Today, I want to talk about a memorable teacher from my high school days—someone who left a lasting impression on me and who I’ll likely mention if I’m asked to describe a teacher on the speaking test such as IELTS exam.

Her name was Ms. Matsuura, my high school English teacher. It’s been almost 20 years since then, so I imagine she’s retired by now, but I still remember her vividly. She was an exceptional teacher, and I think part of the reason why I was such a good student in her class was that she made learning feel meaningful and memorable.

Today, I want to break down exactly why she was so memorable to me.

Before I dive into why Ms. Matsuura left such an impact on me, I think it’s important to give some context, especially for listeners who might not be familiar with the Japanese education system.

In Japan, at least in my experience, the primary goal of schooling, particularly in high school, is to prepare students for university entrance exams. These exams are incredibly competitive, and because of that, the focus is often on memorization and repetition, especially for subjects like English, which I studied as part of a liberal arts curriculum.

Unlike schools in North America, which often emphasize critical thinking, debate, and class participation, the teaching style in Japan can be much more traditional. Classes are often lecture-based, and students aren’t really encouraged to question the teacher or engage in open discussions. Instead, you’re expected to listen, take notes, and memorize information to pass exams. This means students with good memories and a knack for listening closely are often seen as the best students.

And honestly, I was one of those students. I thrived in that environment, and Ms. Matsuura recognized that. But what made her stand out wasn’t just her ability to teach—it was her personality and unique approach to connecting with students.

First off, her style. One of the things I remember most about her was her fashion sense. In our rural hometown, nobody really dressed in high-end brands. But She rocked Gucci and Louis Vuitton in the classroom! It was so different from what everyone else wore that it became a topic of conversation among students. Some people liked it, others didn’t, but for me, it was fascinating. I used to think, "Maybe if I move to an English-speaking country one day, I could dress like that too!" It was kind of a silly thought, but at the time, it inspired me.

Second, her teaching methods. She had this unique skill for making important things stick. In a system where memorization was key, she had a way of turning vocabulary and grammar rules into memorable, almost fun, concepts. I can still remember some of the tricks and tips she gave us for learning new words, even now. And that's saying something considering how much time has passed!

The third reason Ms. Matsuura stands out in my memory is probably the most personal—she treated me differently from the other students.

Now, let me clarify: she didn’t play favorites in a way that felt unfair or inappropriate, but she did make me feel like I was special in her class. She would often rely on me to help keep the class running smoothly, whether it was answering questions quickly, helping with translations, or just being the “model student” that others could look to for guidance.

There were even times when she’d applaud me in front of the entire class, which, as a high school student, felt amazing. That recognition and validation meant a lot to me, and I think it’s part of why I excelled. It’s not just about having a good memory—it’s about feeling seen and appreciated for your efforts.

It’s funny to think about now, as I prepare for the IELTS speaking exam, because I realize how much of an impact she had on my journey with English. And as I’m practicing for this test, thinking about how to perfectly describe a teacher who made a difference in my life, Ms. Matsuura is the first person who comes to mind.