Appreciating Teacher Appreciation
May 5th, 2010
Teacher Appreciation Week
“What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches.” Soren Kierkegaard
I couldn’t let this week go by without recognizing this concept. I think it’s fair to say that we have all been influenced by teachers. Many teachers. Depending upon your stage in life, this influence could be recent or not so much. Very not so much. It doesn’t matter, because teachers—and what they teach—will be us forever.
Sound dramatic? Think about it. If you are reading this blog, possibly posting a reply, then you know how to read and write. If you can balance your checkbook or help your kids with their homework, thank a teacher for imparting the wisdom of numbers into number that equal other numbers. If you can name even half a dozen state capitals, know the names of a continent or seven, know how to swim, knit, or build a birdhouse, thank a teacher.
“The highest result of education is tolerance.” Helen Keller
Teachers come in all shapes, sizes, disciplines, personalities, styles, and aptitude. Teachers share their knowledge, their expertise, their generosity and their ability. Whether you loved or loathed the subject matter some of the material covered probably seeped into your brain anyway. Teachers do that to you.
A week, even a month seems like a weak thank you to teachers. Teachers literally make the world go round. Teachers impart wisdom from our past to enlighten our future. Teachers have a largely thankless, entirely huge task. Teachers are irreplaceable, teachers are invaluable. Teachers Rock!
“I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.” Lilly Tomlin