Wednesday, November 5, 2014

What is a teacher? .... By Eddie L. Johnson.

As a child who grew up in the deep south, Augusta, Ga., during the 1950s and '60s, and as a student participant in the U.S. Supreme Court educational experiment of Brown v. Board of Education so brilliantly argued by former NAACP General Counsel and the first black to serve on the United States Supreme Court, the Honorable Thurgood Marshall, I am now, always have been and will be both a worshiper and supporter of public school teachers. 

The most important and influential people in any child's life, development and educational achievements are their parents, the child, and his or her teachers, from daycare through completion of elementary, middle, high school and institutions of higher learning.

One of the most noble profession in the world is that of a teacher.

My parents and I were always awed with esteem and reverence, that is often captured in those students who appreciate and respond to the dedication and sacrifices made often and daily by excellent teachers.

I urge you to pay close attention to the words and thoughts of your children regarding their teachers. You will see a practical and superior depth of experience that has made, and continues to make, a difference in the academic life and behavior of your child. I did.

All qualified teachers in any classroom can be the difference between the students' academic life or death, because the students' future depends so desperately on the quality of their education.

What is A Teacher?

A teacher is the hero and steward in our children's learning lives.

A teacher possesses the knowledge, technical skills, and the academic grace that we all love and admire.

A teacher cares for our children in every possible and imaginable way.

A teacher is the greatest symbol of education and learning.

A teacher is the leader for learners and an inspiration and miracle on the educational journey.

A teacher is our champion, and captain of our educational ship and journey to achievement and success.

A teacher must have courage, and the support of parents, school administration, community and elected school committee, and become all our heroic examples and inspirations.

If you are successful in any endeavor in life, always remember to thank your teachers, as they are responsible for educating us all with their skills and knowledge.

Teachers are smart with uplifted spirits, and teachers can make our brains work like computers, while holding students' hands and guiding them when they need it.

All parents in SouthCoast, especially New Bedford, please remember that teachers reach to the heavens, to get what your child needs, and exit a subject just at the right time.

Teachers are a class act and class struggle, in assisting in the liberation of students' minds, souls and spirits, by believing in our children, reaching out to students, and instilling pride and hope in all of us.

Education is important to all of our teachers.

Respect and support with pride our children's teachers, who struggle hard daily to teach each and every student, checking assignments and exams after school, explaining things so they are easier, reading to students or teaching students how to read.

We should thank them today, tomorrow and always for everything our teachers do.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Definition: a person who is unappreciated, disrespected, overworked and underpaid in their pursuit to educate America's children.

Anonymous said...

I only wish that all people whom we have interaction with in today's schools saw us in this same light! Thank you Eddie for seeing a teacher for who he/she really is.

Joanne M. said...

Thank you Eddie; that is a beautiful tribute to all teachers. Unfortunately, dedicated educators seem to be the target of so much undue criticism and excoriation these days. You've always been a friend and great supporter to us teachers.

Anonymous said...

Eddie Johnson truly gets it.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Mr. Johnson for always supporting us.

Anonymous said...

I love Eddie Johnson!

Anonymous said...

#ICriedLikeATeacher

Anonymous said...

Teachers are the Hester Prynnes (scarlet letter) of our generation. We have become the mark of shame, guilt, evil, corruption, blame for Dems, Reps, parents, media and mostly Michelle Rhee who would like to be the next Sec of Ed.. May she and they rot in hell.

Anonymous said...

Teachers are the Hester Prynnes (scarlet letter) of our generation. We have become the mark of shame, guilt, evil, corruption, blame for Dems, Reps, parents, media and mostly Michelle Rhee who would like to be the next Sec of Ed.. May she and they rot in hell.

Anonymous said...

Teachers are like classical authors. They help kids/readers interpret the meaning...or subtext. By definition, they do not see things in black and white nor do they overvalue statistical or test data.