Final answer:
Mrs. Fletcher in "Brendan's Lesson" is inferred to care deeply about her students, as indicated by her desirable qualities as a teacher and her passion for education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character Mrs. Fletcher in "Brendan's Lesson" can be most accurately inferred to be someone who cares about her students. Evidence supporting this can be seen in the descriptions that highlight her as a former student who was exceptional and would be a desirable private teacher due to her ability and character. Furthermore, the inspiration to become a teacher, stemming from a personal experience in reading as a first grader, suggests a strong inclination towards educational development and a passion for teaching.
Although there is no direct reference to Mrs. Fletcher's knowledge of sports or her history with Brendan, the snippet about a high school student being teased for receiving an academic award shows the challenges students may face in terms of competing priorities between academics and sports. This could imply that a caring teacher like Mrs. Fletcher might be sensitive to these challenges, reinforcing the idea that she prioritizes her students' well-being and academic success.