Teachers are responsible for your reading, writing, and arithmetic. Even homeschoolers have teachers—it may be mom, but there is a teacher. Say thank you.
Gwinnett County Retired Educators Association was formed in 1972. Fifty years ago, that is a long, long time ago.
Recently I was asked if I would be the keynote speaker at their March meeting. I was so honored and, of course, I said yes. I was thrilled. I am a life time member of GCREA. I started thinking about when I first joined GAE. I joined GAE (Georgia Association of Educations) and GCEA (Gwinnett County Educators Association) in ….1972.
That is when it hit me. I started teaching in 1972. Fifty years ago. That is a long, time ago.
I looked out into the audience of 80 or so and thought “That is a powerful group of people.” These are the ones that taught everything from basic skills to sportsmanship, and everything in between. These people touched thousands of lives in years of teaching. Most of them had 30 years in the halls of academia. They had between 100 and 150 students go through their classes every term. And those pupils had parents. These educators had interactions with the entire community where their schools were located.
You probably had a teacher you didn’t like. You also probably had a few you thought were wonderful. Each had an impact on you and in turn on your family.
I wish I had asked who started teaching in the 1950’s. My husband began his career of teaching, coaching and counseling in 1960. Our dear friends began in late 1950’s.
We made lifelong friends with people from those schools. I still have contact with some of my students, too.
I was honored to stand before such a powerful and inspirational group of men and women. These are the people who made a difference in the lives of many. Thank you for everything.
Marlene is available for speaking engagements ( MsRatWrites@gmail.com).Her books are at www.Amazon.com or www.scribblersweb.com. Here Anything Goes column is available at www.InspirtionsForBetterLiving.com. Her website and monthly newsletter are available on www.MsRatWrites.com
