Over ten years ago, teacher and spoken word performer Taylor Mali set himself a challenge, he wanted to inspire 1000 people to become teachers.
If you haven't heard of Taylor, you may have heard or read his words. His spoken word piece, What Teachers Make has become an internet anthem for those who take responsibility for fostering the learning and development of our children in a system that is not always the optimum for the work that they endeavour to do. But, despite it all they do an amazing job, something that Taylor's poem reflects on strongly.
I am not one of Taylor's one thousand. He has reached that number, despite my absence from the classroom and the nagging tug at the back of my brain that has always wondered if it was not where I would have found my true vocation. My mother was a teacher of English. My brother is a teacher and runs the music program in the school where he works. I love to hear their stories, their challenges and marvel at the work they do, especially in those small moments where they can actually see the differences being made and young people changing their minds or having one of those eureka moments.
We do not value our teachers enough. We look at the vacations they get and try and convince ourselves that is fair compensation for inadequate pay, for being asked to perform their work with often a lack of resources and effective supports. This is not always the case, but government-funded education has required (and continues to require) greater investment. We have a long way to go to catch up, to help the institution that is education move into the twenty-first century and foster another 100,000 great teachers to join the thousand that Taylor Mali has inspired. We could pay them more, but most of us are not in the position to do that.So, instead we should thank them. The next time you meet your child's teacher, let them know the work they do is appreciated and valued. Give them a kick along and a bit of inspiration and show your appreciation.
Another thing you might want to do is become a little more informed. Taylor Mali has written a book and you can pre-order it. You should. The marketing guff, like Taylor's poetry, is not shy:
