Finding Mrs. Warnecke: The Difference Teachers Make

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Finding Mrs. Warnecke: The Difference Teachers Make

3.78 of 5 stars 3.78 · rating details · 37 ratings · 10 reviews

"Finding Mrs. Warnecke" tells the inspiring story of Cindi Rigsbee, a three-time Teacher of the Year, and Barbara Warnecke, the first-grade teacher who had a profound and lasting impact on Cindi's life. Cindi, an insecure child who craved positive attention, started her first-grade year with a teacher who was emotionally abusive and played favorites in the classroom. Two m...more "Finding Mrs. Warnecke" tells the inspiring story of Cindi Rigsbee, a three-time Teacher of the Year, and Barbara Warnecke, the first-grade teacher who had a profound and lasting impact on Cindi's life. Cindi, an insecure child who craved positive attention, started her first-grade year with a teacher who was emotionally abusive and played favorites in the classroom. Two months into the school year, her principal came into the classroom and announced that half the students were being moved to another classroom--a dank, windowless basement room, with a young and inexperienced teacher. This change turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to Cindi. Her new teacher, Mrs. Warnecke, made learning come alive for her students. She went overboard caring for each child, made her classroom "magical," and encouraged students to pursue their dreams. Although Cindi was reluctant to explore her creativity as a student, Mrs. Warnecke encouraged her to read and write poetry, which became a lifelong passion. The two kept in touch for several years but lost track of each other when Mrs. Warnecke moved out of state. Cindi spent many years trying to reconnect so she could thank Mrs. Warnecke for making such a difference in her life, but to no avail. Eventually Cindi became a teacher herself, and thirty years later she has taught more than 2,000 children and been named Teacher of the Year for her home state. She later came to realize that all those years she wasn't really trying to track down Barbara Warnecke, but rather, she was trying to "find Mrs. Warnecke" within herself.In Fall 2008 Cindi and Barbara were reunited on "Good Morning America"; the show's producers had tracked Barbara down and brought both women on-set for a tearful reunion. Barbara was floored at this attention--she had no idea she could have made such an impact on a former student's life. As Cindi travels around talking with new and veteran educators, she is always approached by audience members who are moved to tears and want to share the story of the "Mrs. Warnecke" in their own lives. "Finding Mrs. Warnecke" not only tells the story of this teacher who made a lifelong impact on her students, it illustrates the importance of the teacher/student relationship in the classroom, and offers principles for other teachers to follow to make a positive impact in their own classrooms.(less)

Hardcover, 141 pages

Published March 15th 2010 by Jossey-Bass (first published February 12th 2010)

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Sep 04, 2011 The Reading Countess rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, professional, informational-text

Rigsbee is a state finalist for teacher of the year, a nod to the years she spent working with under priviledged children in North Carolina. Her selfless dedication was a tribute to her beloved first grade teacher, Mrs. Warnecke. On a fluke, Rigsbee sends an email to "Good Morning America" asking for a reunion of sorts. When she is at last found, Warnecke is thankful to her for "validating her life."

I have to admit, I became a bit teary-eyed at the end because I have often wondered where my bel...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Adam Moore rated it 5 of 5 stars

As an aspiring teacher and President of the Future Teachers of America for the state of North Carolina, I found this book to be touching and almost life changing in the way I see the profession of education. I recommend this book to any aspiring, current, or retired teachers.

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Aug 08, 2011 Dede Smith added it

The impact of a teacher must never ever be underestimated. We often never know how we affect a child's life. This book should be read by every educator. Great end of year teacher gift!

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Feb 05, 2011 Janet rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amazing story about the influence a first grade teacher had her student's life! Thoroughly enjoyed this book and made me realize I may never know the impact of my words and actions on my students.

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Mar 21, 2010 Alyson marked it as to-read

i heard about this story a while back and will have to read for the details it b/c mrs. w. is my friend's mom!

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Aug 07, 2010 Andrea rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: teacher-books

As a teacher it was inspiring, and reflective. I highly recommend for any pre-service or aspiring teachers!

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Aug 14, 2010 Shelley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great book!! A quick, fast read that reminded me why I became a teacher. Of course, I bawled!!

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Aug 03, 2010 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Touching and reflective. A wonderful story of the power of one!

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Oct 04, 2012 Linda rated it 2 of 5 stars

Just a little too sappy for my taste. Sigh.

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Jul 01, 2012 Trudy Reed rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wow!! What an inspirational book!!

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May 07, 2013 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars

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Apr 01, 2013 Ann rated it 5 of 5 stars

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