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 senior English teacher was very encouraging and helped me with scholarship applications for college.
My favorite was Miss Beadle, but Laura was a close 2nd
The teacher that inspired me the most was my accounting teacher, Miss Hewitt. She is why I am an account today.
My favorite Little House on the Prairie teacher was Miss Beadle because she was so kind, yet firm.
My mother, Beth, home schooled me and all my siblings, eight in total, through all the twelve grades of school. She loved learning, and teaching us children was a good way to stay fresh in every grade herself! She did her best to help every one of us! She was, and still is, a fan of Little House on the Prairie, and is the one that introduced us to the series. We watched every episode!
I think my favorite teacher on the show was Miss Beadle because, based on my observations of her body language, she seemed the kindest. This was before closed captioning, and I will need to see the reruns now with the captions. My favorite teacher is Miss Mackesy. Even though she was strict, she gave me the attention I needed, and I learned a lot from her.
Laura was my favorite teacher! I wanted to teach in a one-room school house, too. Instead, I teach in a modern day traditional classroom following in the steps of my favorite teacher as a child. My second grade teacher was the kindest and most encouraging teacher at our school. Her compassion and concern for all her students made me want to be just like her. That was also the year the librarian introduced me to the Little House series, and I’ve been hooked every since.