April 22 Quote

Lee Iacocca stated, "In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something less, because passing civilization along from one generation to the next ought to be the highest honor and highest responsibility anyone could have." Do you agree or disagree, and why? I am not sure how I feel about this quote. There are too many factors that are not mentioned for me to have a definitive opinion. So with the info I have before me I am going to give it my best shot. Here goes. I believe society should have a higher regard for teachers than it does. Not only are we (teachers) charged with educating students in our content area, we are expected to "raise" them morally. I take the responsibility very personally. I treat my students as my children and hope I leave a footprint on their life that instills honesty, integrity, and a good work ethic. The part of the quote that bothers me is "the rest of us would have to settle for something less..." I don't think professions such as doctors, scientists, pastors, etc. is settling for less. Even those that do not hold a teaching certificate are capable of teaching. Most moms should have a "degree" with all of the skills they are responsible for teaching their children. How to get dressed, how to eat with a fork and spoon, tying your shoes. If children didn't get those basics, we would all be running around naked, shoeless, and messy faced. See how this quote has me torn?