Recently on another forum, someone used a phrase that has always raises the hackles on the back of my neck. This will be the only time I repeat it:
“Those Who Can, DO. Those Who Can’t, TEACH”. Arrrggghhhh!
Now, I have never been a teacher but I know some truly amazing ones. Some were my own teachers, others my children’s. As a parent, I’ve spent a lot of time volunteering in my children’s schools. And it never ceases to amaze me why, on Earth, would anyone want to do that job?!?!? Very little respect from many, disinterested students and parents, and a pay scale that is so far below what many college graduates expect. Add onto that, behavioral and discipline issues, long hours, some very demanding parents and students, and in some cases, violence. And, no, most teachers don’t take the summer off. Most either further their education or work to supplement their meager income. There are some who may make enough money from teaching to support a family, but that’s only after 30 some-odd years. I employed Claims Examiners for a health insurance company who made more than most Teachers.
I long ago figured out that I was not cut out to be a teacher. I just don’t have what it takes. I’ve watched them in action and I know I could never manage a classroom of 25-30 4th graders, never mind a class of pre-teens and teenagers overdosing on hormones! Two teens is plenty for me, thank you very much.
So when this phrase was most recently used, I did my usual “calling to the carpet” but began thinking about it even more. What makes a Teacher want to be a Teacher? And why don’t we, as a society, give them the respect they deserve? I almost liken it to being President of the U.S. What makes a person even think they can do that job? Many say that anyone who wants to be President must have a huge ego, to think he (or she) can handle being the most powerful leader in the World. That may be true. I wouldn’t know.
But to be a Teacher. Now that’s power and influence. But to do it and do it well, must take an absolute absence of ego. To take a 5 year old mind, educate and guide it to the cusp of adulthood. To give that child the broad knowledge needed for a lifetime in just 13 short years. To teach that child the basics. Plus reasoning, problem-solving, character, social skills, compassion, etc. What a responsibility. I agree that parents are responsible for those things, as well, but lets face it, once in school our Teachers spend more time with our children than we do. Yet, they, and the impact they have, generally get no respect and go unnoticed!
You’ve got to have a special “calling” to be a teacher. The desire for public service, a lack of “what’s in it for me” (unlike the aspiring politician) and the inner knowledge that, despite the many challenges, you may just inspire many children to accomplish great things. At the very least, you will have contributed to your community and the future. Every “child”, no matter how old, remembers at least one Teacher. Mine were Miss Hannaford, who taught in a “mobile classroom” (translate: trailer) and never spared the hugs in 1st grade, Mr. Keefe, 8th grade English who forced me to love reading, Mrs. Zeoli 7th grade Algebra (that poor thing. She tried and I love her for it.), Mr. Almquist, Sophomore, World History, a passion I still carry to this day. Mr. Sullivan, Mythology and Religion. There are many others whose faces I can still “see” in my mind, but can’t recall their names. Their impact on me lasts to this day. And I know that my children will remember many of their teachers for the rest of their lives. I know I’ll remember them. They have given my children such a wealth of knowledge. They have been more than willing to respond to (and grateful for) my emails, phone calls, etc. They’re always available to me and my children.
You’ve got to really want it to make the sacrifices our Teachers do. But, oh, the Rewards. I hope more qualified college graduates will choose this profession. I hope our society begins to recognize what our Teachers do for our children. I believe the former depends on the latter.
Our future depends on it. What a noble profession.
What does this have to do with real estate? Not much, really. Just my rant for the day. But I know a few retired Teachers who are doing quite well in real estate. I believe their experiences have helped them in their current, chosen profession.
Many tips o’ the hat for our Teachers. Thank you.