If you can read this, thank a teacher
School has begun for another year. Teachers are back in the classroom, doing the most important job in the world — preparing the next generation to contribute to society.
Much has been written about the plight of education, with its teacher shortages, funding shortfalls, and low test scores.
Some blame the teachers, saying they aren't what they used to be when we were in school.
And that's true.
With the disintegration of the family, declining influence of the church, and the negative effects of Hollywood, today's teachers are asked to do more and be more than ever before.
Looking at the challenges and obstacles today's teachers face, it's incredible we can find people willing to teach at all.
And yet, how fortunate we are in Hillsboro USD 410 and Goessel USD 411, to have educators who are passionate about their calling.
What does it take to be a great teacher in today's world? Here are a few prerequisites we can think of:
More than knowledge of science or math or history, great teachers know they're not teaching lessons, they're teaching people. Great teachers truly love their students.
Think how much more there is to learn today than you learned in school. Many local teachers took computer classes this summer to learn things their students already know. Great teachers dedicate themselves to a lifetime of learning.
In a country where an NFL running back gets millions of dollars a year, teachers never get paid what they're really worth to society. Great teachers are like missionaries; they're willing to work hard for inadequate pay.
Other challenges teachers face include dealing with students who've never been taught to behave at home, and their parents who blame the teacher for their child's poor behavior.
And on the other end of the spectrum are the hyper-vigilant and pushy parents who track their child's grades from their first day of school, expecting nothing but A's. The pressure on teachers to make every parent's child a scholar is immense.
Nevertheless, great teachers can somehow cope with all of the distractions and challenges.
They still see teaching as the noblest of professions.
They get their kicks watching their former students go on to become successful in life, and from the few who come back to say "thank you."
— GRANT OVERSTAKE
