"A picture is worth a thousand words" aptly describes the photo above and the one below. Both pictures depict teachers from Moore, Oklahoma after a raging tornado hit Briarwood Elementary, credited to Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman, via AP.
For those who scorn teachers as unworthy of praise, the bottom of the barrel, and countless other criticisms, this blogger challenges them to find a group of people more dedicated to those they serve, other than first responders of all varieties. How many of those critics would shield co-workers or employees with their bodies in the selfless act of putting others first? This blogger has a cynical answer to that question--only a small percentage.
A teacher's worth is determined intrinsically by the effect each has on the students that pass through the portals of his/her classroom, not by the ubiquitous standardized tests used to measure student achievement. How does one place value on the impact of those educators who lost their lives last December while protecting the students at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT? No amount of money can possibly bring any of them back to life, yet they live on in the memories of all the students and parents affected by that tragedy.
Earlier this week, a monstrous tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma, leaving a path of destruction resembling the aftermath of a major battle in war. Again, teachers took action to protect their charges by lying on top of them, or herding them to a safer place, or shielding them in some other manner. Briarwood Elementary suffered no casualties, in part because of the teachers' heroism. Unfortunately, seven students died at Plaza Towers Elementary, but many more would have perished, if the teachers hadn't acted with bravery.
Most of us have heard the idiom, "those who can, do; those who can't, teach." I suggest that we should ditch that cliché in favor of "those who can, teach; those who can't, do something less worthwhile." It's time to give teachers their due. Say thank you to one this week who has made a contribution in your life.
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