I for one can assuredly attest, that were it not for the teachers in my past, I could not have written this, could not be reading it and would have trouble even counting the lee change I get for doing it. For what it’s worth, sincere thanks to each and every teacher who was in anyway responsible for my education.

Of course, to many in the profession today, teaching is but a job and in many instances just one to tide them over until something else comes along. This is indeed sad for while there are certainly some who are better suited for other professions, there are many who are excellent teachers and we can ill afford to lose these from our classrooms.

We also lose many fine and dedicated teachers to a ridiculous rule that insists that teachers retire at the age of 55. At that age many are still quite spry and active and are not only able but also quite willing to continue on in their work. 55 is a time when many who have raised families are done with that chore and at that point, are able to dedicate more time and energy to the task of teaching. We waste precious and valuable expertise when we force these veterans out to pasture at such an early age. This year, the move is once again on to remove Ms. Edwards from her position as principal of Grace Primary and if they are successful, this estimable institution will never again be the same. When it comes to teachers, they just don’t make ’em like Ms. Edwards anymore.

There are of course, many careers which are considered more prestigious and a vast number which are substantially more lucrative but when it comes to an important role in society, teaching stands alone. It takes a special type of person to make a good teacher for it compels a high degree of tolerance, dedication and flexibility. Each child has his or her own unique personality and many times by the time a child reaches school age, he or she has already developed quite a few negative characteristics. The teachers must then, not only teach but also discipline and must do so within strict educational guidelines.

Long gone are the days when a teacher could reach for the rod and consequently, few students still feel the need to show the same level of respect. Some children nowadays are known to show up in class with knives and even guns and the profession of teaching is becoming more and more hazardous. With the drastic restructuring of the family unit, where either both parents work or where there’s only one present in the home, more and more responsibility is falling on the shoulders of our teachers.

It is therefore incumbent upon us to do all in our power to not only ensure their safety but to let them know that we appreciate their hard work and dedication. To the many teachers out there, happy Teachers’ Day.