Society’s Impact on Education

Teachers have a critical role in all children’s lives. They help to mold, inspire, and create a well rounded citizen. Each and every one of us can recall some of the positive memories that we have toward a teacher. Maybe they taught you the joy of reading, math, or writing, Maybe they held your hand or lent a shoulder to cry on when you were scared, hurt, or sad. Maybe they instilled in you the need to persevere when times are tough or built your self confidence. Maybe they challenged your personal beliefs or simply allowed you to define and develop your personal character. Whatever impact they may have had, undoubtedly they made a difference in your life. Unfortunately our education is under attack by society. Continually life as a teacher is becoming too hard for some to handle. Constant changes and requirements are being place on teachers, yet, respect and adoration for all that we do is taken away or belittled. True, there are a few teachers – ones we hear about on the news and ones that do not love teaching. However, the majority of teachers love what they do, basically because of the importance of their career.

Without great teachers where would our society be? With hesitation many teachers are now being pushed to choose between their personal kids at home and their class filled kids at school. With financial strains, many note worthy teachers are having to leave their deserving students in order to provide for their families. Is this right? Could this be the reason for more, less qualified applicants, filling teaching positions? I challenge each of you to consider where you would be without a meaningful education. Where will your kids or grandkids be without a thought provoking teacher? Where will our country – the amazing USA – become, without educated teachers that are dedicated to enriching a child’ life and love for learning? As a teacher, I have contemplated over these very issues. Feeling as though teaching is my God given purpose, I do not visualize myself being able to do anything else. However, I am scared to death for my kids as they journey through our education system. I hope that they are blessed with teachers that are able to focus on teaching and helping their students to reach and fulfill their individual strengths and potentials. Instead of teachers that have constant worries about providing for their family. What can we do to help ensure that excellent teachers remain in our classrooms? My suggestion: increase pay, give them respect, let them hear or read about their importance, and reform a society that appreciates a strong educational foundation.