Ode to Teachers

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about my kids' education. Specifically, about how there is so much talk about America's education system failing our children. As is our culture these days, parents (me included,) obsess about every little detail of our children's lives. We obsess about where they go to school and how the school is ranked. We obsess about their friends and about what kind of things they are exposed to outside our homes. With all that, it's easy to get sucked into the rhetoric of trashing the traditional school system. And I admit I have done my fair share of venting about things I wish were different. But lately I've been over it all. Why? Because I've come to the conclusion that, with few exceptions, educators at all levels are doing the best they can. In my children's short time in public schools, we have experienced 5 different schools, in 3 different districts. We have lived in wealthy white areas and poor diverse areas, All the schools have had administration that cared about the children and teachers that went the extra mile to provide quality experiences for their students. I am done trashing America's education system. Instead, I'm giving a shout out to teachers and administrators everywhere. Thank you for what you do on a daily basis. Thank you for your patience, your innovation and your time. You have been a positive influence in my children's lives.

You should know that my boys are not scholars nor are they the easiest kids to teach (or parent for that matter!) My oldest struggles with focus and responsibility and my middle son has a very difficult time following directions. They have not been diagnosed with anything so don't have IEP's, but that has not stopped their teachers from working with me to personalize their learning plans. Most of my friend's kids go to charter schools because they feel they are better than the traditional public school system. And I respect their decision - ultimately, you do what you feel is best for your family. But so far, for our family, public school has exceeded our expectations. A special shout out to Mrs. O'Donnell, Zollars,Wolfe, Sampson, Liddiard, Garcia and Sparkman. I owe you a great debt of gratitude.