Leaster Arps-Widmark, known as Mrs. Arps to her students, started teaching in 1970. She spent 25 years of her career with the Ferguson-Florissant School District, teaching the fifth-grade students at Griffith Elementary School.
At 74 years old, she's now retired, but she remembers her teaching style well — perhaps as well as her former students do. She was strict and encouraged them to be independent and respectful.
Last year, she had surgery. Her son posted about it on Facebook, and those former students who never forgot Mrs. Arps sent messages of well-wishes and hope for a swift recovery. She made a deep impact on their lives, but perhaps the teacher wasn't aware of how deeply until recently.
She was brought back to her fifth-grade classroom, unaware that three of her former students, now all grown up, were there to surprise her.
They recounted stories of how Mrs. Arps' dedication and values helped shape the kinds of people they've become. One even recalled having a bad attitude entering her class, and then quickly losing it once she became his teacher!
In the clip below, you can watch the moment Mrs. Arps turns around and recognizes the three people who wanted to says thanks. It's a touching and tender moment that's sure to make you remember your favorite teacher too.
If there's one you would like to thank for providing valuable life lessons, let us know!
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