Back to school...

I know several teachers, and for a brief time I paid a few bills by being in a classroom.

If I learned anything from my experience it's that teachers are the most underpaid people in this country. I know, I know, people often say, "they get three months off!" True, summers are a time where students aren't in the classroom, but teachers still take the time to keep up-to-date on certification, they prepare lessons and update materials for the upcoming year, they prepare a learning environment, and they take a much deserved breather.

Before you complain about teachers and say they have it made, I challenge you to spend just one day in a classroom. Observe the teacher that has to make time for 30 kids that all need something, and don't forget the 30 plus parents that email every day to complain about something that isn't "easy" for their kids, or complain about all the homework their kid has. Go with a teacher to after school obligations like bus lines, or practices, or academic help groups, then hang out while they finish up grading papers so parents will know "right away" how a kid scored on a math test.


I heard a comment the other day regarding that had my blood simmering. They said, "150 iPads were stolen from a school. What the hell were they doing with 150 iPads? Budget cuts my ass!" When I called them out, and explained that Apple has excellent discounts for schools, they responded, "They still aren't as cheap as chalk, pencils, and paper."

Really?

Get with the times. If we fail to equip kids with the proper technology they are about as prepared for the world as I would be prepared to start investment banking. I'd fail five minutes in.

Of course education isn't perfect. No system is. And yes, education has a long way to go. However, there are great teachers out there making sure that the next generation is prepared to tackle an ever-changing world - a downright scary world.

Think about your own success in life. I bet you didn't get there without some help, you had teachers at many levels who gave you not only the skills, but the confidence you needed to make it. Instead of complaining about them, take a minute to say thank you. They don't hear it often enough.