A Teacher's Labor

There are certain American holidays that make history teachers pay attention. As a former high school history teacher, I jumped at the chance to teach the true meaning of many days that we celebrate. Columbus Day was my favorite because I despise it's meaning. (He discovered nothing!) My second favorite to teach was Labor Day.

At the height of the Industrial Revolution, the average American worker spent 12 hours a day, 7 days a week on the job. Men were paid poorly (about $2 a day), women and immigrant workers were paid half that and children were paid a fraction of that. Worker's banned together, formed unions, went on strike without pay, and were beaten and arrested; all to change our way of life.  Life in the United States changed for the better.

If there remains an American profession that can at all relate to the plight of the American industrial worker, it is the American teacher. 12 hour days are normal. Most weeks involve some kind of work, every day of the week. Most teachers are not fairly compensated when compared to the average wage of a professional of equal education and training. I do not make this comparison to invoke depression or thoughts of organizing a strike, but to say thank you for your contribution to this school, our students and our society. Your hard work is noticed by many.

Our school year is off to an amazing start. I already see wonderful things going on in your classes and on the athletic fields. Students and teachers are working hard together. With the long weekend ahead of us, I hope that you take time to rest and celebrate your hard work. You deserve it!