Myrtle Louise Talbott

I was a student of Ms. Talbot's in the TAG program in 1980-1982. That program gave me faith--faith I have even now--that even if the place I found myself was dreary, somewhere only a shortbus ride away was a place where (if only once a week) people did not laugh at me for being smart.

I learned from Tim Jarrett today of Ms. Talbot's death. I suppose that these days the children of Newport News have a different teacher for that program, and who they will come to associate with their...

As one of the many children taught by "Miss Talbott" (as we called her), I was saddened to learn of her passing. She made a huge impact on my life through her commitment and creative teaching. My family knew her at church as well and I loved keeping in touch with her. Please accept my condolences.

I just learned last week that Ms. Talbot passed away last week, and I've been struggling with what to say.

Picture this: I've been through third grade and the teachers are so tired of trying to keep me engaged that they shift me off in the corner with a book. Then fourth grade starts and they round me up with a few other kids, put us on a bus, and send us to another school halfway across town, where Ms. Talbot waits for us, along with a Spanish teacher, CPR practice, creative writing...

I would like to express my sadness at hearing of Myrt's passing. She was a fellow teacher in my first two years of teaching, and was so very instrumental in helping me to become the teacher I was up until my retirement three years ago. I remember her with such love for her generous spirit, her compassion for a young teacher, and her love of teaching children. What a role model she was for me. I received a Christmas card from her as usual and she gave no indication of not being well. I am...