Teachers are over-worked, under-paid, and under-appreciated. Society places such an enormous emphasis on certain career fields, which it defines as “successful”. People, such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers, are praised so highly because they fit society's definition of successful. Although these people are incredibly intelligent and talented, but they would be no where without their teachers.
Before an engineer can demonstrate calculus formulas, he or she needs to understand basic math, such as addition and subtraction. Before a doctor can diagnose a disease, they must have a basic understanding of the human body. And before a lawyer can negotiate a lawsuit, they need a basic understanding of the constitution. The world most “successful” people have all reached success due to the help of their early education teachers.
Teachers spend a majority of their time on their feet, repeating themselves over and over because half the class was not paying attention the first time they explained the directions, producing unique methods of learning to ensure each student is absorbing the necessary material, and controlling the class in a disciplinary, yet kind manner.
And the work does not stop in the classroom. Teachers are usually at school long before students arrive, and stay after school long after students are gone. Teachers spend their after-hours grading papers, writing lesson plans, and meeting with students and parents to ensure every student is receiving the proper learning experience.
Throughout my thirteen years of school, teachers have made such a large impact on my life. I am very fortunate to have had teachers who not only taught me for the year I was part of their class, but who also mentored me throughout my life.