Unsung Heroes

Vanessa Tao

The first teacher that I met who saved my life was my freshman year science teacher. This was during Covid-19, so I was isolated from peers and had no one to talk to about struggles I was facing. When my school went to hybrid learning, I visited her classroom almost every day, making casual conversation, asking her for advice, venting my frustrations at whatever was going on. She was there for me when most people weren’t. Just knowing I had a supportive figure at school made me so much less anxious to go, something especially crucial during my freshman year of high school and during a pandemic. 

The second teacher that I met who saved my life was my sophomore year history teacher. She was much, much more than a teacher to me. She was a mentor, a role model, a figure of hope. I saw both myself and who I wanted to be in her. She gave me opportunities that changed my life, shaped my growth, and fueled my confidence in my abilities. She inspired in me ambitions for a better future and the motivation to work for this future. To this day, I credit much of my accomplishments and proudest moments to her. Any time I face a struggle, I know she’s cheering me on from the sidelines. Her belief in me is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. 

Both of these teachers left at the end of 10th grade. They left due to various factors, but the biggest of them was the fact that they were toiling away in an unappreciated, undercompensated job that expected from them their mental health, physical health, time, and energy. They both frequently stayed at school until hours after the day ended before going to second jobs. Just like 18% of teachers across the U.S, they needed to balance multiple jobs just to make ends meet (NCES). Between this and the already draining job of educating hundreds of students daily, it’s no wonder that they and 2.6 million other educators resigned during the pandemic (BLS). 

Colorado especially underpays their teachers–ranked 50th in the country with an average wage of $19.16 per hour, teachers are not compensated properly for the indispensable work they do (Indeed). Constantly having to worry about financial struggles can be a huge burden on teachers’ mental health. Despite how much a teacher may love their students, if teaching does not sufficiently meet their needs, it’s nearly impossible to stay. If schools were properly funded, would my school have lost two brilliant, beloved teachers? Better pay would be able to attract and retain more quality teachers like them, bringing up the quality of Colorado’s education system and bringing life back into our schools. While a higher wage wouldn’t solve all the issues teachers are facing, it would be the first step towards giving teachers what they deserve. If they don’t have to worry about financial stability, it can take off huge amounts of stress and help renew their love for teaching, their students, and improve quality of life. 

I am only here today because of my teachers. And yet, every year, I’ve had to watch as the best teachers I’ve ever met leave teaching in search of better financial opportunities and livable wages. Teachers all across the U.S are underpaid and overworked. They have an essential role in our society but are treated as if they are disposable. Teachers are the driving force behind successful, motivated students who are inspired to learn every day by the mentors they look up to. They educate the next generation of our society, providing the foundation that the next group of people running the country will stand on. Such an important role cannot be understated; without teachers, there are no innovative, driven students. Without those students, there are no innovative inventors, changemakers, or effective leaders. The impact that a teacher can make in a student’s life is immeasurable. Teachers are the heroes of our education system and should be treated as such.