Weekly Editorial
August 22, 2006

Remember Those Special Teachers

Just last week I received word that my second grade teacher, Miss Anna Armia Heikkinen, died this summer. She would have been 106 years old on September 6th. Miss Heikkinen was born in northern Minnesota to Finnish parents and completed her training at Duluth Teachers College in 1926. After graduating she went to French Indo-China (Vietnam) to start a school for missionary children. Dalat School opened in 1928 with three pupils; later a high school was added. After 28 years of teaching in Vietnam, she moved to New Guinea in 1958 to help start Sentani International School and served there until her retirement 1968. She was my second grade teacher in 1966. Miss Heikkinen would have preferred to continue serving and teaching in New Guinea, but she returned to Minnesota to be the caregiver for her sister who was in poor health.

Each of us has fond memories of a special teacher who knew us well and helped shape who we are today. Miss Heikkinen was one of those special teachers in my past. She taught two, some times three grades at a time, was highly organized and detailed, and also was the school’s principal. She moved quickly around the room facilitating multiple small learning groups simultaneously while keeping everyone on task. It seemed like she was everywhere! The passing of the weekly spelling test for every student was a ritual she ensured took place, even if it meant staying in from recess to study the words. Even though you knew she cared for and loved you, she became the benevolent marine drill sergeant when it came to classroom discipline. My behind felt the touch of her 18-inch wooden spoon more than once! Mrs. Heikkinen was one special person and she was just the teacher I needed!

School is starting next week and our sons, daughters, and children of the community will again be making life-long memories with their new teachers. We are fortunate here in Harbor Springs to have one of the finest teaching staffs in all of Michigan. You can bet they are in good hands and there will be lots of positive memories being made this coming year!