When we think about Little House on the Prairie, it’s easy to picture golden fields, bustling homesteads, and family gathered around the fire. But just as important to Laura’s story—and to so many of ours—were the teachers who helped shape young minds along the way.
Remember Miss Eva Beadle? With her kind heart and steady patience, she was the very first teacher to welcome Laura and Mary into the Walnut Grove schoolhouse. Then there was Eliza Jane Wilder, Almanzo’s sister, who brought a bit more structure and formality (and a few memorable moments of strictness!) to the classroom. And let’s not forget Etta Plum, who continued the tradition of compassion, education, and community connection as the town grew.
And of course, we couldn't forget that Laura was a Walnut Grove teacher, herself!
Each of these teachers brought something special to the prairie—guidance, wisdom, encouragement—and left their mark on a generation.
And it’s no different today.
Teachers shape our futures with every lesson taught, every word of encouragement, every moment they believe in us before we believe in ourselves. This Teacher Appreciation Month, we're taking a moment to honor them—both the ones we grew up watching and the ones who made a real difference in our own lives.
The Thank-a-Teacher Giveaway
Here's how to enter:
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Comment below and tell us which Little House on the Prairie teacher was your favorite.
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Share a few words about your own favorite teacher—the one who left a lasting impact on your life.
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You may also enter by commenting on our Thank-a-Teacher Post on Facebook & Instagram, for a total of 3 entries per person.
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One lucky winner from each platform will receive a $75 Modern Prairie gift card! (3 winners total)
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Please, only ONE entry per post.
- Winners will be announced on Monday May 12th, 2025
Every story you share is a small way to say "thank you"—and it just might win you a $75 gift card in our Thank-a-Teacher Giveaway!
Because the lessons that stay with us forever didn’t just come from books or family members. They came from the hearts of incredible teachers. 💛
We can't wait to hear your stories!
61 comments
What I most remember about Laura’s teachers on Little House was how Miss Beadle wore lemon verbena cologne. I remember asking my mom about it at the time, & she told me it was an old fashioned scent… now, I seek out real lemon verbena scented soaps and products.
My favorite teacher was my sixth grade Social Studies teacher, Miss Gugula. She had a wonderful way of going on about seemingly anything and everything other than the subject at hand… but would always bring it around to the lesson in a way that made us remember it forever. I still remember a lot of the specific history lessons she taught. She was simply a joy. Thanks, Miss Gugula!
I have to say that Laura was my favorite teacher on Little House…My favorite teacher was my Mother..Even tho she never taught school,She was the one who taught me how to love and be kind..She taught me how to pray and she was the most precious and loving teacher to me…
My favorite little house teacher was ma- shen she took over and taught “Abel” it was inspiring how she hit him to read. I had a science teacher, Mr.Abrams, he inspired me to be a teacher to never give up. That’s the teacher that I have always tied to be.
L
I loved Miss Beadle because she treated all the kids with such kindness she understood not all the kids had money and she gave of herself to the kids that didn’t like when Laura and Mary didn’t have slate pencils. My favorite teacher was my English teacher Mrs. B. I was homeacholed till my Jr. Year and went to a very small pu license school where everyone had grown up together much like Laura and Mary felt entering Walnut Grove. Mrs. B. immediately made me feel like I wasn’t an outsider when all the kids did. She recognized my lobe of writing and encouraged me. Still showing a published article I wrote to her classes today. She changed schools some years back . I started working at a school this year and my room is right across from hers! My first-day on the job she gave me a big hug and I finally got to tell her how much of an impact she had on me.
My favorite teachers on Little house on the prairie were Mrs. Ingalls and Adam!
My desire to be a teacher was from a young age. I have been a teacher’s assistant for 10years.
My favorite teacher was in high school helping me learn Spanish! I had positive role models through school and so much support! Love all my teachers!!