Teacher Knows Best by Anna

Teacher Knows Best by Anna - February 2014 Scholarship Essay

I find myself in a most challenging place at this time as a public educator. Evan as the United States continues to grapple with the particulars of what an excellent education really is, those of us in the classroom hear loudly and clearly about this deliberate and necessary need for change. This battle-cry is resonating loud and long, yet many teachers fear these demands bring with them too many transformations to be worthy or worthwhile. This is the time to remember former President Jimmy Carter’s keenly insightful and inspiring words, “We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.”

The American school teacher has long been spoken of as a significant and instrumental member of the community. Ironically, this history has been sprinkled with generous doses of harsh criticism and ridicule. “Those who can’t, teach became a popular and catchy phrase in the latter part of the 20th century. Many an excellent teacher’s heart was broken - I am sure - by those words. For, truly, it is the teacher who must best and most earnestly reflect Mr. Carter’s poignant words.

Today, and for many years to come, I and my colleagues must hold dear those basic principles that all children of our country are entitled to every opportunity to learn. It may well be the teacher who now must be the model for academic success. On our heads, we wear the hats of mediator, tolerant disciplinarian, counselor, lifelong learner, cheerleader, facilitator, community service volunteer, decision-maker, classroom manager, and activist. We must hold fast to our principles for those principles are the same ones found within the laws of this land and laws within our hearts.

Today, and for many years to come, I and my colleagues must adjust to changing times. Integration of technology into the classroom is not easy for those who became educators before the technology boom struck. Now, we need websites and Twitter and a host of Apps to engage our students. We have to grow academically as our global community grows. Educators have a duty and obligation to support our students in a way that richly prepares them to step into their world ready to take an active role in careers that stimulate their minds while enhancing their communities. Yes, the teacher must adhere to Mr. Carter’s words that require adjustments for changing times – clearly his words may ring more true today than when he first quoted his high school teacher Miss Julia Coleman in 1977 during his Inaugural Address. Ah yes, Miss Coleman was wiser than her times.

Jimmy Carter relied on Coleman’s inspiration to get him all the way from a simplistic Georgia roots to the power and prestige of the honorable White House. I find that very comforting at this time in my career. If I, too, wish to elevate myself within the profession I have chosen – and value, I must remain steadfast in my principles that all children – I mean each and every one of our children – deserve the best public education we can collectively provide to them. While holding my principles close and dear to my heart, I also feel I must push myself well beyond my comfort zone and spread my academic wings in a way that allows my students, not simply myself, to soar higher than anyone might have imagined. I must adapt and change. I must be that teacher who will inspire a future president.