An essential factor we must not overlook about NC teachers | Opinion

The verb “to value” is often defined in two ways: to estimate the monetary worth, or to consider someone or something to be important or beneficial.

Recent discussions about teacher pay, and the recent release of the North Carolina state budget, have focused our attention on the first definition of value when talking about teachers: What is the monetary worth of a teacher? Attending to teacher pay is a key component of what is needed to address the teacher shortage.

But there is the second definition of value, and we need to give it more attention when considering the worth and importance of teachers: What is the value of a teacher when we focus on their intangible contributions to our state and its economic development?

Recent events reported in The News & Observer reminded me of the value (i.e., importance) of teachers:

Teachers impact learning. We have long known teachers are the factor that most directly impacts student learning. The pandemic, however, helped remind us of the value of students’ interactions with teachers. Recent growth in test scores across North Carolina and the recent signs of learning recovery have been connected to the return of in-person instruction. Students interacting directly with their teachers and participating in discussions that teachers facilitate make a difference.

The impact teachers have on student learning is a key value proposition for the profession. Not everyone who interacts with our youth impact their learning! Teachers do, and we know principals do, too. Educators with the appropriate knowledge and disposition to work with our K-12 learners bring value to our state.

Teachers change young lives. We all have stories about teachers who changed our lives. Teachers who said a kind word, valued who we were, or pointed us in a new direction. Mine were my third grade teacher, who loved math and made sure we were engaged in math problem solving, and my high school math teacher who could help us explore new mathematical ideas in ways that made total sense to me. In a recent panel organized by NC State’s College of Education and The N&O, Gen Z students who want to become teachers highlighted their desire to support others in such fashion, choosing the teaching profession for its power to positively impact youth and change lives.

This panel, which attracted over 350 attendees in person or remotely, showed how the next generation wants meaningful engagement with others, and they are choosing teaching as a way to accomplish this goal. In a column, N&O Executive Editor Bill Church called it the generational importance of teaching. Educators who can engage meaningfully with our youth and change young lives bring value to our state.

Teachers support success beyond the classroom. As part of their training, teachers learn to relate to others, engage in active listening, see the potential in every learner and take learners from where they are to what is needed for their success. Teachers know the content of their interactions matters as much as the ways in which one approaches relationships with each and every learner. This preparation to engage with learners allows teachers to carry what they learned in their educator preparation program to impact others beyond the classroom.

As Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Cowher, a graduate of NCSU’s College of Education, recently said: “Coaching is teaching.” He attributed much of his coaching success to his preparation as a teacher. Being a teacher opens opportunities for those interested in creating teams that can build on the success of each of its members. Educators who can take their capacity to promote learning and productive relationships beyond the walls of the classroom bring value to our state.

Beyond enhancing the monetary worth of teachers, it is time we elevate the status of the profession and recognize the value of these professionals who engage with our children and youth in very important ways.