This is from Paxton's "Peace Will Come" album, 1972. Don't know about the teacher reference, but the rest fits.

.....Tiger

You Came Throwing Colors
Tom Paxton

CHORUS
You came throwing colors
All around my blacks and grays,
While I stood in wondor you just opened up my days.
Let me tell you what you did to me,
I want to shout the news.
You came throwing colors 'round my blues,
You came throwing colors 'round my blues.

Makes me wonder how I got
The way I used to be,
Something in my head
Just simply made a mess of me,
Then you told me love was possible,
You told me I was free.
You came throwing colors 'round my blues

CHORUS

INSTRUMENTAL BREAK

Oh, I would sit for hours
Never noticing the sky.
Chances came and went,
You know, I let them scurry by.
Then you told me love was possible,
You made me want to try -
You came throwing colors 'round my blues.

CHORUS

(You came throwing colors 'round my blues.)
(You came throwing colors 'round my blues.)