Monday afternoon I was talking to a couple of old, retired teachers and I remembered how education was one of my few final choices when I was deciding on a career.I guess I decided that I liked school so much that I decided to make a career of taking notes wherever I go.I can call these former teachers old because they’re in their late 80s, by the way. That’s not to say we didn’t chat like schoolgirls, however.Anyway, talking with them, I remembered how I had many great teachers and I bet these ladies’ former students say the same thing about them. One big difference between these former teachers and my teachers is that they had students many years in a row, in their one-room schoolhouses, or country schools.(Their remembrances of the old teacher days will be in next week’s "Mature Lifestyles" insert in the Star Herald.)The former teachers, Margaret Vegge and Gladys Eitrem, talked about being strict, yet participating with the children at recess, and how they taught every subject — from art to math. It was like talking to Miss Beadle from "Little House on the Prairie." They talked about making sure their students were warm and fed during the day and how they often joined families at home for visits and supper and some overnight stays. They also talked about how they did janitorial duties.Some of their students still keep in touch and count them as great influences on their lives. My best teachers did more than help me learn. They made me realize my talents. I wanted good grades to impress them as much as my parents. I learned to be proud of my accomplishments and that’s something we should all remember as adults, whether it’s pride in work, hobbies, relationships or home.Students no longer spend multiple years with the same teacher — eating, playing and learning together — but teachers are still a major influence on children.Even though teachers are on a little summer break now, it’s good to remember that.