Honoring teachers and all they do

The greatest profession of all is teaching. Perhaps the oldest profession of all is teaching. Every person in life has had a teacher, whether it was their parents as first teachers or their guardian who taught them. Every job, career or profession is built on teaching, training, in-service, apprenticeship or mentoring.

There would be no production or progressive growth without teaching. For those who believe in a Supreme Being, there are teachings. Every coach is a teacher who works for the better development of character and the skills of the sports or the organization.Teachers are the most important persons in our lives outside of parents. They spend more time with us than any other individuals or group. As a veteran administrator, I am amazed at the work our teachers do here in Marion County.

Each school district, alternative school, Adult Education, county technical school and the colleges in the county provide good educational opportunities for students. Yes, we as a county can do more and should do more to improve our educational structures and content, however, teachers do an outstanding job with the resources they possess. I have the privilege, as do all superintendents in the county, of visiting classrooms, schools and school programs and seeing teachers at work.

What a terrific job they do each and every day! Teachers should be better respected and applauded for their extraordinary work. I would like to share with you the roles teachers play every day in the lives of students, parents, community and schools.

These activities occur everyday in the lives of teachers across the county and also across the state and country.
Teachers are super human beings who also serve as
Motivators, motivating students to learn;
Chefs and cooks, providing meals and food when students come to school without
Lunch;
Counselors, to students and parents;
Maids, cleaning clothes, noses and other body parts;
Referees, always making calls when there is an argument;
Wrestlers, stopping fights;
Taxi drivers, taking students and parents home;
Emergency technicians, treating students and others with CPR and First Aid;
Leaders, always taking the high road and doing what is in the best interest of students, parents and communities;
Firemen, putting out literal fires in trashcans and fires in heated arguments;
Negotiators, negotiating what’s in the best interest of students;
Peacemakers, as in “Blessed are the Peacemakers;”
Detectives, following clues, investigating students and issues;
Wardens, of ISS, detention, suspension and the like;
Lawyers, defending the student, and or parent, or prosecuting either because of rules and laws being broken;
Judges, delivering a verdict (as in the case of grades and promotions);
Parents, by law each teacher serves in the position of parents during the day (in loco parentis);

Many teachers will tell you that they perform all of these duties and many more. Teachers also include in their daily task; traffic directing, dog chasing, cow prodding off school grounds, mechanics for students’ broken vehicles, bus drivers, models, mentors and more. Teachers are expected to be both the “Johnny on the spot” as well as a “Jack of all trades.” Dedicated teachers perform these duties admirably. They are faithful, hard working and sincere individuals.

There are no occupations that exist on this planet that have not been influenced and trained by teachers. We need them and we love them for all they do. So, “Let’s Hear it for the Teachers!” You are our heroes, you are our steady influence in our community. You deserve our respect and our admiration. We need you to be the excellent leaders that you are to our community. To all the former teachers, current teachers and the future teachers, we owe you a debt of gratitude for all you have done, are doing and will do for our students, parents, communities and lives.

The United States is currently facing a teacher shortage. There will soon be more than two million teachers retiring. Many positions are vacant. There is a need in our country for certified teachers.
The teaching industry will face this shortage with fear. No one can take the place in schools of a highly dedicated and certified teacher. Should teachers receive better compensation for all they do? I say absolutely.

As we appreciate their works and effort, let take every opportunity to thank them and affirm to them just how vital and critical their services is to the life of our entire community, county, state and nation.
I say “Let’s Hear it for the Teachers!” You are “good and faithful servants.”