I was doing my long trail run at a local county park when I passed by two older gentlemen enjoying a walk. (Now I know some of you may say, “Ray, I know you. Older gentlemen? You are not exactly a youngster yourself!” Keep reading, and it will all make sense.)
They stopped me the second time I passed by, and we began chatting. When I mentioned that I graduated from Boonton High School, which was near where I was running, the one gentleman’s eyes lit up. He asked, “What is your name?” I said, “Ray Pinney.” He excitedly yelled “I was your teacher!” I was bewildered but then realized it was my old physical education teacher and football coach, Dave Gardner, or “DG” as we called him.
We had a great time reminiscing about the old times. This was for me a spectacular opportunity to thank someone who probably did not realize what an influence he had on my life. In fact, I told him that I still think of the lessons he taught us about persevering through tough times. I am not exaggerating when I say that outside of my family, DG and another high school teacher, Mrs. Strucko, were the two most influential people in my life. The best part about this encounter and another I have had with Mrs. Strucko is that I got the opportunity to thank them in person for being my teachers.
I thought of these teachers when reading about New Jersey’s (Actually the nation’s) teacher shortage. What if quality individuals like DG and Mrs. Strucko had not gone into teaching? While they were not the highest paid individuals, how do you quantify the value of former students thanking you for being in their life? I am sure that I am not the only one who can thank a few teachers along the way for their success in life. In fact, even at Boonton High School, I know for a fact that the two of them touched other students’ lives positively, not just mine.
As the state and local districts look to solve the problem, they are looking at solutions such as letting retired teachers return to the classroom, making it easier for out-of-state teachers to get certified in New Jersey, easing the lengthy and redundant testing requirements for teachers, as well as other programs. Many local districts are also trying to find ways to attract teachers, often at an increased cost to the district like starting the teachers at the middle of the salary guide.
While these and other policies are absolutely necessary, they are not really a long-term solution to the problem. The number of students enrolled in our teacher prep programs is down significantly. From 2010 to 2017/18, it dropped 63% -- and it has continued to fall since then. So, our pool of candidates from which to draw from is shrinking, and the number of students in our schools is remaining the same. Some district policies do nothing to increase the pool; they only help a district attract candidates away from other districts.
I am sure that we will soon see proposals to increase the salary and benefits for teachers, since increased financial income is always a way to entice people into a profession. There will be a debate on these proposals since they would increase spending, which is never popular, not to mention that we still have a 2% cap on property taxes. Yet New Jerseyans have always been very supportive of our public education. Going back to the days when all school budgets needed to be voted on, the vast majority passed.
Yet I think that there is something that we all can do a lot better. That is to lift the status of the teaching profession. It is a noble profession, and for some reason, the generation graduating from our high schools in recent years does not see it that way. Yes, some politicians and some special interest groups have not spoken glowingly of teachers or any educator for that matter, but I believe that most people are much more positive about the education profession.
Looking back, the teachers I had were under no illusion that they would become very wealthy. They did, however, believe that it was a very respected position with a decent salary and benefits. They also were respected by the community, which was why I wondered how a teacher quantifies a former student thanking them. For that matter, a current student thanking them. I suspect while we all enjoy financial security, there is more to life than that. That for teachers it is a good day when they see a light bulb go off in a student’s head and they master a lesson. A former student coming back to school to see them. Knowing that they made a difference in someone’s life.
We need to publicly show respect for the profession. When students decide on a future career, they want to know that it not only offers financial stability but also is respected profession held in high regard.
I know that as DG and I were about to go our separate ways that he was ecstatic to see me and so happy that I told him how much he had meant to me. Because he said, “Ray, you not only made my day, but my year!” There was only one person happier than DG and that was me. Getting the opportunity to thank someone after well over 40 years since you last saw them is so awesome. As I continued on my run, I felt so energized and excited.
Despite all the changes in education, it is still basically about the relationship between the student and the teacher. A relationship that stays with a person for a lifetime.
Looking back at that incident, I think that DG was so happy that he had decided to be a teacher. Yet I was happier that he had. I also now am more concerned about the teacher shortage. We really need to make sure we keep attracting people like DG and Mrs. Strucko into the profession. We also shouldn’t wait over 45 years to tell them how much they are appreciated. It should be a regular occurrence.