5 reasons why teachers matter

In late April, I attended the McKay School of Education convocation ceremony to celebrate my son, daughter-in-law, and their peers and their many collective accomplishments at 美国杨百翰大学 .?

I went in expecting the joy, the tears, and the laughter that tend to come with these celebrations. But what I didn’t expect was being so struck by what one of the selected speakers, Celina Forsyth, had to say about teaching as a career. Her speech was one of the most beautiful, eloquent commentaries on the future of teachers and education that I’ve ever heard.

Among her many incredible astute musings was the idea that one of the biggest challenges educators face is… being told how challenging their job is. She emphasized that whether they chose the career or felt called to it, “we are capable of handling the challenges we face.”

Wise words from a future education leader.

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, it’s important to acknowledge the tremendous impact that teachers have on our lives and the world around us.?

Teachers are the backbone of our education system. They are the ones who inspire and motivate students to learn, grow and develop into successful adults. They go above and beyond their job requirements, often working long hours and sacrificing their own time to ensure their students receive the best education possible.?

So, today, I wanted to focus my thoughts on five key reasons why I believe teachers matter.

1. Teachers inspire and motivate students

Great teachers inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research , high-quality teachers have a positive impact on students' earnings later in life. The study found that students who had highly effective teachers in elementary school earned significantly more as adults than those who did not. This underscores the importance of investing in our teachers and ensuring they have the resources they need to provide high-quality education.

Effective teachers not only impart knowledge, but they also serve as role models and mentors, helping students build self-esteem, confidence, and a positive outlook on life. This type of inspiration and motivation can lead to significant improvements in students' academic performance and personal growth.

As Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Great teachers are the ones who give students the tools to do just that.

2. Teachers personalize learning

Teachers have the ability to personalize learning for their students based on their individual needs and abilities. They can provide differentiated instruction and use a variety of teaching strategies to ensure that each student is able to learn in a way that works best for them.?

According to a study by the Gates Foundation , schools that implement personalized learning had higher achievement levels than the national average. They also found that personalized learning had a positive impact on student motivation, engagement, and social-emotional development. Teachers who personalize learning help improve student achievement and close the achievement gap.

To put it simply, teachers understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t serve their students. Instead, they embrace the challenge of tailoring their instruction to meet the unique needs, interests, and strengths of each student. And, in doing this, they create a classroom culture that values individuality and encourages every student to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.

3. Teachers encourage lifelong learning

Education does not stop when students leave the classroom. As Isaac Asimov once said, “The day we stop learning is the day we begin decaying.”

Lifelong learning is essential for personal and professional growth, and teachers play a critical role in promoting this mindset. According to a study by the American Psychological Association , teachers who emphasize the importance of learning and encourage students to embrace challenges have a positive impact on students' motivation and academic achievement.?

Teachers who foster a love of learning in their students help them to become self-directed learners who are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world. It helps students to continuously acquire new skills, knowledge, and experiences throughout their lives, leading to personal fulfillment and a more fulfilling life.

4. Teachers impact our economy

Research has shown that a high-quality education is a key driver of economic growth. According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute , “raising the educational attainment of a state’s workforce can have a substantial positive impact on economic growth.” This means that teachers are not only shaping the future of individual students, but they are also shaping the future of our economy.

Teachers are essential for preparing students for high-demand, high-paying jobs. In a rapidly changing job market, it’s crucial that students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce. By providing students with a quality education, teachers are helping to build a strong and skilled workforce that is essential for economic growth and prosperity.

5. Teachers shape the future of our society

As the saying goes, "teachers change the world one student at a time." Teachers have the power to shape the future of our society by inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.?

By instilling values such as empathy, resilience, and problem-solving, teachers equip their students with the tools they need to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our world today. From global health crises to social issues to navigating an AI-embedded world, the problems we face are complex and multifaceted, and will require a new generation of leaders with the skills and mindset to solve them.

And by investing in our teachers and providing them with the resources they need to succeed, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.

In conclusion, teachers are essential for our society, and we must recognize and honor their invaluable contributions. Teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of our world. Let us show our appreciation and support for our teachers, not just during Teacher Appreciation Week, but every day of the year.