In defense of school teachers and public education

School teachers are among the single most important professions to a civil and progressive society.

I think a large part of who we become as people and as a country is influenced by the people we encounter in school, especially as our primary and secondary teachers.

The school teachers in my family and whom I've had the honor of meeting through a number of businesses I've been part of are among the most noble, admirable, and passionate professionals I know. To my mind, it's ludicrous that public education isn't better funded, and that teachers aren't paid better as the professionals they are.

Their impact on us as individuals and as a country cannot be overstated. They don't deserve to be disrespected, vilified, or under-compensated, and wouldn't better compensation presumably have a positive impact on attracting and retaining more of the best and brightest among us to become teachers?

Derogatory comments I saw today on Facebook about teachers motivated me to proudly and loudly rise in their defense here.

Happy to say the NPR piece quotes an old customer of mine, too.

How Much Do Teachers Spend On Classroom Supplies?