My very white, born-in -1940s-Canada 5th grade teacher says she had a thing for Black dolls when she was a little girl. Adult me has some ideas about what that could have been about, but 10-year-old me only felt love and care from Mrs. Emerson. All I knew was that when she looked at me like I felt like I belonged…to her. And not in a possessive, collectible kind of way. I think that’s the brilliance of educators with big hearts. They know how to make kids feel like they belong in the purest and most enriching way.

I hope you enjoy this episode of That One Teacher featuring me, your host and my favourite grade school educator, Mrs. Emerson. This conversation is from 2021 when I found her on Facebook. She was 80 years old at the time and suffering from crippling rheumatoid arthritis.

After our phone conversation, we had plans to meet up in person. But on the morning I was supposed to drive up to her place about an hour north of Toronto, she canceled due to having a rough morning. Life got pretty intense for me over the next few years and I never tried to reconnect with Mrs. Emerson. I plan on sharing this episode with her though. I hope to find her in relatively good health.

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In this, our first episode you’ll meet choreographer, performer, and actor Hollywood Jade and his high school Drama teacher, Mr. Gallagher (aka Mr. G) who introduced his students to the musical Rent.

Our conversation ranges from topics of identity, coming of age, safe spaces, and the risks both teachers and students take on the road to authenticity and self-acceptance.

That One Teacher Reunion Podcast reunites adult change-makers with the educators who shaped their paths.

Hosted by filmmaker and former teacher Laurie Townshend, each episode is a powerful conversation about impact, gratitude, and the stories we’re still living because one teacher showed up.

We’re soft-launching on May 6 & 7 in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week in the U.S. and Canada, with Episode 1 featuring @hollywoodjade and his unforgettable high school Drama teacher, Mr. G.

Listen to the trailer now on Spotify, and follow along for stories of impact, gratitude, and full circle moments that will resonate in profound ways.