Celebrating the Teacher Heroes in Our Lives

Educators of all levels, from preschool to community college, shared the high points of their jobs, their inspiration — the most urgent issues facing students today. The lesson? When it comes to facing the future with confidence, no one is quite as essential as a teacher.

With concerns about students’ mental health on the rise, especially in the wake of the pandemic, the role of educators has become critical. It’s not an exaggeration to say teachers have a greater influence on children, the community and even the nation than anyone else. Teachers aren’t just subject-matter experts, they also act as mentors, therapists, job counselors and more, meaning an important interaction with a teacher can change the course of your career, or even your life.

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, weighed in on the influence of teachers too. She has been teaching for decades, including the years her husband, Joe Biden, served as vice president. Now Dr. Biden advocates for education and economic empowerment for women and girls while teaching writing at Northern Virginia Community College. “Teachers meet the needs of students and their families in unexpected and profound ways,” she says. “They push through the chaos, adapt on the fly and lift up students when they need it most.”

Jill Biden Shares the Most Rewarding Part About Being a Teacher

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This story originally appeared in the September 2021 issue of Good Housekeeping. Subscribe here.

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