I have known too many teachers, in my twenty-two years of teaching, who produced that proverbial bright flame and then burned out. I know of no one who went into teaching because of the money, but I know far too many who had to leave because of it. A professional salary is essential to allow our teachers to teach. Teaching is a bottomless opportunity . Teachers' job requirements must be carefully defined, and limited, to allow time for satisfying accomplishment, rather than disheartening haste.
Teaching is an emotional experience .
I have seen too often, real tears of frustration, from colleagues who care about kids. Continued recognition must be given to how the system can strengthen each teacher's sense of well-being and ability to make a difference. Too often genuine issues, such as stress management or paperwork reduction, receive only momentary recognition and the emphasis fades, while the problem-causing factors remain. Teachers need to be heard . At all levels of education, policy makers are working to bring about educational improvement.