Mr Black

They say we remember our teachers, not for what they taught us, but for the way they made us feel. In my experience as a student and a teacher that is an insightful statement. Mr Black, my sixth form Art History teacher at Auckland Grammar School (in the early 1970’s) was an exceptional teacher. Seemingly very old, he made his subject relevant, engaging and interesting, because he taught with passion and skill.

On one particular occasion he was a teacher who did the right thing by me. Looking through my school bag at home after an art exam I suddenly realised that I had inadvertently put two completed pages of my exam in my bag along with unused spare paper. Oh no! All my exam results were important to my chances of University Entrance being accredited. My heart sank. Who was going to believe me? This was a school that ‘stuck by the rules’. Consequently, I didn’t get much sleep that night.

The next day Mr Black was waiting for me outside his classroom door. He asked me where the two missing pages were. With some hesitation I said, “In my bag, Sir.” He put his hand out, motioning for me to pass the pages to him. Looking at me straight in the eyes he said the following words I have never forgotten. “I trust you. An honest mistake Horne.”

He smiled at the look of relief on my face and I smiled back.

He marked my missing pages and I passed the exam. Mr Black more than passed as a decent, caring human being. 

POINTS to PONDER

Be prepared to ‘break the rules’ to help people. Strictly speaking Mr Black should have said “Tough luck Horne”.

His kind action and his teaching style have had a huge, positive influence on me as a teacher and my work with students. 

Be prepared to see the bigger picture when helping people. He saw potential in me. He trusted me. Would you have trusted me?