Back To School

Millions of youngsters are now back in school all across the USA

. And, greeting them with open arms are millions of teachers, poised ready for another season of academia. I thought a round of applause and appreciation for our educators would be a nice gesture.I know a few teachers. My daughter and son-in-law are both teachers. My son, while still in the process of getting his PHD is also teaching this fall. I also have a few friends, including my neighbor, Len who are teachers.Looking at some statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, I found that around 3.7 million full-time-equivalent (FTE) elementary and secondary school teachers were engaged in classroom instruction in the fall of 2009. This number has risen 12 percent since 1999. The 2009 projected number of FTE teachers includes 3.2 million public school teachers and a half million private school teachers.I have always thought that teachers carry an incredible responsibility. Their task is to present information in the best way possible in order to educate our young people. In our modern fast paced, high tech world, a quality education is critical.While I have never been employed as a school teacher, I have been teaching the Bible since 1976 in various settings. I have taught groups ranging in size from a handful to hundreds. I love to teach.I know what preparation is required to be able to present information clearly so that it can be understood. I once heard a phrase that has stuck with me for years, "The aim of all education is action. Head knowledge is great, but can you apply it in your life?"So, I applaud our teachers for their commitment and their dedication. They are instrumental in bringing enlightened understanding to impressionable young minds. They also carry a great responsibility for their actions and perhaps that is why when a teacher does wrong, there is a great outcry.But in any field, our focus should not be on the very few who do wrong, but rather on the many teachers who, day after day, do their best to educate. Many realize that parents have entrusted them with their child for eight hours a day. The real teachers understand the burden that they have inspiring learning.With all that responsibility as well as the magnitude of what they do, how well are teachers compensated? Ever since I found out the general salary of teachers, I was disgusted. I have felt for so many years these wonderful hard working dedicated people are paid so very little for what they are responsible to do.Again, from the U.S. Department of Education statistics, I found that the average salary for public school teachers in 2008-09 was $53,910, about 2 percent higher than in 1998-99, after adjustment for inflation. The salaries of public school teachers have generally maintained pace with inflation since 1990-91. The annual salary for a first year teacher is somewhere around $27,000.These figures of course are average. Many, many teachers make less. I have always thought that our teachers should be compensated a lot more.As the new school year begins, here in the USA we face some very serious economic situations. Many state workers have been given mandatory days off without pay. While the Federal Government seems to be spending billions of dollars that are not there, local governments are cutting costs wherever they can.I pray that we don't cut any teachers or their salaries any more than the cuts that have already taken place. Our children are too important; they represent the future of our country. Our teachers play a very critical role for our country in the years ahead.Finally, how about providing some additional assistance and blessing? I would say this regardless of whether I had family and friends as teachers. But why not look for some way to do something nice for a teacher?You could give them some extra cash, or tickets to the movie. You could offer to take them dinner or bring them a box of cookies. Showing a little gratitude for what they do would be most appreciated.The bell is about to ring. The halls are full of fresh empty heads. It's time once again for class to begin.

Back To School

By: Michael A. Verdicchio

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