With all the negative energy focused on education, this has been an especially tough year. It has been a year in which I and many of my co-workers have considered other career choices. And it's not because we dislike our jobs; it's because there is only so much disrespect you can deal with on a daily basis. In a recent conversation with my parents and boyfriend, I explained how I would NEVER tell someone that their profession or job is worthless, regardless of what that job is or entails. Every job fulfills a need in our society. Yet, people tell me this about my job all the time through their comments, demands, and laws. Teachers deserve to be respected (just as lawyers, doctors, engineers, and accountants are) or one day, when the dedicated teachers of today have moved onto greener pastures, America will be sorry.
