I believe new teachers need to know that the responsibility for educating a child is placed squarely in the hands of the teacher. Teachers in the inner city seem to be aware of this fact. And once the teachers have rolled up their sleeves…the process begins with commitment, dedication, care, and concern for a human soul. For the students who have found teachers who are there to support them on their educational journey, I say, press on! These students are the fortunate ones. Because it is their teacher who must dream for them before they can dream for themselves.Certainly, it is the teacher who prepares children for a future which is not his/her own.

These exceptional teachers are fortunate because for every ounce of energy that they use to invest in the child, they will see the rewards of their investment in the child’s continued growth and development throughout the year.

In 2006, I asked several students to define the word “teacher.” This was not a difficult task for them because after years benefiting from instruction by master teachers, they knew what being a “teacher” was all about.

This is their poem…

WHAT IS A TEACHER
>
> Written by Bibana ~Ashanti ~~Jamal~~Ellenah
> ~~Diana ~~John Henry ~~and Mohammed
>
>
> A teacher is a symbol of learning: a leader of learners
and
> a miracle to education.
>
> A teacher is an educational god that leads us to goodness
> while caring for our learning spirits.
>
> A teacher is the captain of our educational journey; Exact
> about everything.
>
> A teacher has the courage enough to teach; And knows
mostly
> all the answers.
>
> Teachers become our heroic inspiration.
>
> Teachers educate us with all of their knowledge. Smart and
> spirited, teachers can make our brains work like
computers.
> Yet, our teachers can also hold our hands when we need it.
>
> Teachers reach to the sky to get what we need; And exit a
> subject just at the right time.
>
> A teacher possesses the academics and grace that we all
> love. Teachers care for us in every imaginable way.
>
> Our teacher is the hero in our learning lives.
>
> Education is the key to success. That is what our teachers
> have taught us.
>
> Teachers are a class struggle in liberty: Believing in
> kids; Reaching out to kids; And instilling pride within
all
> of us.
>
> Our education is important to our teachers. Therefore our
> teachers struggle hard to teach every student: Checking
> exams after school; explaining things so they are easier;
> And reading to us or teaching us how to read.
>
> Each one of our praises we give. And for everything our
> teachers do, we will thank them today, tomorrow and always.

> Phyllis C. Murray, UFT Chapter Leader

District 8 Region 2
Remember: The union is only a phone call away! And certainly, as UFT President Randi Weingarten stated: “What are you going to do about pay checks, safety, class size etc.? Call your union rep.”