School will begin in a little more than two weeks, and for some school districts, school will actually begin right before Labor Day. There is a terrible staff shortage here in New Jersey, and, not just in New Jersey, but nationwide. In some states low morale, loss of staff due to deaths from the pandemic, and stress contribute to the loss in teachers. In other states, schools have become a part of the culture wars with this group or that group of angry parents actually threatening to kill teachers over the subject matter taught in the classroom.
The children of today who will become the adults of tomorrow are losing out to vitriol and a society that does not respect the profession. In some European countries, to be a teacher is to be a respected member of the community, the assumption being that a teacher knows more about a particular subject than others.
We’ve all had some great teachers and some truly awful ones, but teaching is a profession that we should support. Our schools and the future needs to have teachers who can be allowed to teach according to professional standards, not limited in how they can teach by the winds of politics.
Prayer for the Day
I thirst for you, O God, as one thirsts in a dry and weary land,
A land without understanding and wisdom;
I seek you, O Lord, in the mountains, in the valleys, in the woodlands,
Open to us your presence, so I can learn your ways.
Let me live in the shadow of your wings, embraced by your strength.
And may I praise your steadfast love forever
In the name of the One who is always with us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The philosophy of the school room in one generation will become the philosophy of government in the next.
- Abraham Lincoln, President (1809-1865)
A little education is a dangerous thing, but it sure beats ignorance.
- Pauline Phillips, better known as “Dear Abby” (1918-2013)
The Lord gives wisdom; out of God’s mouth come knowledge and understanding.
God stores up wisdom for the upright and is a shield for those who walk blamelessly,
Guarding the paths of righteousness and preserving the way of the faithful ones.
Proverbs 2:6-8