Children Need Teachers – And That Might Be You

Education is a field that is constantly changing. Perhaps it’s subtle to those not in the field – besides “New” Math. Everyone heard about that one.

What do people know about teachers? What they go through? How they work? How things don’t remain the same? That the way we’ve always done things is not the way that we will always do things.

In the past couple of years, most everyone got to witness what teachers do. Parents more specifically. Parents saw their children sit through an English lesson. They observed science experiments being conducted in the child’s teacher’s home. They marveled as teachers dressed as historical figures to drive the point home of a lesson.

I hope that parents gained a greater appreciation of what teachers do. If not by witnessing the profession, then probably by briefly taking part in it, as many parents became temporary teachers during the pandemic.

As a professor and father, I’m privileged to see both sides of these efforts – these changes. As a colleague, this is nothing new. Education has and always will be responsive to what is needed (it’s just a matter of how fast the field can move can meet those demands – Zoom anyone?). As a parent, it’s nice to see there are still many dedicated teachers out there – something that has continued since my youth.

Photo by CDC on Pexels.com

However, change is happening again. And the question is this – how fast can the profession move to meet the demand?

There is a teacher shortage in this country. For many reasons – retirement, turnover, burnout, new teacher pool, etc. – there are not enough teachers for classrooms. Although there are many new and wonderful teachers filling the posts, the posts available are numerous.

If you’re interested in teaching – being around children, working on lesson plans, working long hours, making a different in the lives of children, families and communities – then consider becoming a teacher. Teaching is a profession that is both rewarding and challenging, demanding and fulfilling. It’s not for everyone, but for those that it is for, they can’t think of doing anything else.

Classrooms need teachers, and perhaps you’re the person that will step up to that whiteboard and claim that room as your own. Schooljobsnearme.org is a website created specifically to fill the educational needs of this country. Click the link. Take a look.

Give

Number of students in southwestern Pennsylvania in need.

I’ve lost count of how many people have supported me throughout my life. Without their support, I would not be where I’m today. Some of those people, I know them personally. Yet, others I have forgotten or even have never met. Anonymous donors. In my life, I give because it’s the right thing to do, but also because others have given to me.

Giving is one of the truest forms of humility I can think of. Giving to those who need help. Food. Clothing. Shelter. There are too many ways people need help. And many of those people are children.

The Educational Partnership is a Pittsburgh based organization working to collect and distribute school supplies to children for school. Without the work of these people, many of the children they serve would not be prepared for their first day of instruction.

Consider giving. Give to children. Go to Dollar Tree, collect supplies, and then find an organization or local school and give. You don’t have to be a preschool professional, parent, or even an educator. Just be a person who gives to children so that they can attempt their dreams.

Give crayons. Give pencils. Give a backpack. Give paper. Give a binder. Give a donation.

If you know an organization or school that accepts school supply donations in your area, please leave comments. 

Give. Do it today. Children don’t need good intentions. That first day of school is just around the corner. Get this done as soon as you can. Give.