Why Teaching is the Most Important Profession

Arne Duncan

Secretary of Education at U.S. Department of Education

July 20, 2015

(An Excerpt)

Over the last 8 - 12 years, huge shifts have been occurring in education that are continuing to impact teaching and learning today. Some changes are positive, such as our nation’s record high school graduation rate, narrowing achievement gaps, and a greater number of students attending college.

But all types of change—particularly those that have the potential to yield the most positive outcomes—can be challenging. Change requires that we confront the status quo. It demands new ways of approaching our work. And it takes resolve to see new beginnings through to their end.

Now, at a time when educators are courageously raising the bar for student achievement higher than ever before, the job of the American teacher has never been more critical to the success of our children and to the prosperity of our nation.

Educators frequently share that teaching is the most difficult job that anyone can have—and the most rewarding.

Teachers are our nation builders—the strength of every profession in our country grows out of the knowledge and skills that teachers help to instill in our children.

And, as a nation, we must do much, much more to fully appreciate and support their work.

With the transition to more rigorous achievement standards and better student assessments, a focus on data to drive instruction, and the use of technology to personalize learning, teachers are carrying an incredible amount of responsibility. It’s because of the teachers across the country who I’ve seen stepping up to the challenge that I am more optimistic about the state of the teaching profession than ever.

We are in the midst of a new era—one with more engaging lessons and creativity and innovation, which is bringing joy back into the classroom. For adults willing to stick with it, there simply could not be a better time to be a teacher.

The state of teaching is stronger because teachers everywhere are leading from their classrooms and taking on new roles to improve education for kids. And we all know, when teaching is stronger, students benefit with increased engagement and achievement.

There is no better resource for a school than teachers who are empowered and equipped to solve problems using their own talent and experience. It does not take a federal initiative or a state program for teachers to solve the biggest challenges in education. Yet, for teachers to truly lead large-scale transformation, state and local systems must be willing to provide teachers both time and training to exercise leadership. We, at the federal level, support and encourage their efforts. I’m convinced that we must do more to encourage teachers who long to share in the responsibility of leading change in our schools.

I’m also confident about the future of the teaching profession because, in so many places, education is being put back into the hands of teachers. I know that this work will take time, but it will get easier as teachers lead the change and as school leaders and others provide teachers with the time and training to equip educators as agents of change.

Teaching has never been easy, and it never will be.

It takes heart, commitment and passion. But for all the very real challenges, I am so optimistic about where we are going. Why? Because of the teachers who are entering the field and who are in the field now who will lead the way. They will shape the state of this profession—and the future prospects of our children.