I can't read the title of this thread without thinking of Maya Angelou's poem. I can hear powerful readings of it in my head...it was a favorite at college poetry slams. I was always amazed how a powerful reading could bring new life to a poem.
http://www.safehome-ks.org/services/stories/phenomenal.htm
About that teacher...it makes me think of my high school American History teacher. She was TOUGH but knew her stuff. She'd been teaching it for many, many years, and still teaches. She is in her 80s at least, maybe 90s.