A teacherB次元官网网址檚 kind gesture gift-wrapped in encouraging words put Silken Laumann on a path that led to an Olympic medal.

B次元官网网址淚 had learning challenges growing up, particularly around reading,B次元官网网址� said Laumann, who overcame a horrific injury to win a bronze medal in the womenB次元官网网址檚 single sculls at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. B次元官网网址淭here didnB次元官网网址檛 seem to be a plan in place at the time for kids like me.B次元官网网址�

These are the kind of stories highlighted in the Black PressB次元官网网址� Great Teachers series this spring, run in partnership with Staples and supported by Camosun College.

For Laumann, her future was shaped by a fateful visit by her teacher, Mrs. Finlayson of Lorne Park public school, to LaumannB次元官网网址檚 house in Mississauga, Ont.

Laumann had failed Grade 3.

B次元官网网址淚t was one of those moments. She brought a box of Laura Secord chocolates and I remember her saying that everyone was good at something and I would find what I was good at for me,B次元官网网址� Laumann said. B次元官网网址淚t really had an impact.B次元官网网址�

Speaking about the work teachers do is a B次元官网网址渟uper big subject for me,B次元官网网址� Laumann underlined.

Two of her four children have dealt with learning issues, including a stepdaughter with autism.

Another daughter who has dyslexia has just been accepted to Harvard University, where she plans to study science and humanities.

B次元官网网址淚 have relied heavily on the passion and dedication of teachers in the public and private systems championing my kids through school,B次元官网网址� she noted.

The experiences of having four children in four different schools has significantly broadened LaumannB次元官网网址橞次元官网网址檚 perspective for the work teachers do.

B次元官网网址淢ore importantly, itB次元官网网址檚 given me an appreciation for the range of different learning styles teachers employ.

B次元官网网址淜ids arenB次元官网网址檛 one size fits all,B次元官网网址� Laumann said. B次元官网网址淭eachers are always adapting to the different learning needs of their students.B次元官网网址�

Two elements of what teachers do derived from her own challenges in school have left lasting impressions on Laumann.

B次元官网网址淏ecause I struggled, I had to work really hard. I was in remedial everything and had to put in a lot extra time,B次元官网网址� Laumann recalled. B次元官网网址淭he teachers cared that much to be there for me before and after school. The realization that I got though school because of the extra time teachers put in outside of the classroom is one of the reasons why I try to be so generous with my time.B次元官网网址�

Her work as a strategic life coach and motivational speaker has taken Laumann all over the world.

B次元官网网址淚 often get to speak to teachers at conferences,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 love them as an audience because of the big impact they had on my life.B次元官网网址�

Laumann is a regular contributor to magazines, newspapers and other media. She also wrote a book, Unsinkable, in 2014.

The deadline to share your story about a teacher that has left a lasting impression on you or someone you know is May 14. To nominate a teacher go to , , , or .