Abstract Literature acknowledges that pre-service teachers’ memories of their past might influence how they see their future as teachers, and thus on the construction of their teacher identity. However, we know little about the nature of the relation between pre-service teachers’ views of the ideal teacher and their memories of their own school teachers, particularly regarding specific subject disciplines, such as biology and geography. This study addresses the significance of this relation. Narratives from three pre-service elementary teachers reveal that positive memories of biology and geography teachers and future-oriented reflection connect their past and the ideal teacher. The findings suggest that just one positive memory can have far-reaching significance. In addition, their views of the ideal teacher were found not to be subject-specific. Finally, suggestions for teacher education are presented.