Elgin teachers are in our thoughts now
The news reports from Elgin about a teacher injured in a classroom attack were devastating to hear for everyone associated with public education.
I can only imagine how the colleagues of Elgin teacher Carolyn Gilbert must have felt.
This terrible incident is a sobering reminder that, while teaching is a profession that can be personally rewarding, it can also mean that, sometimes, a teacher finds himself or herself in danger.
It is a testament to the skill and training of school employees that schools remain very safe places for children and school employees, this incident notwithstanding.
Every school day in Elgin and throughout the state, teachers and support staff do something tremendously difficult. They seek to make a positive impact on the lives of all students, some of whom arrive at school with tremendous issues.
Some children might have behavioral disorders or other health issues. Some may come from homes where they are abused or neglected. Yet teachers are committed to educating every child in every classroom despite circumstances that would seem to make that an impossible task.
High-quality men and women continue to enter and remain in the teaching ranks despite having skills that would make them attractive to other professions. Somehow, despite the obstacles and challenges, school employees overwhelmingly manage to succeed.
The ceaseless dedication of the Elgin teachers and school support staff to their students continues to inspire me and all Illinoisans who care about public education.
Carolyn Gilbert and all the men and women who teach and care for students in classrooms throughout our state are heroes in my book.
They deserve our respect, our gratitude and our support.
Ken Swanson, president
Illinois Education
Association
Springfield