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!
57 comments
My favorite Little House on the Prairie teacher was Miss Beadle. I chose Miss Beadle because she had always reminded me so much of my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Anna Marie Matteo. Mrs. Matteo was and will always be my favorite teacher of all time.
Both Miss Beadle and Mrs. Matteo were not only great teachers but really cared about and encouraged their students. They took the time to listen to you even when you needed to speak about something that was of a personal nature.
In 2017, a few of us from my 6th grade graduating class of 1969 decided to have a reunion. We located as many former classmates as we could find. Facebook was a great help. We were able to locate about twenty of us. Twelve committed to attend the reunion in NYC. Most attending from New York and nearby states, one flying in from California and one from Nevada.
We realized this reunion would not be complete without Mrs. Matteo. With a lot of searching, we finally found her!!!! Our Mrs. Matteo was very much alive and well, in her 70’s and was so excited about seeing us all. Mrs. Matteo was to be our guest of honor.
What a great reunion it was for us all. Who would have thought we’d ever see our favorite teacher Mrs. Matteo ever again, especially after 48 years? She was still that caring, kind, loving, inspirational woman we all loved. It was not surprising at all to learn quite a few of my former classmates were inspired to become school teachers because of Mrs. Matteo.
At the reunion, Mrs. Matteo asked that we call her by her first name but most of us found it difficult to do so because she was and will always be our beloved teacher, Mrs. Matteo.
I really liked all of the teachers on Little House, they each had their own way of teaching, but they all really cared about their students. My favorite teacher was my middle school music teacher, she helped me to believe in myself and be a little more confident.
I really liked all of the teachers on Little House, they each had their own way of teaching, but they all really cared about their students. My favorite teacher was my middle school music teacher, she helped me to believe in myself and be a little more confident.
My favorite teacher on the show was Miss Beadle. She was so kind, patient, and had a genuine heart for her students. I’ve yet to smell lemon verbena, but I know that’s what Miss Beadle smells like! I have had so many wonderful teachers that it’s impossible to choose a favorite. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Mickley, was kind, loving, and understood the value of play. My nursery school teachers, Mrs. Hegre and Mrs. Fagerstrom made me feel special and seen. I loved my high school English teacher, Mr. Tangen because he challenged us to read, think about, and write complex texts. My geometry teacher, Mr. Lahlum, made learning math fun! How many teachers can do that? I had wonderful college professors who prepared me to teach elementary school: Dr. Smith, Mrs. Prom, Dr. Ellingson, and Dr. Stoen. And now, I am doing what they did—preparing the next generation of teachers.
Ms. Beetle was my favorite and then was Laura…because of the show and my grandma, I’ve been a teacher in the inner city of Milwaukee for thirty years….thank you.