Every three years, the Programme for International Student Assesment measures 71 countries in math and science literacy and reading ability. The 2015 results showed that the United States ranked 24th in science and reading, and 38th in math.

The United States, the land of opportunity, the best country in the world, is slowly but surely falling behind in how we educate future generations.

So why aren't we prioritizing education?

Many people would be the first to blame our teachers. They'd be wrong.

While it's true that some teachers don't put a lot of time and effort into effectively educating their students, that's not the case for most educators. Personally, I would not be the person I am today nor would I be on the educational/career path I'm on had it not been for the teachers I encountered throughout my elementary, middle, and high school years.

The teachers that made the classroom an enjoyable place to be. The teacher who gave me a place to come and sit whenever I felt overwhelmed or just needed a break. The teacher that helped me understand calculus (and math in general) when otherwise I wouldn't have stood a chance. The one who somehow made me see the beauty in English literature. The ones that offered advice, provided shoulders to cry on and made the painted cinderblock walls and pale colored lockers seem safe and welcoming.

I've learned so much more than academics from the wonderful teachers who've embraced me and my style of learning over the years. They challenged me, fostered creativity and expression, and helped show me that there are more people we can rely on in this world than we think.

Yet, they remain one of the most underpaid professions in the country. They put hours of preparation alone into making sure they are as equipped as possible to make students comfortable and give them the education they deserve. Not to mention the hours they spend actually teaching students, dealing with the attitudes that kids tend to have, like, all the time.

Teachers are entrusted with educating the next world leaders, doctors, artists and citizens of our society. It's a big responsibility to shoulder, yet they do it despite getting less respect, less recognition, and less pay than they deserve.

They also repeatedly pay out of pocket for expenses related to their classrooms.

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I think it's safe to say that the blame for where the United States ranks in education does not lie with the teachers, at least not solely. A change to our education system and improving our educational standing starts higher up, with those who create and approve the curriculum and budgets.

Providing students with a quality education and providing teachers with the resources to do so should be a no-brainer.

Hug your teachers. Thank them. Be grateful they care the way they do about your education. Think about all the effort they put into educating you before you open your mouth to say something stupid.

To my teachers, mentors, and coaches, past and present, I could never thank you enough.