An ancient Sanksrit phrase says "Acharya devo bhavo" or "Treat your teacher as you treat God." Of course, most people would scoff at this statement. Yet far from treating teachers as gods, few children — and parents — give teachers the respect they deserve. Our children need to see us as role models for respectful behavior.
Many teachers have a love of learning and love of children. Some are in the profession for money, but this tends to be the exception since the pay is far from great. Teaching requires a commitment few are willing to make.
We parents need to support our children's teachers and teach them respect. When children lack respect for adults, it is usually because the adults in their lives lack respect for them. Children who feel respected are more likely to give respect.
Staci Peterson
Tooele