Debbie Tomlinson was hoping for a peaceful getaway at her North Carolina vacation home. What she didn’t expect was an uninvited guest—a bear—taking up residence on her porch. The unexpected encounter could have been a moment of panic for many, but Debbie relied on a skill she mastered during her teaching career: her stern “teacher voice.”
The bear appeared on Debbie’s porch without a care in the world. Hoping to scare it off quickly, she tried pounding on the patio door, making as much noise as she could to encourage the bear to leave. However, the unperturbed animal didn’t seem to notice—or simply didn’t care—and stayed put as if it were invited to stay.
That’s when Debbie tapped into years of experience as a high school teacher. Channeling the same commanding presence that once helped her manage a room full of teenagers, she raised her voice and gave the bear a firm talking-to, just as she might have addressed an unruly student. “It was like speaking to one of my 10th graders,” Debbie recalled with a chuckle. “I didn’t have to use my teacher voice very often back then—I had wonderful students—but it’s coming in handy all these years later!”
Surprisingly, her no-nonsense tone did the trick. The bear, seemingly startled by Debbie’s commanding voice, hesitated before retreating from the porch, leaving the vacation home to its rightful owner. Debbie watched as the animal ambled away, relieved and amused by the success of her impromptu lesson in boundary-setting.
The retired teacher’s calm demeanor and quick thinking are a testament to the enduring power of the “teacher voice.” It’s a skill honed over years of managing classrooms, where authority, composure, and clear communication are essential. Debbie’s ability to use these traits in such an unexpected situation demonstrates just how adaptable those skills can be.
Reflecting on the encounter, Debbie is both amused and proud. “I never thought I’d use my teacher voice to deal with a bear,” she said with a smile, “but it worked, and I’m grateful for that.” Her story has since become a source of laughter and admiration among her family and friends.
Debbie’s bear encounter serves as a lighthearted reminder that life often finds surprising ways to remind us of the tools and lessons we’ve gathered along the way. Whether in a classroom or on a porch, a calm and assertive voice can go a long way—even with a bear.
