If you’re reading this, you probably have a teacher to thank.

When I was five years old I dreaded the arrival of the reading teacher, Lorna Andersen. Since I’d started school a few months late, I needed extra help. Mrs Andersen terrified me, as she brooked no nonsense. Years later I learnt that she’d taught a bunch of rough British city children at a time when it was the norm to use a strap to discipline. Apparently, she never needed it. All it took to get things under control was a look from her. As a teenager I met her again and thought, ‘What a nice lady’. I can’t imagine what frightened me. I felt sentimental a few years ago and shot her an e-mail. I said: “Thank you for teaching me how to read. Where would I be without your help?” I received a reply almost immediately. It said, basically: “I’ve just come in to pack up as I am retiring. If I hadn’t come back for one last thing I might have missed your e-mail. You’re welcome.”

As it’s Teacher Appreciation Week, The Royal Gazette took to the streets of Hamilton, to ask residents about their favourite. There were a variety of answers, but the common thread was that the best are firm, but caring and make lessons interesting.

Troy Douglas, national coach for athletics, 52, said his favourite teacher was his Sunday School teacher G Veronica Phillips at St Phillip AME Church in Smith’s. “She interprets the Bible and makes it relevant to every day life. I have taken classes with her since I was little. She taught us to walk in the positive light regardless of the hurdles we face. She is still teaching, and is very creative in how she prepares the lessons. Her passion for teaching makes it easier to follow the lesson.”

Rojon Trimm, 26, a book-keeper at Argus Insurance said his primary three teacher Trina Cariah, was his favourite.

“She was a fun teacher,” he said. “She made me want to learn. She taught everything. That was probably the best teacher I ever had, even to this day. She would incorporate games into the learning. Otherwise, teachers can be very boring. She is now the principal at Paget Primary.”

Justin Maybury, 26, in operations support at Conyers Dill & Pearman, named the late Nick Hemsley at Warwick Academy. “He was the drama teacher,” said Mr Maybury. “I wasn’t the biggest and best in drama but he made it really interesting. He had a very interesting approach. He was also my English teacher. The physical education teacher at Warwick Academy, Mark Thorne, was also one of my favourites. He always pushed us to be better and made sports fun.

Sharazan Bailey, 49, works for Butterfield Bank. She couldn’t remember who her favourite teacher was but loves Sandys Middle School maths teacher Rene Heyliger, for helping her son with his math.

“If her students don’t understand something, she will stay behind to help. The other day she had a session for him to stay after school, but he forgot about it. You can bet I got an e-mail about it. She is excellent.”

Charla Gibbons, 37, a teacher herself at Building Blocks Academy, said her favourite was Gina Davis, now director of instruction and staff development at CedarBridge Academy. “She taught me English at Whitney Institute,” she said. “She taught me to behave myself and make something of myself. She is also a comedian. She taught me to behave and be a better person. I tested her and she handled it.”

Shar-Dae Whitter, 30, said Joy Cox, her maths teacher at Sandys Secondary Middle School, inspired her to become a teacher. “I am actually now at Digicel, but I taught in several schools including CedarBridge Academy, Whitney Institute and Building Blocks Academy. She really inspired me and was a great teacher.”