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Readers who responded to last week's online poll about effective teachers said a combination of factors is what makes teachers stand out.

Six percent of respondents said teachers' high expectations of students is what makes them effective, while 4 percent said it's their ability to relate well to students and 2 percent said it's their mastery of the subject material. However, 88 percent of respondents said effective teachers have all of those qualities.

In addition, a vast majority of poll respondents — 86 percent — said teachers are underappreciated.

We also asked readers to recognize outstanding teachers. Here are some of the names we were given and what parents and/or students had to say about them:

● Mark Olbin, fifth grade, Lineweaver Elementary School:

Mr. Olbin is a true star in the Tucson Unified School District. Mr. Olbin takes respect for the kids, a joy of learning, gentle discipline and a command of the subjects with him to school every day. Every child at Lineweaver would love to be in his class, and I suspect every kid who has ever had his class has never forgotten him. Truly, a great teacher.

● Michael Harrison, band teacher, Utterback Middle School:

Mr. Harrison is a gifted musician who happens to also have a passion for teaching. His music program at Utterback is tops. He's young enough to relate to the kids and accomplished enough to guide them to be the best they can be. We are so sad that our time in his program is nearing the end, but look back with gratitude at all he has done, bringing out the joy and love of music in our son and in so many others.

● Jennifer Skaggs, kindergarten teacher, Hudlow Elementary School.

Ms. Skaggs is our grandson's teacher. She is impressive to watch in action. She commands the students' attention and interacts well with her students. The children in the class are all learning and having fun. Every child mastered his or her reading goals this year.

● Suzanne Thomas, Karan Stewart and Margarita Rodriguez, Drake Alternative Middle School.

These teachers serve their students educationally, emotionally and socially, and positively impact young lives year after year. Their work contributes to the greater good of our community, as they educate and nurture kids in need through the hardest times of their lives. They combine strong academic expectations with compassion and support, and remain a resource to students even after they leave Drake.

● Jane Strohm, seventh-grade biology and chemistry teacher, BASIS Tucson.

She is a great teacher. She was voted our favorite teacher in yearbook, and it's fun to learn with her because she relates with us so well.