impression or changed lives. I met such teachers while studying at the university. They were professionals in their field and knew how to inspire with their passion for what they did. If I have to name names, let it be Shaun and Richard.

Favorite thing about school. Probably, no surprise – sports (laughs).

Which subject teacher would you like to switch places with for at least one day? I’m drawn to history.

A brief wish for teachers. Experience something new and interesting every day, enjoy your work every day, and let teaching be fun.

 

 

INDRĖ DOUGLAS

English Language Teacher

I became a teacher because… I wanted to be a teacher who inspires, thinks, helps, understands, and imparts knowledge.

The most valuable quality of a teacher. Understanding and friendliness.

A teacher who left an indelible impression or changed lives. My history teacher, who taught me from grades 5 to 7. He is probably the most incredible teacher I’ve ever had. He took us on excursions, to archaeological sites, and founded a history club at school. His lessons were always engaging and interesting.

Favorite subject in school. History.

Which subject’s teacher would you want to switch places with for a day, if you could? History or art.

Short message to teachers. Never stop enjoying life!

 

 

 

Asta Lipštaitė