Teachers today are the target of such unrelenting criticism that it’s not surprising many of them wonder why they chose a career in the classroom in the first place. I submit that there’s a partial remedy in the form of attending a class reunion. They’ll soon realize that they’re appreciated far more than they know.
I was reminded of that on Saturday night when I attended the reunion of the class of 1974 at the high school where I spent my entire 28-year career. I was fortunate to have taught long before classrooms were turned into test preparation factories. As a result, I was able to know my students as individuals, rather than as mere data points. Apparently, they never forgot the bond we formed. Let’s be realistic: Long after subject matter is forgotten, students remember the relationships they had with their teachers.
Teachers never enter the classroom expecting fame, fortune or power. They do so to make a difference in the lives of young people. They’re not always successful, but they’re doing their best. The time I spent at the recent class reunion was payment in full for the years I taught. I urge teachers to do the same in order to rededicate themselves to their mission. I think they’ll return to the classroom with renewed vigor.