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!
58 comments
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.
Laura was definitely my favorite teacher, I appreciated her most because out of all of the teachers on the series, she seemed to know the most about what kind of shenanigans they might be pulling, she seemed to relate to the kids in a way that brought out the best in them. That brings me to one of my favorite teachers, who was firm, but fair, and always helped bring out the best in her students – she was the kind of teacher you didn’t want to disappoint, and wanted to be proud of you, and for that, Mrs. Perpall, thank you! The impact she had on me is one of the reasons I became a teacher, myself.
I liked Miss Plum in the series. She seemed so kind. My favorite teacher was in High School Mrs. Lea who taught freshman English. She was so kind and shared many life expreriences with us students.
Ms. Beadle- My favorite teacher was a college instructor whose name I cannot remember, but she took time with me to help me fill in my history notes when I could not take notes fast enough. She would let me come to her office and read my notes to her then she would fill in the missing parts. I passed history because she cared enough to help me!🥰
I think my favorite teacher on Little House was Miss Beadle, partly because she was the first and all those early episodes are what got me roped into the show as a child and as a lifelong fan. Miss Beadle was pretty, gentle, understanding, and challenged her students to be their best.
It’s hard to pick a favorite teacher as I had many wonderful teachers, but I will always remember Miss Dixon, my 6th grade teacher, for seeing things in me that others didn’t always realize. She noticed my creative side and gave me opportunities to shine. She was so sweet and kind to us. They say that you won’t always remember what a teacher taught you, but you’ll remember how they made you feel and that is what I think of when I think about Miss Dixon. She made us feel loved and important.