Is there any more noble profession than teaching?

Today is Day of the Teacher. In the Lifestyles section of the paper today, you'll find biographies of some of Amador County's teachers. The list is by no means complete, but we at the Ledger Dispatch honor those on our pages - and those who aren't - for all the work they do with the youth of Amador County.

Everyone has a teacher that touched their lives in some profound way. Throughout my school years in Amador County, I've had my favorites - and not so favorites - as well. Looking at the Lifestyles section brought back fond memories for me of a few teachers who made an impact in my life.

For example, who could forget Ms. Arnese? Of all the teachers I had in school, she probably had the biggest impact on me. She fostered a love of reading that sticks with me still and just made me a better person. Some people have an incredible effect on your life but you don't realize it until it's too late.

I remember when I was in seventh grade, Ms. Arnese lived directly below her portable classroom at Jackson Junior High. Her front door was, literally, about 20 feet from her classroom.

Ms. Arnese and I had a routine in the seventh grade: She pushed me to do better (she always told me I was wasting my "smarts") and I - like most kids - wouldn't listen and would act up in class. She kicked me out of class at least twice a week because of the way I acted. One day she even kicked me out before class even started, rather than wait for the bell to ring.

So the day she kicked me out early I went down and sat on her front porch. After class, she came out and yelled at me for that, too - but I could tell she was smiling through her yelling.

The world is certainly a darker place without her and her infectious smile and laugh. She had an amazing way of making each student feel like they were the most important kid in her life. And she pushed me, which I needed.

Another teacher that had a big influence on me is Mr. White - my seventh grade history and P.E. teacher.

Mr. White taught us boys how to be men. I still remember him comparing himself to E.F. Hutton - "When I talk, you listen," he'd say. I didn't know who E.F. Hutton was, but I listened anyway.

One of the more profound things Mr. White told us was that when we got to high school, no matter what time it was or where we were, if we ever got ourselves into a situation where we had too much to drink or our ride did, he'd come pick us up.

I honestly believe that if I would have called him he would have come, too. For all his gruff exterior, it was obvious he really cared about us.

Once I made it out of junior high, I walked the opposite way from my Grandma's house on Argonaut Lane and went to Argonaut High School. There were a number of teachers in high school that influenced me as well.

Keith Davis taught me to look beyond what was written in the history books to find the real truth. In honors U.S. History class we read Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States," a book that made a huge impact on me.

I have never looked at history or the government the same way since. I can honestly say that book changed my entire concept of the world.

When I was a freshman, Mr. Davis also saved me from getting beat up one time in P.E. when I smarted off to a much bigger senior. I might not be here today if it weren't for him.

Then there is Gonzo. He is still one of the best teachers I have ever had and probably is responsible for my love of government. He also supported me when I did a very controversial presentation on freedom of speech. Again, I might not be here if it weren't for him.

And finally, there was Mrs. Kennedy. She took a chance on me and made me the editor of the high school newspaper. The rest, as they say, is history.

I know there were so many others that made an impact on my life - a word of encouragement here, a smile there - all of it adds up. Teachers give and give with no thought of what they are getting back.

While some of the faces may have changed since I was in school (and some have stayed the same), there is no doubt that the intangible drive that makes them do what they do remains unchanged.

And we are all better for it.