Respect reassured

I realize that with almost all jobs, those who work in the field feel they are not respected as much by others as they should be, but I feel as though the field of teaching is not very well respected or appreciated. Of course, I am biased. I keep hearing from a gamut of people—from our President to students’ parents—that education of the youth of America is important, yet oftentimes while I’m actually working day to day, I don’t feel as though I get the respect and understanding of the importance of what we educators do. But actions often speak louder than words. When I have parents texting their students while they’re in my class, or see the hard work of my school’s newspaper go unappreciated, and as the Arizona state government cuts educational budgets more significantly than they cut prison budgets, causing my district and other to lay off hundreds of teachers and increase class sizes, I can’t help but feel aggravated.

That said, I found it extremely refreshing and invigorating to hear Diana Mitsu Klos reassure all of us how much we as newspaper teachers are appreciated, needed, and valued. When she pointed out that we, that I, am here at the Cronkite School getting a much-needed, intensive education on journalism thanks to the efforts and funding from so many others, the message hit home for me. Her words made me realize that huge actions are being taken to help educators succeed, and I as a newspaper adviser have the opportunity to shape students who may someday be able to shine more light on the importance of education. While the criticisms may sometimes seem louder and thus more prominent, I will remember thanks to Diana’s words that we as educators are in fact valued and respected.

Anna Horton
Highland High School
Gilbert, Ariz.