By Joan Lee Husted

There is an acute shortage of educators across the country.

The most vital institution in the United States appears to be on the verge of collapse. In his nineteenth century autobiography, the Education of Henry Adams, the author states, “Education is the dynamo that drives the democracy.” Perhaps the reason that American democracy appears to be troubled is that American education is in deep trouble. When the issue is raised some people believe you are being an alarmist. Educators know what is happening and they are alarmed.

Let us look at what is happening to American education. There has been a massive ban in books in our history, bans on certain words like “gay,” ban mathematics books, I guess because the teacher critical race theory by using the word “division” in them. Who knows? But we do know that usually mainland movements arrive in Hawaii Nei two or three years later.

We cannot take on the world, but we can take on our community. The most powerful two letter words in the English language are found in the saying, “if it is to be it is up to me.” So, it starts with each one of us. First, let’s stop bad mouthing public schools and the staff in them. Especially teachers. We get into our social groups, and we moan and groan about schools and how bad kids are. “What a day, I had.” “I go home so tired that I can barely think.” “I have to take another job because I can’t make ends -meet.” And the greatest put down of all; “What do you do?” “Oh, I’m just a teacher.”

I hope none of our readers have ever engage in the bashing of Hawaii’s public schools, public school students and public- school colleagues. But I know better because I have heard all those comments.

Let’s take the first step. Make a commitment not to complain about Hawaii’s public schools. We all know the difference between complaining and identifying the problems we face.

When we find ourselves talking about our jobs, make a point to identify something good. “What do you do, Joan?” “I teach six grade.” Or “I make a difference in kid’s lives.” “How did you do that?” In conversation, highlight what you like about teaching such as when a student gets the lesson after struggling or talk about a student who has stayed connected with you. Or the time you sat with a girl and let her work through her anger with her boyfriend. You can talk about a sad student you got to smile. You can discuss how you have a student who shows signs of abuse and how you took the time to call Child Protective Services. At that time, you can talk about how you wish you have fewer students so you can give one of them the attention they deserve.

Every teacher has examples that highlight the importance of teaching. Engage your high school or middle school students in a conversation about becoming a teacher and listen to their reasons why they would or would not consider it. If it is negative give them the other side of the story.

Every teacher has a positive statement to make about their job. Some will be more dramatic than others, but every teacher has made a difference in a student’s life. Let other people know the positives of teaching not just the negatives. Give some thought to it. Make a list of the upside of teaching keep it in your wallet. It is a start.

As the Chinese proverb says, “a journey of the thousand miles begins with a single step.”