The Best of the Best

My father was a teacher and practically a professional student. He definitely would have been one had he been able to manage that and our large family, but he taught me to appreciate those people for whom learning, not the grade, is the goal. Of course some people can't tell them apart, because these people also get the grades, but they work for them.

I have an email from a young friend that says it all: If I could, I would be a life-long student. I would take and teach classes for the rest of my life. There are so many things I want to do and know about. I never want to leave the academy, because there is no better place to be than a campus in the hive of learning.

Imagine taking it a step farther. Being willing to drive half way across the country to interview for a job with a school and then later driving another ten hours to go to a second interview that lasts all day and into the evening. In between there are papers to publish, books to write, classes to teach, songs to sing and games to play.

These "professionals" work hard and they aren't over paid. They teach students who mostly take them for granted, but they still go out of their way to find a way to snag these students while also giving the ones who want it the opportunity for a superb education. They really believe and care about what they do.

I think teachers like this are the unsung heroes in our world.