Education, More Than A Job

Each day of the school year, millions of educators report to campuses across the United States. Most are firmly rooted in the work that needs to be done. There are others that are not sure of their purpose for serving students and their families. The work of educating tomorrow’s future leaders is too important to approach haphazardly.

If you’ve spent anytime around teachers you can tell which ones truly love their work. Their conversation about students is different. Their classrooms reflect their passion. Their dedication shows in all that they do.

The flip side of this, are those educators that are not as dedicated. Their conversations share a different side of the reality in schools everywhere. There is a lack of conviction missing that is a potential detriment for our students.

Working in education is hard. There is a lot expected from educators everyday. Federal and state guidelines have to be followed. Curriculum needs to be taught.

I’ve noticed that after Covid shut things down, teachers have not been the same. During virtual teaching and hybrid returns to campus, things were relaxed. Lesson plans, methods of instruction, and teacher supervision were all less stringent than they were before the shutdown.

The return to somewhat “normal” the last two years has been eye opening. There are some educators that don’t have the same zeal for student learning. Maybe it’s just my perception, but things are different. There seems to be more of an uptick in teacher apathy.

I am in no way discrediting that teaching is hard. There has been a shift toward some teachers not wanting to do basic things that are good for students. Yes, teachers deserve to have their feelings validated, but student learning is a priority. After all, teachers are paid to be a positive influence in students lives.

I will always be a vocal advocate for teachers. I also advocate just as much for student learning. What can we do to increase a love for and pride in being a teacher?

There are so many examples of teachers showing up for students daily. They work on lessons outside of their work hours, study to make lessons engaging for students, and work to foster positive relationships with students and their families. Still others volunteer their time for clubs and other after school activities.

There are many educators that exemplify the characteristics that you want to see when you walk into a school building. Our society needs to show the same appreciation that was shown when schools were shut down and learning was happening online. The dedication that it takes to provide quality learning experiences for students is a source of pride. The work is hard and the laborers are few, but our best educators make magic happen everyday.