Teachers Matter Dammit

[no_hypocrisy]

For the second time this year, my town is about to say farewell to a teacher who dedicated his life to its students for more than four decades. Two men, one in mathmatics, the other in biology, taught more than their specific subject. They were iconic role models to thousands of students who learned about life and the love of learning inside and outside their classrooms.

Mr. Molino made math of all levels not only comprehensible but a fun experience to his students. The original "no child left behind" teacher. He would not accept that you couldn't learn how to figure out a problem, using the correct formula to get the correct answer. Outside the classroom, he was the consummate coach in track & field. So dedicated to the concept of fair play, he won the respect of adversary coaches and their teams. When he died in January, his memorial had to be held in the high school auditorium, standing room only, with a five-minute standing ovation. Students, alums, some as old as in their Fifties, came to share memories and pay respects to "Coach".

Next Saturday, hundreds more students and alumni and just plain residents of our town will converge to pay tribute to Mr. Burr, a consummate teacher who dedicated his life to biology and photography. He connected to students at all levels, got them enthused with his love of science. Humble, quiet, but not without his own opinions. Remembered students' birthdays, weddings. Coached individual students for "Murray Nuts", a team dedicated to a program similar to Kennedy's Physical Fitness Program (pull-ups, sit-ups, laps, push-ups, etc.). He was universally adored and respected by his students and colleagues and administration. Another icon who defined our town by just being himself.

These two men built and developed the heart and spirit of our town. Teachers. More influence than any mayor or council member.

So when you hear or read about a politician who thinks that teachers are disposable or easily replaced, think of these two gentlemen who didn't set out to change the world, but did it anyway.

[Tippy]

1. K&R.Any politician who thinks teachers are disposable is a fool and in it for the money...

[FSogol]

2. K&R. n/t

[YvonneCa]

3. For Mr. Molino and Mr. Burr...

...this teacher salutes you for your service.