O Captain, My Captain!

*Mad applause to those who know where this post's title came from, with respect to what I'm talking about here.

Madonna, in an interview in the first issue of the late JFK Jr.'s George magazine many years ago, said that if she were president of the United States, then she'd make sure teachers were paid more than celebrities. Or something to that effect.

I'm a fan of Madge's music - though not always of her philosophies - but in this case, I agree with her...to a certain extent. I think those teachers who are dedicated to their calling should be paid more than peanuts - which would just be a bonus from the satisfaction they get from the effect they have on their charges' lives.

Take this teacher, for instance. Let's call him Teacher Norman. (Because that's his name. Hahaaaa...)

Whenever my children's school holds events open for public consumption (read: parents are invited to watch/participate on pain of death) one of the teachers with the most visible profiles is Teacher Norman. Especially when said events involve dancing. It seems like this guy is a big part of choreographing the little ones' dance presentations. At the crucial hour, he's in the spotlight with the munchkins in whatever dance it may be, and all on the same day: rhythmic exercises, chacha, swing, etc., guiding the little ones' steps. That's apart from the dance presentations with other teachers shown sometimes.

What impresses me is how the kids look up to him, and how he doesn't manifest any bit of self-consciousness in front of the crowd. I can't dance in front of a group of people; nor can I handle dozens of kids on a daily basis.

Over the years, I've noticed Teacher Norman's watchfulness over the kids even while he himself is performing. It's more than just being like a big brother to them. He's being a teacher, and the respect he gets from the children comes not only from the authority of his position, but from the way he personally interacts with them. He does his work passionately, and I think the kids sense that and somehow appreciate it.

Seeing Teacher Norman in action once again brought to mind the teachers who made an impact on me when I was younger. But it was only after some years had passed that I realized just how much they had influenced me.

One of them was Teacher Evelyn, who taught Social Studies and Science when I was 15 - my son's age now. It wasn't only that she made those subjects come alive for many of her students. God knows, I've had teachers for the same subjects who made me want to cry because of sheer boredom. No, what made her stand out for me was the time and effort she took to get to know her students as individual persons - and not just as a collective mass of hormone-hyperactive teenagers. A stern taskmaster lay behind her twinkling eyes; she was a major reason for my high school accomplishments. She was a wonderful teacher who helped me believe in myself.

Another outstanding educator I had was Señorita Teresita, my Spanish professor in college. Learning Spanish from her, we weren't confined to hot, dusty classrooms mumbling conjugations under our collective bored breaths. Oh, no no no. She sat with us - coming to class a few minutes early and leaving a few minutes late - to talk to us about anything and everything - in Spanish! She made the works of our national hero, José Rizal, seem like vibrant pieces of literature - which they are. I realized that sooner, because of her. She kinda played hooky with us by bringing us to Spanish cafés and restaurants to teach us how to properly consume chocolate y churros. I'm sure she would've taken us to Spain if she could've! But teachers at the state university couldn't afford such things back then. I don't think the situation here has changed all that much over the years in terms of salary.

So, yes, Madonna. I do agree teachers should be paid more. Specifically those who are teachers in the true sense of the word, and not just those who "teach" to make a living. Wake up and smell the chalk dust! It isn't just a job; it's a job with a heavy responsibility. I hope each one of you has had a Teacher Norman or a Teacher Evelyn or a Señorita Teresita in your lives: a mentor, someone who helped shape your life when you were younger and at your most impressionable - whether or not he or she has a degree in education.

And if you're one such teacher...man, hats off to you. Not that I usually wear hats, but you get the idea. I can only say thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

My teachers might not remember me now after all these years. But I sure as heck will never forget them.

Now if I were President of the World, what would I give to true teachers?

Hmmm...as many students as I could give you. God knows the world needs your kind more than ever.

Plus a beach house in your tropical country of choice...and an unlimited supply of chocolate.