It just doesn’t seem right.

I’m referring to how society usually fails to give educators the praise that they deserve. Occupations that are far less substantial are highlighted more often whereas teachers and their tremendous contributions are often filed away for  occasional retrieval by a capricious public.

The American historian, Henry Adams, wrote, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”

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I’ve always felt that good educators should never be forgotten. For example, I frequently recall Miss Gladys Viator, my  English teacher at Catholic High, who first showed me the power of words. And Elemore Morgan, brimming with creative  energy, who at USL introduced me to the wonders of fine arts.

With this in mind, I wanted to dedicate this column to all teachers, past and present, whose extraordinary gifts have guided us throughout our lives. 

I recently spoke to two friends of mine who have spent many years in education. They personify the highest ideals of this profession.

Franklin resident Maria Rodriguez teaches special education children at W.P. Foster Elementary. 

“My goal,” she professed, “... is to use creative psychological techniques to reach the hearts and minds of all of my special needs children.”

Sustained by her complete devotion to education and its goals, Maria takes her profession very seriously.

“Every morning I look forward to the daily journey of implementing bolder ideas that will serve these youngsters and their growth,”  she said.

She added, “As a teacher ... I hope to inspire all of my students to develop their talents and become functional members of society.”

I asked her how in the future she’d like to evolve within her field. And although she spoke quietly, there was a fierce determination in her answer.

“Hopefully,” she said, “... I"d like to be a positive role model in a society that seems to favor superficiality and impermanent ideas. I really believe that, in some form, we’re helping to mold America’s future leaders.”

Later in the week I visited with Jeanerette’s Glenn Eldridge, who teaches science and physical education at St. Joseph. He said that in his 39 years as an educator, he’s taught at every school in that city, except for Jeanerette Elementary.

With his engaging personality, Glenn brings a welcome warmth into his classroom. I asked him how he felt about his current courses and he replied, “I thoroughly enjoy teaching my life science/biology class because in many instances I’m learning more from the students than they learn from me.”

There is, however, a developing trend  that worries Glenn.

“I’m concerned about the number of kids dropping out of school,” he said. “This makes me apprehensive about the next generation’s well-being.”

Unfazed by this problem facing education, Glenn continues to emphasize the joys of his profession.

“My greatest satisfaction as an educator,” he stressed, “... is seeing the positive and exciting expression on a child’s face when that student grasps the concept that I’m teaching.”

O.J. GONZALEZ is a native and resident of Jeanerette. He graduated from USL in printmaking and photography and his photographs have appeared in publications in Louisiana, Alaska, Canada, New Zealand and England.