A Tribute to Teachers – Sunday, September 07, 1980
With Autumn approaching in this Northern Hemisphere, the tradition of “back to school” is . renewed for most of this nation’s school students. Literally millions of youngsters once again enter an educational system which has become a model of excellence and the envy of the world. No other nation, past or present, has educated its masses to the extent that this one has.
It is to American education, and more specifically to public school teachers, that we pay tribute at this autumn season. The success of every system or organization is dependent upon the skills and dedication of those who staff it. In education it is the teacher who has brought America’s public school system to its present successful status.
To these dedicated men and women—and not all are dedicated; but to those who are, who man the front lines in this most important of all battles, we offer our gratitude and our respect.
All who serve in the role of teacher should be held in high honor. Teachers are the allies of democracy, for only knowledge can make men free. They are the enemies of human bondage, for servitude is the product of ignorance. It is the teacher, this engineer of human character, who stands as the bridge to personal prosperity and individual achievement.
As one grateful student, Lydia Sigourney, observed: “Of what. . . importance is the teacher who writes upon the unwritten page of being. . . and (who) mingles with the student’s soul what shall be read in eternity!”1
Perhaps only those who have been teachers themselves will understand the awesome burden which our society places upon the modern-day teacher: the time spent in preparation, the ever-expanding load of paperwork, the ingratitude of some parents and students, and the problems of discipline which beset teachers daily. And perhaps only those who have taught are aware of the rewards which come to those who assist with the development of human potential.
To those teachers who have raised the understanding of the world we give thanks, knowing that in spite of the educational innovations which may occur in the twenty-first century, society will never be relieved of the necessity of having sensitive and dedicated teachers.
1 Lydia Sigorney, “Teaching:” The New Dictionary of Thought. Standard Book Co., 1965, p. 658.
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September 07, 1980
Broadcast Number 2,664