Maybe it's coincidence, but for me the timing of the start of the 2025-26 school year is unusually fortuitous. I just finished reviewing a thoughtful, well- researched article a friend sent me, one which dolefully reported that not only are there teacher shortages in various parts of America, but that young people in particular are staying away from the profession. Authored by an opinion writer for the New York Times, it was actually published two years ago, but the matters it discussed are unquestionably still relevant today.
Among the reasons listed in the eloquent but sobering essay regarding why young people are leaving the teaching profession (or not even considering entering it in the first place) were concerns about on-the-job safety; harassment from local cultural warriors, some of whom have, often due to a lax electorate, found their way onto local school boards; a perceived lack of respect from students and/or their parent-guardians; and, not incidentally, low wages.
It’s understandable why thoughtful persons of any age would hesitate to consider entering the education field. The meticulous, data-driven evidence cited in the Times article is irrefutable. Only a Pollyanna wearing rose-tinted spectacles would dare present a counterpoint to such an analytical, impeccably-researched dissertation.
Either that, or a teacher entering his 26th year in the classroom, armed with only anecdotal evidence.
Here’s why people should pursue a career in education, despite some very valid concerns.
Regarding job safety, while the ever-increasing number of school shootings is legitimately troubling, unhinged individuals with guns have randomly wreaked havoc at post offices, factories, construction sites, military bases, executive offices, and other venues as well. But because of that most school districts have taken every necessary precaution to protect students and staff from violent attacks.
As for extremists who, given the opportunity, would ban all books, materials, and other ideas that conflict with their own narrow views, they’re a very small minority, and usually recognized as such by the general population. It’s important to stay vigilant though, since one determined zealot on a school board can gum up the works, and more than one can make teachers’ lives exponentially more difficult. However, if enough rational people pay attention and go to the polls, the crackpot contingent on school boards should remain where it belongs, at zero.
As for respect, teachers who give it generally get it. Ideally however, on those occasions when they’re mistreated, they’ll have the backing of dedicated, morally resolute administrators. It’s also helpful to keep in mind that disrespectful behavior reveals far more about the disrespector(s) than it does about the disrespectee(s).
Finally there’s the widely-held, long-standing belief that teachers, like nurses, firefighters, and police officers, are underpaid. And if one compares their salaries to those of hedge fund managers, corporate lawyers, high-profile professional athletes and entertainers, and others whose annual compensation is several (or several hundred) times what an educator’s is, that perception is undeniably accurate.
But for those who recognize the difference between “wealthy” and “rich,” a teaching salary (occasionally augmented by a side gig or two) is more than enough to live a life far richer than that of any yacht-owning, champagne- quaffing, uber-wealthy corporate CEO. The pleasure and satisfaction derived from everyday interactions that make a difference in the lives of young people cannot be purchased at any price, even by the wealthiest of plutocrats.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to don my spectacles (which, for the record, aren’t rose-tinted), meet a new group of students, renew acquaintances with some remarkable colleagues (while welcoming a few new ones), and get back to impacting the future.
Andy YoungReturn to main page
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