Kudos to this newspaper, supported by Thrifty’s and Staples, for your initiative in recognizing and acknowledging the importance of our teachers.
What a great idea. We would do well in our community to salute these dedicated professionals more often. They are not only educating our children, but in today’s changing work and family culture, even play a role helping to raise them.
Change means teaching, already demanding work, is becoming even more taxing. It can be exhausting. I’m reminded of a caring Junior Achievement business person who volunteered to spend a few days in the classroom. They quickly realized it is darn hard work. Teachers start “on stage” shortly after breakfast and finish late in the afternoon. That same evening they’re busy planning lessons for the next day. Try it sometime.
Teaching is different from most other jobs where there’s a steady flow of tasks, meetings and projects that come your way. Teaching is more like being a playwright and lead actor at the same time. You have to create the whole day-long scenario yourself. Hour after hour, a teacher must keep it moving and make it interesting and motivating for a classroom of young people. Youth who at the same time, are wrestling with the challenges of being and becoming themselves.
While we may hear about negativity surrounding negotiations as unions do what they believe is necessary, don’t let that cloud the fact that everyday teachers keep forging ahead with the interests of our sons and daughters at heart. They are vital to the enrichment of our communities and indeed our families. Overwhelmingly they certainly deserve our recognition and continuing support.
Well done Goldstream News Gazette. Well done teachers.
Gerald Kelly
President Emeritus
Royal Roads University