Miss Hanley was my first grade teacher in 1955-56 at PS41. I was seven years old when my family left the Bronx for Long Island, and I never saw Miss Hanley again, but I think about her all the time. Among other things, she taught me how to read. Apparently, she taught me well, because I always finished reading before most of the other kids in the class. As a reward (or, perhaps, just to keep me occupied), when I finished early, she let me create stories about my hero, Davey Crockett, in colored chalk on the blackboard.
I'm sure Miss Hanley is retired now, probably enjoying a well-earned rest and playing with her great-grandchildren. In the meantime, I became a New York City Teaching Fellow this year. The subway ads said "You remember your first grade teacher's name. Who will remember yours?" I thought of Miss Hanley, and the difference she made in my life. Indirectly, she's making a difference in the lives of my students today.
-Martin Fisher
Teacher and former student