At least three times I have been part of an article in the local newspaper regarding teaching. I’ve also read hundreds on the topic. One time I was involved was when the Secretary of Educatio in California came down to visit our rural school in 2007. That article was very complimentary but they aren’t always that way, in case you haven’t noticed. As I was mowing “the weeds” out front today I thought of this topic for a blog post: “Who are Teachers, Really?”
Teachers are people who used their education.
So many of my friends I run across now either on Facebook or just around town did not put their excellent “South Orange County” education to work. Some did and went into various trades but teachers used it to keep getting educated. All teachers have at least a Bachelor’s degree. I’ll never forget when I was about 23 and I’d just started my college path for the second time. This time I was serious about it and a few of my friends almost made fun of me for it. One said, “Wait until Bill Clinton makes it free.” I might also mention that he had a joint in his hand when he said it. I remember that as a defining moment for me. I gained a new respect for teachers and education in general when he said that.
Teachers have shown discipline as interns and student teachers.
My Master Teacher, Anthony Tebelskis, was the one who told me when my class was out of control: “The best behavior control is a dynamite lesson plan.” That quote has so much meaning to me, I named this blog after it. The only way I appreciated that though was through being humbled. Being in the presence of close mentors can often cause one to be humbled. Teachers have been, and often.
Teachers have “people” as their work product.
Look at any mall and you can imagine all sorts of products: diamonds, electronic, cheese and sauce (Pizza), entertainment. The product that teachers mold is “people.” I love that about my job. The bottom line is how many or how much you helped people.
Teachers are communicators and lifelong learners.
At work, I often have aides or parents that approach me about math problems or the like that are stumping them. I always feel flatterred and try my best to help them out. It’s one thing to know how to get the answer but another completely to teach it to someone.
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I used to think teachers were lame. Like they had 2 left feet in the real world so had to take a mindless job of teaching. How ironic that I have become a teacher! The purpose of this post is to show the amazing things teachers do and the wonderful people that they are. Those who can, teach!