I have a good friend who is a primary school teacher. Although he and his wife both have a masters degree, he earned more money last year painting houses during the summer than he did teaching. It is a well bemoaned fact in the USA that teachers are terribly undercompensated, considering the level of education they must obtain. Here in Washington State - where the standard of living is relatively high - the pay level of teachers is especially low.
This got me to thinking about teachers who have made a difference in my life, and wondering if any of you are grateful to a teacher in your past. I'd like to thank one in particular:
When I was in grade 6, computers were just starting to gain widespread use in government and larger corporations. This was well before they were common in homes, or even schools. (And yes, that does date me!)
My math teacher, Mr. Perry, was certainly possessed of foresight because he gave us an in-depth course in the binary system and how it applied to computer data processing. He helped me to understand the concept, and also nurtured me in a love of mathematics and science - both fields where girls (at that time) were thought not to have an aptitude. I blossomed in his class and never forgot his clear, straighforward explanation of computer logic and his passion for what he taught.
It would be several more years before I actually got to touch a computer, but it was "love at first byte" for me. I continued to enjoy math throughout my life and as a result, I have managed to keep up with new technology, computers, networking, software, spreadsheet design, etc....even at my advanced age. I know I would not have the earning power I do now if not for this teacher.
As a dedicated Dub Youth, I understood I was not going to have an opportunity for secondary education, so I applied myself and worked hard to get the most out of the public school system. I appreciate so much the dedication and effort it takes to become a teacher, when our system does not financially reward them.
Here's to you, the real Great Teachers!
Wasa