Bill Cirone: Giving Thanks for Teachers

Educators are unsung heroes who make a difference every day in the lives of children.

By Bill Cirone | Published on 11.25.2008

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There is an anonymous quote I’ve always liked. It says, “Without teachers, there would be no other professions.”

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Bill Cirone
The obvious meaning is that no one is born knowing a profession — someone had to teach practitioners what to do.

An equally important message imparted by the quote is that teaching itself is a profession. It requires just as much skill and training as any other career — maybe more so than many others.

As we celebrate the season of Thanksgiving, it is fitting to give thanks to many of the unsung heroes and heroines in our midst, who make a difference every day in the lives of local children.

Teachers personify our society’s belief that universal public education is key to meeting the challenges of a changing world.

They strive to make every classroom an exciting environment where productive and useful learning can take place and each student is encouraged to grow and develop.

Our teachers reach out to foster the well-being of each student, regardless of ability, motivation, background, race, ethnicity or religion. Teachers also help inspire students to find new directions in life and reach for high levels of achievement.

We are thankful for all they do, and especially for the support from parents and members of the community that is so vital to their work.

It is a fitting time to say thank you to all.

Bill Cirone is Santa Barbara County’s superintendent of schools.

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» practical on 11.26.08 @ 06:53 AM

It’s ashame so much public school $$ goes to finance Bill’s T.V. and written article P.R. campaign. His salary alone could put dozens of special education assistants in the classrooms that are doing without.

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» Mark on 11.30.08 @ 10:20 AM

Being the son of two teachers and having a daughter that is a teacher, I could not agree more that teachers are not only underpraised and under paid, but what would be the future of our youth without them.  What makes me mad is every politician’s lip service toward the highest priority of teaching, and then being the first budget that is cut when it’s time for budget cutting.  We need an incentive system in our school service, not poorly paid, disgruntled teachers.

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