Teachers Deserve Respect, Admiration

To the Editor: 
I had the pleasure and privilege to volunteer in a first grade classroom at the Carl T. Mitnick School Jan. 28, for a session of storytelling. As a retired teacher, married to an educator, one might think me biased, but I know what to look for in a productive classroom. I was highly impressed.
The children were hard at work when I entered the room, many recognizing me from previous substituting jobs and other days volunteering. They smiled, and went right back to what they were doing. The reading group focused on their lesson, the rest of the class upon their projects, which related to the rain forest environment and to the oral storytelling tradition they had been learning about. A few minutes later we gathered together only to be interrupted by a lockdown drill! All calmly did what was required, and the children quietly waited it out without incident. We re-grouped for the story, followed by a related song and book. The children listened respectfully and with rapt attention.
This is no accident. This is the result of an excellent teacher who knows how to teach and help our children become smart, kind, and considerate individuals.
People often comment on children these days, that they have no attention span or demonstrate little respect. Additionally we regularly hear negative comments about teachers. They are apparently viewed with disrespect by some in this community, as well as many so-called leaders of our state and country.
If you do not know how excellent the vast majority of our teachers are, and what an outstanding education our local children receive, volunteer your time and see for yourself.
I send my heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Heather Roth, who is simultaneously training a most fortunate student teacher, and her class (including the parents of these children) as well as to the entire staff of this elementary school. Many are friends and former colleagues of mine, and I must say, well done!
I look forward to my next visit.