If there is one job that often seems to be taken for granted, it is the job of a teacher.There are a lot of teachers in our country and around the world who take the extra step in education to help mold the minds of our future. Many times, I have noticed the lack of appreciation for teachers and educators. I have heard parents at freshman orientation argue with their son or daughter about wanting to be a teacher; saying things like “that doesn’t pay enough” or “you should be a doctor instead!" Now of course, doctors are respected and appreciated, but where would they be without their teachers?
I believe the fact that teachers are the ones who educate our doctors, lawyers and so on is so overlooked. Teaching has become such a frowned-upon occupation because of its wage. Now I am not here to argue that teachers should be paid more. I am trying to point out that teaching is about much more than just a paycheck.Those who chose to teach are most likely aware of what they are getting into; they know that it is not a well-paying job, they know that they will not be fully appreciated and they know that people will look down upon them.Yet, they still follow their passion and choose to teach.
Teachers are those who inspire. Often times, they themselves were inspired by someone else.They teach because they love the subject or content they chose and they love working with students.Teachers are those who like helping people and if they are good at their job, they will do whatever it takes to see their students succeed.For a good teacher, it is not just an occupation; it is a lifestyle. This is something that does not just stop outside of the classroom.Teachers take their work home.They spend many nights and weekends grading papers, reading essays, revising writing and making lesson plans. On top of all that, they are still learning. Teachers chose their field because they love education.They are in a way addicted to education. Good teachers realize that education and learning do not stop—it is a continuous process.
Something needs to be done about the lack of respect society has for teachers.It is not fair to look down on the very same people who taught our doctors, lawyers, judges, police officers, nurses, and veterinarians. None of those people could have became what they are without going to college. They could not have gone to college without first having primary and secondary education (elementary through high school). If society could stop putting money up on a pedestal, teachers would probably be viewed more highly. It is because of values like these that people do not realize how important teachers actually are.
