The 3 R’s.

We are in a very challenging time for educating our children. In our district they have had to let go some very talented teachers as cut backs, due to deficits, are having a major impact on funding. It’s hard to believe that only a few years ago there was such a high demand for teachers---and now they are being told they are no longer needed.

What are we thinking?

Teachers are the backbone of America---without them we will fall further back as we make every attempt for our society to move forward. Our taxes where we live have gone steadily upward---yet our houses have decreased in value; it does appear that things are upside down. I am more than happy to pay for our teachers because we not only need them, but good schools help keep our home’s values remain at a greater level. Okay maybe this seems a little self-centered, but our homes are an investment and fine schools are a part of the value of the home.

I do know which one is more important, however. A front yard never made you smarter.

Because we cannot count on our teachers doing all of the work in their classrooms to raise our children, it’s very important education continues at home. We want our kids to be independent when they leave school, but we also want to provide the edge so they do well and excel in the “real world.” College is the only option and it’s well known in our household that you WILL go to college. We read to our kids, we do math in our household, and we make sure they are coloring and writing on a frequent basis. We all need to do more of this.

I am very fortunate to have received an education that has provided the opportunity to do what I am very interested in doing as far as a profession is concerned---without the ability to read, write and have an understanding of math (I am not very good at the Algebra, Geometry, or other funky math) there is little way I would have had the chance to do much of anything. I am very thankful for this! I want to make sure our kids have the same opportunity I did. I know how important it is and without teachers, the likelihood of our kids achieving the education they need to thrive goes down quickly.

The photo above was taken of my wife reading to our two youngest. Whereas we now need glasses to read, little has changed as far as making sure the girls enjoy reading. The imagination as they say “is a terrible thing to waste” and we know it’s critical for learning. One thing I do know is if we do see a decline in the number of teachers, the number of kids will increase in the classrooms. If this happens it will not be a good thing; I am really saddened by what’s happening in our community and communities around the country---we need our teachers and we need to make sure we continue to be there in all ways for our kids.

Thanks for stopping by.