Stop dissing teachers

The two words that are most debilitating to the human soul are "don't" and "can't." We hear these words daily, sometimes several times.

After a while these words begin to break down your heart, soul and passion. So why are they used so frequently?

As an educator, the first lesson we learn is that we need to omit these words from our vocabulary, because it is a sure-fire way to make a child shut down and be unresponsive. This is a simple concept to grasp, but why do we forget these simple lessons as we communicate with other adults?

I have recently found myself in an environment where these two simple words are used on a regular basis, and I am learning firsthand how powerful and debilitating they can be. I am a teacher, and the morale is at an all-time low, not just at my school but in education as a whole.

Teachers have been under attack and ridiculed for decades, which is something we have to deal with, but there comes a time when, as a human being, you need to stand up and say wait a minute.

I understand the need for change and reform. We have had too many years of bad decision-making, lots of banter between politicians and the constant need to cut budgets. I agree there needs to be drastic changes, but here is a novel concept: Why not ask teachers for their input? How about supporting the little guys who are on the battlefield and in the trenches every day?

No one besides teachers really understands what is going on with our students and what is needed to accomplish desired outcomes. It truly boils down to the human factor. We are flesh and blood, with emotions, compassion and understanding. We do not work well under those who constantly take those human qualities away.

Support your teachers and motivate and compensate so we can do our jobs. We all have the same goals: raising our future adults to be the best they can be.

What do I know? I am a single mom of three and a dedicated teacher. I'm just saying!