One of the most honorable, prestigious and respected professions, in my opinion, is that of a classroom teacher. Let’s be honest, the teacher has never really received his or her due in compensation and respect. It is evident that something has triggered a decline or shortage in this critical position in America. School systems are using all sorts of creative measure and techniques to fill the shortages. During the pandemic, my heart would ache for the classroom teacher, for they had to transition from person to person learning to virtual learning. The pressure was on, and we barely noticed. Those of us from the “old school” simply made remarks like, “I wouldn’t want to be in the classroom now for all the tea in China.” 

If I had to guess, I would probably say that the pandemic has a lot to do with this crisis. Imagine the pace and demands that were placed on teachers over the last two years. They made the adjustments and kept things moving even though the expectations were unreal. Could it be that teachers are just exhausted and refuse to work in a hostile environment where they are not respected and appreciated?       

Those of us who do not have children attending schools have basically ignored the crisis that is facing so many school districts. On the other hand, it could be that we are not aware of the problem. Some school districts are so desperate that they have resorted to using a warm body in the classroom to simply pacify the parents. At the same time, it is better to have a warm body rather than no one, I suppose.

It was recently stated that the shortage of teachers in America has reached a crisis level, and school officials are using desperate measures to ensure the public that classrooms will be staffed with someone to educate the children.

What many experts believe is that there is going to be an even greater decline in a time when our children desperately need a quality education.

Some school districts are using a band-aid approach because they are at a loss of what to do. Some districts have resorted to using college students to take teaching positions. Others are using military veterans as a solution to the problem.

Locally, we have heard that school boards have increased substitute pay, in hopes of filling the void temporarily. No disrespect for substitutes, but are they teaching or just placating the situation?  

It is probable that some teachers have had enough of being disrespected by parents, students, politicians and have decided to leave the profession. If you are a parent or grandparent, raise your voice and demand greater respect and appreciation for our teachers. No, it is not solely about the pay, rather a sincere appreciation for what they do.

We must face reality and embrace this quote, “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” Malala Yousafzai.

As believers, we must remember that teaching is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. With that being said, teaching is a God given ability to explain the unknown. Of course, this is from a religious perspective, but it holds true for our secular teaching positions also. Everyone is not called to be a teacher.

Jesus said that the logical end of effective teaching is that the pupil becomes like his teacher: “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40). This is written as a warning to be careful as to who is chosen to be a teacher. It says in verse 39, “If the blind lead the blind, they will both fall into a pit.”        

The apostle Paul instructs the church to teach: “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching.” Romans 12: 6-7   

Some parents are taking matters into their own hands and home schooling their children. Others are going to the extreme and paying exorbitant prices to ensure their children get a good education. We do what we must, for we only get one chance to educate our children.

Not a sermon, just my thoughts.

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor