Were you fortunate enough to have at least one special teacher? Many of us enjoy such a treasure.

My special teacher, Louie Mihalyi, died recently. He lived and taught in the speck of a village, Glenfield. In the sparse North Country of New York State. Those who attended his funeral learned one secret of his success. More about that later.

Louie taught biology and chemistry with clarity. That was important to a student, like me, who was intimidated by science.

He taught with precision. This came, I believe, from his preparation. Every school morning he rose at 4.30 to prepare his lessons for the day. He did this to the day he retired.

He disciplined us with the wisdom of a master. First, he made most students feel he believed in them. He expected a great deal from them. He knew they were capable of more than they put out. And so, the greatest punishment for many of us was his disappointment. Any sign we had let him down.

Other teachers shouted. Some strong-armed us. Some marched us to the principal’s office. Louie calmly asked me to leave class and stand in the hallway. I saw disappointment embedded in his face. This was all he needed to do to plunge me into shame and regret.