MovieChat Forums > Mr. Holland's Opus (1996) Discussion > Who was *your* Mr. Holland?

Who was your Mr. Holland?

posted 18 years ago by bandimal
38 replies | jump to latest

Who was *your* Mr. Holland?

What teacher made a difference in your life like Mr. Holland? Was it a music teacher? Was it a different teacher? Who, in your schooling, touched you and gave you the confidence to do what you do today?

For me, it was my first grade classroom teacher, Mrs. Ferguson. She taught me to be gentle and kind, and to stand up for what I believe. Most of all, she recognized and encouraged my potential instead of trying to rein me in and make me conform to the other students. She also kept up with me through future grades and "hired" me to grade her class workbooks. As "payment" she took me and the other four workbook graders out to what was, for me, my first formal dinner, therefore introducing me to a new facet of life in a supportive, nonjudgmental setting with no family or social pressure. I have visited her several times, and she has called me to "check up on her students." I am not the only one; during one visit, there were visitors from three "generations" there, and I marveled that Mrs. Ferguson truly made each and every class, each and every student, unforgettable.

There are other teachers who made differences in other ways: Mrs. Papaleo, who made learning how to play the flute fun and allowed me to challenge her idea of the possibilities for advancement; Mr. Rubeo, my social studies teacher who literally gave me a safe space in middle school; Mrs. Ravis, who helped me give voice to adolescent pain; Mr. Gancsos, my high school band director, who gave me freedom to lead; and Mrs. Black, my high school choir director, who helped me give voice to *my* voice.

Here's to all of the teachers who made a difference.

[–] KidmanBellucci 17 years ago

Mr. Kienzle - Freshman Global Studies

He used to blast a different kind of ancient music from different nations each morning with an old cassette player. He also wore traditional dress corresponding to the lesson of the day.

His chalkboard was outlined in bamboo instead of metal.

He fell off the school roof twice and used a cane.

We used to sit for hours after school talking about movies.

He taught there for 4 DECADES and he used to tell me about all the things that changed.

He changed my life.

"Suddenly being better is being pretentious.."

[–] vinnyva 17 years ago

My dad, who taught me how to draw. I'm now a 44 year old architect thanks to his talents.

[–] malf6445 17 years ago

My brother was fortunate enough to play in his elementary school orchestra, and his band teacher Mr. Walsh was very similar in nature to "Mr. Holland": passionate, hard-working and dedicated to the belief that every contribution (no matter how great or small) mattered. My brother's musical talents flourished under Mr. Walsh's direction, but I'm sure he would be the first to say that he became a better, more open-minded and determined person thanks to Mr. Walsh's influence.

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] poetic_drummer81 17 years ago

i can't say it was my band director because i already loved music before band but if anyone i'd sat it was my 10th grade english teacher ms. munoz. she gave us projects to encourage writing. i never had any interest in it but the manner in which she encouraged our creativity (she didn't set any limitations it seemed on content) for us to reach in for ideas sparked that interest. was my junior year at another school when id write my first poem. i've been writing since. its so many things. its therapeutic, simply tranferring joy to paper or sometimes just telling a story. im not a professional but i love doing it and im told i have talent. i have to credit her for that.

although in respect to band directors, mine from high school mr. watley had a profound effect. i joined the band in my junior year with no formal knowledge of music when most students had been in since 5th grade. most directors wouldnt have but he did. i later learned that the other assistant directors were uneasy about me but he told them i had talent and a love of music and was confident id do well. i was forever grateful because i love playing musio and he gave me that chance. years later i saw him and had the chance to tell him that and thank him.

[–] Cutesomehead 17 years ago

I had several "Mr. Hollands" that helped me along the way.

Mrs Laliberte-Grade 3-one of the KINDEST, SWEETEST lady that ever lived. It was one of the few years I looked forward to going to school

Mr. Kordyback-Grade 6-made learning so much fun (he used to have a game that had two sides of a classroom competed against each other, earning points {homework complete, correct answers, etc} for special prizes once a month. He would have you move desks often too, so you got different team members each time). Plus he saved me from the worst bullying of my life so he will always have a special place in my heart.

Mr. Nicholas-Grade 9-pushed me to strive beyond myself-dynamic speaker, comedian, gave lots of bonus assignments to help you pull up your grades (only year I made honour roll), and fantastic drama classes!

Mr. Smith-Grade 12-only mentioned due to his bizarre personality that drew people to his class even though he could be a royal ass at times. Most memorable high school teacher for a lot of us!

[–] violynn31 17 years ago

What a great idea!

Okay, I should say that I am now a teacher - I will mention my winner of my Mr. Holland award, but like many of you, there are many teachers who contributed to wanting to be in this profession.

Well, first, my uncles, my mom's and dad's brothers. One taught science, the other English. Couldn't be more different, but I knew some of their students, and they said they were amazing teachers. So it was kinda in my blood.

My Mr. Holland was my first orchestra teacher, Miss Witt. I adored the ground she walked on. I don't know why; we couldn't be more different. But I became an orchestra teacher because of her. She encouraged me to excell on the violin and gave me the tools to do so. I still see her now and go out for drinks with her, but will NEVER call her by her first name - I respect her too much. But she did call me, once upon a time, her "one student in a million." *happy sigh*

4th grade teacher, Miss Schlobohm: We were her first class after college, and she had all the spunk that teachers should have, if they want to have enthusiastic learners in their class. Things were just FUN. I had her and Miss Witt in the same year, and 4th grade was a wonderful age for me, and I now love teaching 4th graders.

7th grade - Mrs. Burke - English: I hated 7th grade, but she saved me from really hating it. Just a cool, classy lady who dressed in amazing outfits, and since she loved to read as much as I did, I loved the fact that she made reading cool. Unfortunetly, she died of cancer when I was in 10th grade (1993ish). I still miss her.

7th and 9th grade, Mr. White, math: Looking back as a teacher, Mr. White is the kind of teacher all middle schools want. He made math fun, and even though I was good at math, I didn't really want to try - but I did for him.

8th grade: Mr. Reider, social studies: This was a special class, made up of only GT kids from our grade. Finally, again, it was "cool" to be smart, and we competed in a school-wide current events competition between all grades 7-9 in the school, and being an alternated on the team, we won - beat the 9th graders! I just loved how encouragaing he could be about what we were interested in.

High school: Lem, our choir teacher: He did mostly "old school" choir songs, as he retired when I graduated (1995), after teaching 30+ years. He taught the same things year to year, but it was a wonder when I got to college and found out that most of the stuff we did in high school was college-level stuff! (Not to say that my college choir sucked, either - we were just good.) He passed away right before Christmas of '06, and I will always miss him.

And 11th grade, Ms. Porter, my English teacher - just that teacher I clicked with, because, again, she encouraged everyone to do her own thing and loved the results. She was also the advisor of our very presigious Yearbook, of which she picked me to be an Activities editor, and a year later, picked my sister to be Art editor.

And as a teacher, I try to incorporate all those amazing teachers into one

Take it away, Eric the orchestra leader! *a one, two, a one two tree for'!* piano gliss

[–] QueenoftheDookie 17 years ago

I never had a Mr. Holland
I mean I've had some nice teachers but never anyone who took me aside and really made me feel like they believed in me. I was very quiet and shy so none of them ever really noticed me very much.

EVERYBODY DO THE COOL DANCE!

[–] freerun250 14 years ago

I wish I had a Hr Holland! None of my teachers made an impression on me and none took any special interest in me. In fact, the only teachers who left any impression on me were the horrible nuns I had in elementary school. I was one of those average kids who must have faded into the woodwork. I did love this film, however, and it gave me an appreciation for the hard work teachers (apparently) do.

[–] They-Call-Me-Steve 16 years ago

My Mr. Holland... was a religion teacher named Mr. Holland. True story, they had the same name. He looked nothing like Richard Dreyfuss, he actually looked a lot like Dom DeLuise, but with a full head of hair. He acted nothing like Mr. Holland in the movie, actually he pretty much had no impact on my life whatsoever and I failed his class. The following year he died on the toilet. That's where they found him. I'm 100% serious.

[–] SaxyClarinet 16 years ago

Mine is definitely the person who told me to watch this movie, my band director. I went to him and got help throughout the process of writing a paper for my future career, which happens to be a music teacher/band director. We used to have a band director for two years that no one liked. If you don't like a teacher and they are a bad teacher, it's hard to take direction from them and even consider what they tell you to do. We basically got him fired and my current band director came along. I honestly think he helped me discover my passion for music. I kept going back and forth between future career ideas, but then it hit me. I knew this was my true passion, so I'm pursuing it. It is the one thing I have a huge talent for (I play the clarinet and alto sax and I am going out for drum major) and that I love. But anyways, if we would have had our old band director, I might have quit. I was tired of it and we seemed to get nothing accomplished with him. And with him, maybe I would have never discovered my passion. Thank god for my current band director. He has helped me so much and has already offered for me to student observe and teach with him throughout college, and I'm only a sophomore in high school.

you are exactly my brand of heroin.
TEAM EDWARD!

[–] tshadroui 16 years ago

Hmmmm...I have had a lot of amazing teachers through the years. The one who impacted me most was a college professor who involved me with extracurriculars and leadership roles. Even when I didn't have confidence in myself and my leadership and my career path, she was always extremely motivating and giving me kind words and showing me the ropes.

Also, my father was an educator for most of my life and he is oddly like a perfect mix of Mr. Holland and the coach. My dad is like the giant talking head of information, he has taught history, science, and math as well as coaching tennis, wrestling, basketball and golf for middle school for years.

He is such a teacher's teach that he often had trouble I think separating me and my sister from his students. (Which annoyed me growing up, but now when I see this movie I want to call him and tell him how much I love him and how I'm glad he raised me to be who I am today)

[–] ZeoRangerFive 16 years ago

My Mr. Holland was my 8th grade English teacher who would read my terrible screenplays and actually give me constructive criticism on each of them. He really taught me how to expand my writing chops and gave me the inspiration to continue to write. The last time I saw him I was a sophomore in high school which was almost a decade ago. He was such an inspirational teacher.

Introduce them to Punchy McGee and Fisty O'Flannagin!

[–] remreveal2002 16 years ago

My "Mr. Holland" was my Grade 7 teacher. He was just an extraordinary guy, and inspired me to rise above and to realise my potential to what I could actually achieve. To never be satisfied going down the 'middle-road'.

Mr. de Wit, wherever you are, you changed my life!

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Patrick_Bateman718 16 years ago

And even more proof.

[–] clmskm-1 16 years ago

I had two "Mr. Holland's" ... Miss Bugbee, 4th grd English and Miss Moss, 4th grd Reading/Home Room teacher. They both instilled in me a desire to read, to read a lot, and to care about others. DellaStreet 7/20/09, 12:36P.M.

[–] tbirdman-1 15 years ago

My "Mr. Holland" was Paul Petrianos who'd taught Ancient History at
Campbell High School from the 1960's-1980. Which was the study of the
Greek, Roman & Egyptian civilizations. I was one of his students
in my senior year and graduated in the class of '79 where I got an
"A" on my final exam and I'd saved all of my notes from the fall
term. So when my best friend at the time his name was Jon told
me he'd be taking the same course for spring semester he'd asked
me for my notes. Good thing I'd saved all of the notes so I'd
passed those onto Jon and he ended up with an B- grade. He'd
told me that if it weren't for my notes he'd not have passed the
course and he wouldn't have graduated with his diploma. I credit
both Mr. Petrianos for being such an inspiration to us all and
of course myself for writing such clear and complete history notes!
Mr. Petrianos is now a substitute teacher at Harker Academy of
San Jose, CA and is very well liked and respected for many years!

Campbell High School Class of 1979, Campbell, CA

Lorenzo In Sunny & Lovely Arizona

I'm James "Sonny" Crockett!

[–] Joe-the-Drifter 15 years ago

I had way too many to count, and I miss them.

As you can see I'm alot happier- Joker 89

[–] amdm92 13 years ago

My "Mr. Holland" Is My middle school Chorus teacher Miss. Renee Rowland from Largo Middle school. She awoken my love of music.

"Spinich is like butt-sex, If your forced when your a child, You won't enjoy it as an adult."

[–] lroy77 12 years ago

Sister Theresa O'Brien, SND. I had trouble with fractions and she took time out of her own life on Saturdays to help me, and arranged for a classmate to help also.

[–] Gene_Hackman 12 years ago

A teacher in 5th grade. She explained the math I wasn't taught at the school I came from, and I never forgot any of her lessons. That's a teacher.

[–] tnstarwarsgeek 12 years ago

David Crawford my high school history teacher