Voices
lenge on a daily basis.
In the spring of my career, I
found myself questioning the
choice of my life’s work. The
students did not appear to be
motivated, the paperwork was
overwhelming and the constant
change of educational direction was discouraging. But, I just
could not seem bring myself to
do anything else. “Next year,”
I would say. “Next year I will
switch jobs, make more money
and have far less stress.” Next
year just never came. I am now in
year 40. And while I am no longer
in the classroom or at the schoolhouse, I remain an educator. It
finally dawned on me that there
was no other profession that
would let me change children’s
minds and have an impact on
their future, long after the school
day and school year were over.
For every student that finally “got
it,” for every rookie teacher that
said, “you inspired me to stay,”
I get the raise that never quite
made it to my paycheck.
I was on a plane recently and
the flight attendant asked my
name. When I told him, he said, “I
knew that was you! You taught at
my elementary school. You made
me take my cap off in the building
RITA F.
PIERSON
HUFFINGTON
05.12.13
Unless there is a connection
between teacher, student and
lesson, learning becomes tiresome
to all involved.”
and told me I was handsome.” He
then paused and said: “I think I
kept my hat on until you saw me,
just so I could get that compliment. Thank you for making me
feel special.” I don’t think he realized how special he made me feel
that day. There have been so many
former students over the years
who have made me realize the
sustaining power of relationships.
I most certainly realize the
extreme importance of being a
competent teacher. Unfortunately, far too many in our ranks are
unqualified and poorly trained.
Many are working tirelessly to
rectify that. But while we ad-
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