A much talked about study by Harvard and Columbia Universities says that a great fourth grade teacher can lead to better life outcomes. A recent article in The New York Times went on to say:
The difference between a strong teacher and a weak teacher lasts a lifetime. Having a good fourth-grade teacher makes a student 1.25 percent more likely to go to college, the research suggests, and 1.25 percent less likely to get pregnant as a teenager. Each of the students will go on as an adult to earn, on average, $25,000 more over a lifetime - or about $700,000 in gains for an average size class - all attributable to that ace teacher back in the fourth grade.
I grew up in a small town in Connecticut called Easton. It was a rural town, not fancy, but it was a town whose residents cared about education and the public schools. There was an importance placed behind education and I can honestly say the teachers cared. I also cannot remember having a bad experience with any teacher throughout grade school. In fact, as I write this I recall many of their names (Mr. Goad, Mr. DiGregorio, Mrs. Line) and the lessons they taught. These teachers were long-termers and their passion and caring has clearly has stuck with me.
After reading last week’s NYT story, I paused and took a few minutes to reflect on those teachers, especially my fourth grade teacher, who influenced my early years. It’s amazing the impact these individuals have on one’s life. To each of my childhood teachers I am eternally grateful and to all teachers, thank you for all the things, big and small, that you do each and every day. 
I think both teachers and parents have the inherent responsibility to encourage a positive learning experience for their kids, both at school and at home. I also think, depending on the district, that it becomes too easy for good teachers to go bad, and for bad teachers to enter the education system. So, can we really place a “success or failure” on bad teachers? Or should we hold the governing bodies more accountable (which Mr. Kristof points out)?
Probably a little of both, but I do agree with you (and the study) that having positive, nurturing teachers makes a world of difference in the early development of children!
01.18.12 at 11:04 am
Mrs. Madoff – amazing teacher. My favorite part of 4th grade with her was doing a different project every month – I remember one diorama in particular I made of Ellis Island with little clay people sitting on little clay benches… I was really proud of it.
The timing of this study comes in stark contrast to a segment on the CBS Evening News last night (“Under-funded Pa. school on brink of shutting down”). Six-thousand students are enrolled in public schools in Chester, PA, and according to the superintendent, the state says it can’t give them any more money than emergency funding to support salaries for one month. Then who knows what will happen.
Pennsylvania is not alone – the report says 30 states have cut more than $25 billion from public school districts since 2008. It’s tragic, really. And considering the economic impact our education system has on our country (according to the study), it’s a shame this isn’t getting more coverage in an election year.
01.18.12 at 2:52 pm
Just watched “Waiting for Superman” this weekend – a fascinating documentary that sheds light on the failing public school system and the consequences it has on the United States and the future generation. It touches a lot on what Bea mentions above – but also reflects how much a profound impact positive teachers can have.
01.18.12 at 5:34 pm