thoughts on the news of the day: state of the union

hmmm…..

            Last night during his State of the Union speech, President Obama made a statement that has stayed with me.  It went something like this: “We need to teach our children that success is not a function of fame or PR, but of hard work and discipline.”

            Sure, the media has a big effect on our children; hopefully parents do, too.  But who teaches our children the value of education and the success that comes with learning?   Teachers do.

            Some people say that teachers have it easy.  They think that teachers only work 6 hours a day and have weekends and summers off.  I used to think that, too.  That is, until I took a part time job substitute teaching at a junior high.  I learned then that teachers are some of the hardest working professionals on the planet.  Teachers work long after the school bell rings at the end of the day.  They attend continuing education courses in the summer to keep up with the latest technology.  Many times, they also choose to take a summer job to supplement their income and make ends meet.

            Our teachers are one of our country’s greatest resources.  Teachers care for and influence our dearest treasure – our children.  So today, hug a teacher.  Say thank you for the hard work they do each and every day.  Give them your gratitude for the risks they take in the classroom.  And teach your children – and your grandchildren to hug a teacher, too.

            hmmm…..