Thank-a-Teacher Giveaway: Little House Nostalgia & Modern Day Heroes
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!
63 comments
My favorite teacher on LHOTP was Eliza Jane Wilder. I felt she had the most growth over the course of the show.
One of my favorite teachers in High School was Mr Freeman. It was right around the time when Dead Poet’s Society came out. He was young and just starting out. He collected poems of ours and “published” them. By published I mean in a journal he created. It made us feel special and helped spark creativity. I think he was only there one year but he made an impact on me.
I adored Miss Beadle on LHOTP. She had a gentle spirit about her, yet also had a feisty side, and firmly stood her ground when she needed to make her convictions known. She strongly encouraged her students to work hard and achieve their goals to the best of their abilities and fully supported them. I had a teacher who embodied these very same qualities. She was my high school English Honors teacher. She saw the strengths and weaknesses in each of her students, and taught them how to use their strengths to improve their weaknesses and to never stop striving toward their goals. She made a huge difference in the lives of each of her students. Sadly, she passed away several years ago, but Mrs. Haynes will forever live on the hearts and minds of every student in her class.
Laura was my favorite on Little House on the Prairie.
Nancy Ann Willard taught school for almost 50 years – starting with her student teaching at 21 until fully retiring at 70. Her memorial service had students, many now grandparents, speak of her life long, lasting impact on them from 4th grade and 6th grade. We’ll into her 80’s, she still had students writing her thank you notes, visiting her with flowers, and sharing memories with her on Facebook. She believed that loving and encouraging every one of her students was the most important “rule” of all. She was my mother and she taught me so much about living well!