The American educational system has cultivated some of the worlds best and brightest. Unlike most countries in the world, the United States offers free schooling from kindergarten all the way to senior year of high school. For some students this is a godsend. Individuals who may not have had the opportunity to learn because of uncontrollable circumstances are given a chance. A chance is all some of these kids need. There are millions of children that utilize the tools bestowed upon them over the years as they ascend to the top of the public education ladder.

However, more than ever before, potential leaders, scholars and educators are not living up to there full potential. Millions of children each year are choosing not to go to school and are selling themselves short. These children who are given the opportunity to read gifted writers like Steinbeck, Joyce and Orwell or solve logarithmic functions (an opportunity millions would die for!) are opting not to like never before.

Today, the United States ranks 36^th in the world in quantity and quality of high school diplomas handed out each year. 30 years ago the United States was the worldwide leader in that very same category. The mere fact that our country, which has been called home by some of the most intelligent individuals to walk this earth, is not leading the way in child education is disheartening. The millions of dropouts nationwide have both cheated themselves of a quality education and been cheated of one.

Not only are less kids graduating than ever but the quality of education they are receiving has greatly diminished. Although some may blame the curriculum, lack of public funding or unmotivated students as the main cause for the fundamental flaw in our system it is far simpler than that. Don’t get me wrong there are numerous factors that determine what a “quality” education is.

But, nothing has as great an impact on the quality of education that young people receive than teachers. Without a doubt, teacher quality is by far the most important factor related to the success of students. Teachers have the ability to change kids lives for better or worse. An educator can open kids eyes to an interest, hobby, or passion that may become their livelihood. However, teachers can also cripple children’s learning. It is for this reason that teaching is one of the most important professions in the world. The quality of teachers in the United States public school system is not fitting the bill. There are thousands of new teachers each year who realize very quickly just how tough teaching is. In the United States 14% of teachers resign within the end of the 1^st year of teaching, 33% resign within 3 years and almost 50% leave by their 5^th.

To say that teachers are valuable to the education of young people is an understatement. The sad truth of the United States and our society is that teachers (especially K-12) are undervalued. High aspiring Americans seem to focus more of their attention on glamorous occupations that will bring them riches than on an occupation where one has the ability to bring riches to others. Those that take the time to teach children fundamental skills that will help them to excel in the future need to be highly praised and compensated. People must truly realize the value in an education and not take it for granted. At the same time we must not forget just how valuable those delivering that education are.