Letter: Teachers aren't lazy

Editor’s note: In an effort to not create further discord among the community, the following Letter to the Editor and Speakout comments published Oct. 20 are the last the Standard Democrat will run on this topic.

Dear Citizens of Sikeston,

I would like to say a few things in response to the Speakout piece published on Oct. 13 that said teachers couldn’t handle things outside of the teaching world and was upset that they got a fall break. I inferred from the piece that the author believes teachers are lazy and couldn’t make it any other line of work. I beg to differ and here is why.

Have you watched varsity football practice any this year?  The team is led by a young man who is dedicated to his community with a deep desire to give back and help ensure that the boys who play for him grow up to be men of integrity and character. Practice starts at 5:50 a.m. on Thursday mornings if you are inclined to get up that early and go by the field and watch. 

Have you ever set foot in a special education room?  There is a special spot reserved in heaven for the heroes who work in these rooms. They have to differentiate their lessons for every single student to meet their individual goals. These aren’t limited to academic goals either; they often include social, behavioral, and occupational goals as well. 

Have you ever spent time with a kindergarten teacher?  These saints do everything from teach five year olds how to tie their shoes to reading a book. They deal with 20 some children at a time trying to get their attention just to tell them about the new toy they got over the weekend, what they are going to eat for lunch, grabbing at them as they walk by to get a hug and so much more. 

Have you spent time with a middle school or junior high teacher as they deal with hormonal teenagers who are concerned about fitting in while the teacher is trying to show them how to produce a coherent essay or solve a quadratic equation?  They are also dealing with the impact of social media, cliques, substance abuse issues, and so much more. 

Have you watched a high school teacher work with a student who has struggled with a concept or who wants to get admitted to college, get accepted into the armed services, or needs a recommendation to get a job?  They put in hours of their own time to ensure these students are successful when they leave school. 

I could go on and on with examples, but you understand where I am going. Teachers are not lazy. The time off was given in the interest of everyone’s mental and physical health.  It allowed everyone, not just teachers, to have a few days of respite and to come back rejuvenated and eager to work and learn together again.  If you see a teacher, thank them.  They are putting in long hours to help children learn and grow because #WeAreSikeston. 

Sincerely,

Jodi Glidewell

Sikeston resident and educator