More...“If we don’t double the number of kids graduating from high school in the next 8 years, our country won’t be able to compete globally. What Uncle Sam needs now are more good teachers. Are you up for it? You can help kids graduate… the more you know.” – Al Roker, TODAY
THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
Nothing speaks to a child’s future like a quality education. Education is often the road out of poverty regardless of a person’s race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.
THE POWER OF TEACHING
Teachers have one of the most important and influential jobs; after all, they are among the first role models children encounter. To be a good teacher is not an easy task; teachers must demonstrate and instill a passion for learning in their students. They must create an atmosphere of openness, creativity and sensitivity as well as motivate and challenge their students to work hard to reach higher standards and goals. Research demonstrates that the single biggest in-school influence on student academic growth is the quality of the teacher standing in front of the classroom. The need for passionate teachers has never been as great or as important as it is now. In the next four to six years, up to one million new teaching positions will need to be filled as teachers and principals from the Baby Boomer generation retire. It is essential that qualified and passionate teachers fill these new positions, as their work will shape education for the next thirty years. It is important to encourage new teachers to enter the field and to commend those who have demonstrated great commitment and dedication to educating our youth.
In 1950, the United States was number 1 in math, reading and science. Today, we do not even make the top 10. Furthermore, we need to double the number of kids graduating from high school in the next 8 years or our nation will no longer be a world leader in graduation rates. It is essential that qualified and passionate teachers help us reach these goals, as they will define the future of our country It is important to encourage new teachers to enter the field and to commend those who have demonstrated great commitment and dedication to educating our youth.