God Bless Them
June 13, 2011 (Monday)
Yesterday after church we had a luncheon honoring Mrs. Charlotte Moncrief, who has retired from a long teaching career in the public schools. She has a wonderful reputation as an outstanding teacher who really cared about each one of her students. She is a person who made a difference in the lives of many people through the years. Reminds me of a “You Tube” presentation by a teacher who said he was asked, “What do you make?” and his answer was, “I make a difference.”
The occasion set me to thinking about the many teachers who made a difference in my life through the years. From my First Grade teacher to the professors in college and at the Seminary, wonderful people helped me make a place in life where I could in turn help others. A few showed special interest in me, personally, and devoted extra time to giving me guidance. Every one of my teachers through the years had some kind of impact, and I deeply appreciate them all.
Thomas Jefferson was the first American leader to suggest creating a public school system. His ideas formed the basis of education systems developed in the 19th century. Free public education at the elementary level was available for all American children by the end of the 19th century. American secondary education was slower in development, but the rise in American high school attendance was one of the most striking developments in U.S. education during the 20th century.
There can be no doubt that education, both private and public, has strengthened our nation and helped it to become a leader of the world. It could not have happened without the teachers. May God bless them.
