THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 29, 1996 TAG: 9609280124
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
SOURCE: Kevin Armstrong
LENGTH: 61 lines
We all know something about the job of being a schoolteacher. Most of us have learned about the profession through firsthand observation during at least 13 years of our lives. Then there are those who, like me, have the added insights of seeing what a teacher's life is all about outside the classroom.
I married a schoolteacher 12 years ago, and until last week thought I knew more than I needed to know about the role these professionals play in our lives.
Not being an educator myself (excluding parenthood, of course), I probably focused more on the three-month summer vacations and guaranteed holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving that go with the job of instructing youths. Also, because my wife teaches first-graders, I had formed most of my opinions around the emotional bonds easily established between 6-year-olds and their teacher.
But last week I spent some time in several middle schools.
I vowed that I would never look at teachers the same way again.
I had volunteered to help out with a program put on by a national organization that sends former NFL players into the classrooms to share a message of hope and encouragement to keep kids on track.
The 6-foot-5 sports hero easily commanded attention and respect as he walked before an audience of noisy youths to give his talk. Several ``excuse me's'' and a steely-eyed stare were all he needed to quiet the crowd. But then he had all of 40 minutes to perform his task.
As I sat listening and watching, I considered how much more difficult the teachers had it. Their jobs began at least an hour before these assemblies and continued long into the afternoon until the final bell had sounded.
The word ``calling'' kept coming to mind as I watched them maintain order and discipline within their troops. These folks weren't there with this age group by accident. They had chosen their assignment.
Middle schools represent one of life's great transitions. It's the coming of age for our youths and poses many challenges and opportunities. Teachers find themselves right in the middle, trying tirelessly to help children make the right choices that will allow them to become responsible young adults.
It can be a rewarding task for teachers, but just as often heart breaking. Success is no guarantee.
I remember after graduating from college and looking back on my own experiences in school I vowed that one day I would earn enough money that I could slip a $1,000 bill in an envelope and mail it anonymously to two of the teachers who had made a difference in my life. I would add a simple note saying, ``Thanks for all the hard work you put into helping me through junior high and high school.''
To this day, that pledge remains unfulfilled. I hope to still make good on it some day.
The two teachers I hope to offer such a small reward didn't land me a job. They didn't discover in me a special talent. They simply showed in meaningful ways how much they cared. I never really thanked them at the time.
Last week, I also thought about all the financial troubles our city's schools faced during the last two years and realized how focused I was on everything but the classroom.
So to Mr. Jones and Mr. Conant back in Ohio, the check's not yet in the mail. But to all you teachers in Virginia Beach, I can at least say thanks for all you do. I'm wiser for my visits last week. Forgive us all for not recognizing your efforts enough. by CNB